Company description

The Center for Working Lands at Warren Wilson College is a dedicated team of WWC staff and faculty with a passion for land stewardship and teaching. We are mentors, farmers, researchers, foresters, educators, landscape designers, sustainability leaders and life-long learners focused on community and ecosystem resilience. Warren Wilson College is a small liberal arts college outside of Asheville, NC with a strong focus on hands-on learning and sustainability. 

Job description

Warren Wilson College seeks applicants for a Garden Manager, to oversee and direct the operations, and outreach activities of our six-acre organically farmed garden and compost operations. This dynamic role is integral to our College’s mission, fostering student and community engagement through sustainable agriculture. The Garden Manager will lead a dedicated student crew of 25-30 individuals and ensure the maintenance of all garden and compost equipment, including tractors and infrastructure. In collaboration with the Center for Working Lands  Director, the Garden Manager will manage crop planning, business operations, community engagement, and educational research within the garden. Additionally, this position offers the opportunity to work with key stakeholders in shaping the future vision and identity of the garden. Please note that some irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree, OR four years of related experience in organic food production with progressive responsibility; OR four years of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One year experience in managing an organic garden.
One year of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated skills required in the safe operation and maintenance of garden equipment.
Previous experience teaching production gardening techniques in a working environment, and a demonstrated ability to work with students and encourage active participation.
Experience with compost operations.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety procedures.
Driver's license required to fulfill job duties.
Demonstrated ability to work with people from a diverse range of identities and experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or horticulture.
Master’s degree in related field.
Two or more years of supervisory experience, preferably with college students.
Experience managing agricultural operations at an academic institution.
Experience with value-added products production.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Supervision and Training

Supervises, trains, and evaluates student work crew, including herbal products, apiary, and compost sub-crews.
Interacts daily with students, teaching the skills of food production and agriculture management.
Meets regularly with students in individual and group settings.
Observes safety standards and procedures as required by OSHA and Warren Wilson College and takes a proactive approach to safety.

Garden Operations Management

In consultation with the CWL Dean and Director, determines garden-related activities to be practiced in support of the College mission. Performs sound crop management activities that reflect institutional commitments to ecological and human well being.
Creates and executes annual production plans in consultation with the CWL team to provide high quality produce for the community year-round.
Manages the compost operation utilizing all organic waste on campus in the production of high quality compost for use across land-based crews.
Supervises the marketing of garden products including to campus community and other direct and wholesale accounts.
Supervises the development of value-added herbal products and sales to Campus and greater community.
Manages facilities and infrastructure involved in Garden operation including the garden cabin, several barns and outbuildings, greenhouses, fences and water systems. Maintains a well functioning fleet of trucks, tractors and small implements with attention paid to annual maintenance and upkeep. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with Facilities Management as necessary; keeps the garden looking aesthetically attractive.
In consultation with the CWL Dean and Director, develops, maintains, and works within the operating budget; reconciles credit card statements; collects and submits check requests in a timely fashion.
Maintains accurate records including harvest and sales, inputs, pest management, and rotations.
Stays up to date on best practices and trends within the market garden and composting communities. In consultation with faculty, the CWL team and students, brings innovative and new practices into the operation.
Maintains an efficient and productive composting facility that meets the needs of all of the CWL agricultural users. Promotes a culture of growth and innovation within this part of the operation to make use of the wide variety of organic waste streams on campus and grow the productive capacity of the WWC agricultural landscape.
Administers, facilitates and develops policies and procedures in regards to the Garden in consultation with the CWL Dean and Director.

Educational Resource Development and Coordination

Collaborates with faculty, staff and greater community to utilize the Garden as an educational resource.
Investigates and experiments with a wide range of agricultural methods and products to find practices that are environmentally and economically sustainable.
Encourages WWC community use of the garden area by providing a welcoming environment.
Manages the garden as a model of sustainable practices that other growers in the surrounding region can use as best fits their own operations; shares knowledge gained with others in the agricultural community by participating in area farming organizations, occasional talks and presentations, etc.
Works with the faculty run NSURS student groups to implement appropriate student research in the garden and compost areas. Partners with outside researchers to facilitate a deeper understanding of the WWC agricultural system.
Other related assignments as necessary.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $52,000.00 - $56,000.00

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline