Farm Manager/Educator - Office of Sustainability Practices
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Job no: 493478
Work type: EAP - Executive, Administrative, Professional
Location: Allendale
Categories: Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Summary: The Farm Manager and Educator reports to the Director of the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Office of Sustainability Practices and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to develop, promote, and coordinate sustainable food system efforts that improve environmental, social, and economic impact for the university.
Responsibilities: Essential Functions
Supporting an atmosphere of teaching and learning by facilitating an outdoor laboratory for class visits, interns, volunteers, community partnerships, and supporting on-site student and faculty research
Mentoring and providing direction to student interns and volunteers
Planning, implementing, and recording crop production and food safety activities
Maintaining an excellent farm site, including upkeep of equipment and infrastructure
Connecting the mission of the SAP to GVSU by fostering strategic and community partnerships
Managing the demonstration garden
Overseeing the community garden at the SAP
Facilitating class visits and community service projects
Coordinating with the Kindschi Hall of Science Greenhouse Manager for plant propagation
Providing inclusive access to produce through the Farmers' Market, CSA Shares, Campus Dining, and donations
Collaborating with the Office of Sustainability Practices, the SAP Advisory Board, Registered Student Organizations, and Facilities Services
Contributing guidance for the development of new initiatives related to the SAP
Assisting with writing and providing data for annual reports and other written materials
Operating the farm in a financially prudent manner
Promoting a brand of excellence by listening to customer needs, effective marketing, and producing high-quality produce
Supporting community dialogue through social media, videos, and other means
Attending professional development activities in the areas of teaching, management, and finance as needed
Responsible for supervising 3-4 paid interns and for providing support to 20-30 students doing for-credit internships
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree (minimum)
2 seasons (minimum) experience in general vegetable production marketing in a professional setting
Experience and/or interest in sustainable farming methods
Experience working with students or volunteers
Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree
Six seasons (minimum) experience working in conventional and/or organic agriculture
Experience repairing and maintaining farm equipment and structures
Experience working in a higher education setting
Salary: $33,800-$34,500
This position is a 0.75 Full-Time AP position and compensation will be based on working an average of 30 hours per week. This position is eligible for the University's group health and life insurance programs at the 0.75 amount as available to administrative professional staff.
Campus: Allendale
Application Deadline: November 29, 2020
How to Apply: Apply online at jobs.gvsu.edu and select "Apply now". Please include a cover letter and resume. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you have questions or need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.
Grand Valley State University does not discriminate against students, faculty or staff in any of its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities. Grand Valley State University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. Members of the University community, including candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests, have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, which are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, veteran or active duty military status or weight. In addition, Grand Valley is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that none of its education programs and activities discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex includes sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status. The Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity serves as a resource for the GVSU community and assists individuals who may have been impacted by discrimination or harassment in connecting with resources, imposes measures that protect or support access to programs and activities, and oversees the university's grievance process for allegations of discrimination and harassment. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be referred to Theresa Rowland, Title IX Coordinator, 4015 Zumberge Hall, titleix@gvsu.edu, (616) 331-9530.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Advertised: 09 Nov 2020 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 29 Nov 2020 11:55 PM Eastern Standard Time
