Job Announcement - Site Coordinator
The Grange Farm School is looking for an enthusiastic, organized and multi-skilled individual to fill the position of Site Coordinator. The California State Grange School of the Agricultural Arts is a venue for sustainable farming and education programs that demonstrate a holistic approach to food production. Our students include aspiring farmers, home gardeners, and youth. Our farm is located in Mendocino County at the Ridgewood Ranch south of Willits, California. Our program is in its first year and will initially focus on infrastructure development for the farm.
We will be designing and building the facilities to teach, host students and workshops, and grow a diverse farm featuring fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, poultry and other livestock. The farm will feature 5 acres in production, management of an existing mature orchard, and a yet-to-be-renovated schoolhouse. In 2014 we will host a small number short term workshops, volunteer work days, and residential practicum students. In the years to come both the teaching and farming component of the program will expand.
Site Coordinator Job Description:
The ideal candidate has experience working in small scale sustainable agriculture, in teaching, in construction and farm maintenance, and in leadership for volunteers, student interns, and for youth. We are looking for a Site Coordinator who is knowledgeable in organic farming practices for diverse crop and livestock farm systems. Job duties will cover a broad range of tasks, including:
- supervision and leadership for residential student interns and farm visitors
- assist director in teaching and farm planning, and implementation
- building and maintenance of facilities
- assist director in outreach and facilitation for workshops and volunteers work days
- facilitate clear communication between land owner, grange, farm director, and students
- performance or supervision of daily chores and farm caretaking crop and livestock management including, planting, soil fertility management and cultivation, irrigation, composting, greenhouse operation, harvesting, marketing, feed, water, and care of livestock, operation of farm equipment, and other associated tasks
Desired qualifications:
- experience in organic farming
- experience managing student interns and volunteers
- general construction experience
- experience operating farm equipment and working with diverse crops and livestock
- farm marketing experience
- excellent organization and communication skills
- good work ethic and highly motivated
- physically fit and able to lift up to 60 pounds and work in adverse weather conditions
- attention to detail and efficiency
- passion for sustainable lifestyle and empowering others
- clean driving record and valid California drivers license
- interest in teaching and developing workshops and curriculum
This is a year-round residential position, with daily attention to the farm required including weekend duties. Housing will be provided in the form a private room in the schoolhouse with shared bathroom and kitchen. In the short term, during the initial construction phase, housing may be at another location. Fresh garden produce, eggs and meat will be available seasonally.
Work load will be based on the needs of students, plant and animal life-cycles and hours will vary throughout the seasons. The Site Coordinator will be on-call 24 hours per day to address the needs of farm and student. Anticipated winter work load will be low, around 15 hours per week. The Site Coordinator will have up to 6 weeks annual vacation to be arranged with Farm Director. We ask for a one-year minimum commitment and will give preference to a candidate interested in a longer term position. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Anticipated start date will be late winter to early spring 2014. Compensation includes $12,000 annually salary, housing, meals taken with students, and farm goods. This position may be combined with the part-time Administrative Assistant position. If qualified, please apply for both positions simultaneously.
To apply please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to farmdirector@califroniagrange.org. For more information on the California State Grange School of the Agricultural Arts, please visit our website at http://californiagrange.org/agschool/mission.html.