Job description

BACKGROUND
Snug Harbor was originally built in 1801 as a haven for retired sailors. Today the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (SHCC) is a vibrant regional arts center that receives about 450,000 visitors per year. Located less than 2 miles from the Staten Island Ferry and easily accessible by public transportation, SHCC’s stunning 83-acre campus features 26 architecturally significant buildings and a botanical garden that includes a traditional Chinese garden, a Tuscan garden, and an outdoor covered stage with seating for 4,000. SHCC’s 680-seat Music Hall is New York City’s second oldest music hall and is a centerpiece for local performing. In addition to SHCC’s own programs, its campus houses several separate major nonprofit institutions. Snug Harbor is a must-see destination that provides arts, education, and entertainment to the people of Staten Island and its surrounding communities.

THE POSITION
SHCC seeks a full-time Farm Manager, ideally with nonprofit experience to provide support to the organization. The Farm Manager is responsible for planting, preparation and maintenance of a two acre community farm. Additional duties will include supervising and teaching volunteers, interns and farmers in the program while in the field. The Farm Manager will work directly with the education and compost manager to find effective ways to use the farm as an educational resource by developing and implementing farm and agriculture related training and education programs for children and adults, as well as support the use of the farm by Community Programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities:
· Farm Development
o Soil cultivation, digging, mulching, watering,
raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation, planting and harvesting
o Familiar with organic seeds and seed propagation
o Operate farm machinery including tillers, tractors and mowers
o Use of small hand tools and basic light machinery
o Use of leaf blower as directed
o Assists with educational activities in the sustainable garden
o Liaison with outside schools and community groups
o Oversee volunteer activities
o Some basic office skills necessary: includes database and file management.
o Performs duties in a manner consistent with a community farm serving multi-generational families and in accordance with directed practices and procedures
o Familiar with organic pest control
· Responsible for maintenance of equipment and farm structures
o Ensures all equipment is secure and well maintained
o Performs preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and vehicles
o Maintain inventory of equipment and tools
REQUIREMENTS:
· BA in Agriculture or related fields or equivalent horticulture certificate/course work or 3 years hands-on experience in agriculture
· Strong farming skills a must
· Excellent communication skills
· Ability to lift 50 lbs.
· Ability to work outdoors in all seasonal extremes
· Team player, creative and organized
· Self-motivated with the ability to work both alone and in groups
· Enthusiastic, work to high standards and ability to take direction
· Strong work ethic

QUALIFICATIONS:
The qualified candidate for this position will bring a mix of the energy, adaptability, judgment, coaching, communication and critical thinking skills and “roll up the sleeves attitude” towards their work. Additional qualifications include:
· Driver’s license required
· Pesticide license preferred
· Knowledge of composting a plus
· Knowledge of propagation a plus
· Basic carpentry skills a plus

SALARY: Mid 30K plus benefits

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@snug-harbor.org.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline