Student Farm Prod. Mgr. & Education UC Davis - Ag. Sustainability Inst.
- Date Posted February 06, 2024
- Location Davis, CA
- Category Agriculture / Education
- Job type Full-Time
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Job description POSITION DESCRIPTIONUC Davis Student Farm
The UC Davis Student Farm is an educational and production farm focusing on sustainable agriculture and food systems, and emphasizing in-field experiential learning. The Student Farm’s mission is to build a more sustainable and just agricultural food system. The UC Davis Principles of Community guide the Student Farm’s work learning with and serving a diverse student body who bring their own unique perspectives, life experiences and academic interests.
Each year the Student Farm engages over 300 students in staff-, faculty-, and peer-mentored experiential learning. Programs include the Market Garden, Ecological Garden, Flower Project, teaching and research fields, food justice and plant breeding projects, and farm equipment and vineyard internships. At the Student Farm, students understand sustainability and leadership through engagement with soils, crops, climate, agricultural practices, and community. In addition to these efforts, the Student Farm is implementing an equity and inclusion plan that engages students with multiple histories and values in agriculture.
The Student Farm is a unit with the Agricultural Sustainability Institute, which is housed under the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES;). In addition to collaborations with students and faculty in CA&ES; we also work with the College of Engineering, College of Letters and Sciences, and School of Education.
Production Manager & Educator
The Production Manager & Educator is an Academic Coordinator who has primary responsibility for managing the “Market Garden” – a 9-acre organic farm used for experiential learning in sustainable food production and related activities. Up to 15 student employees and 40 interns per quarter support the work of the Market Garden. The fruit and vegetables they grow are sold through a 100+ member CSA, to Dining Services and at the UCD Farmers Market. Produce is also distributed to UC Davis students through the campus pantry and student resource centers. Students also visit and conduct research in the Market Garden as part of courses and tours.
The Production Manager & Educator is a core staff member at the Student Farm, working in a team to shape our vision of ecologically and socially sustainable agriculture and to support the learning and leadership development of students on the farm. It is important that the Production Manager & Educator has the capacity to approach farming and education from a multi-disciplinary perspective and is able to facilitate participatory decision making with diverse groups.
The Production Manager & Educator teaches and works alongside student employees, interns, and volunteers in daily farming activities. The majority of students who participate in internships come to the farm with no or little farming and gardening experience. To students on the farm, the Production Manager & Educator provides essential mentorship and in-field instruction, engaging them in the practical skills of organic crop, soil, water and pest management, as well as in farm planning, decision making, and discussion of underlying concepts and philosophies.
Additional duties include work with the Student Farm Director on planning, development, and evaluation of internship and leadership development programs, as well as close cooperation with the Student Farm team to manage the teaching and research fields and coordinate harvest and distribution of food to campus food security programs. The Production Manager & Educator also partners in research and experimentation with students, faculty, and community partners. Past topics have included establishment of hedgerows and native California species, organic plant breeding, no-till farming, pollinators, culturally important crops and Indigenous farming systems, and farm de-carbonization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor degree in a natural science, agriculture, agroecology, education, or related area, or demonstrated understanding of sustainable agriculture concepts and theories through combination of coursework and job experience.
At least 5 years of experience in farming or agriculture projects, including experience leading crop planning and production, marketing and sales, and tractor and/or farm equipment operation.
At least 3 years leading diverse teams in agricultural or community-based settings.
● Experience mentoring and supervising in a hands-on work environment, particularly with individuals with a wide range of experience levels and goals.
Demonstrated commitment to creating and maintaining working and learning environments that are welcoming and inclusive.
Knowledge and experience developing and maintaining a safe farm working environment, including an understanding of food safety rules.
Strong communication skills, including speaking, listening, and writing.
Budget and infrastructure management skills.
Salary range is $59,727 - $87,930 / year. If the salary range does not reach the minimum for exemption status, then the role will be hired as non-exempt and be eligible for overtime pay.