EarthDance Organic Farm School runs a variety of programs to educate all ages about organic farming and gardening, permaculture and sustainability. Our flagship program is our Farm & Garden Apprenticeship program, in which 25-35 adults take classes and do 8 hours a week of hands-on education and training on the farm. We run a paid job training program for Ferguson teens, engage students in a vocational program from the school district, host field trips and volunteers, and host neighborhood children in summer programs with seniors to encourage healthy habits. We also collaborate on research projects with nearby universities and research institutions.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
EarthDance Organic Farm School is seeking a seasoned and dynamic farmer to serve as a mentor and educator to beginner farmers while optimizing mixed vegetable, fruit, and livestock production on our 14 acre historic farm in Ferguson, Missouri, in a residential area in a close suburb of St. Louis. The Farmer Educator will design and implement innovative systems to maximize production, educate 25-35 part-time apprentices through field walks and classes, and contribute to long-term visioning and planning for a nationally-recognized non-profit organization combining food production, agroecology education, and community development.
A significant part of the Farmer Educator's responsibilities will be carrying out on-farm education for EarthDance apprentices and volunteers. The Farmer Educator will work closely with the Program Director, Farm Managers & Founding Director to ensure that the training objectives of the EarthDance Farm & Garden Apprenticeship are being met.
Our farm site is designed with permaculture principles at its core. It has 6 acres in cultivation, 7,980 sq ft of high tunnels,a 30€™x96€™ greenhouse, farmhouse office, a 36€™x40€™ harvest house slated for construction in 2016, a 200 tree mixed perennial orchard planted on berms and swales with our annual crops alley cropped between, along with pastured poultry, mushrooms, herbs, cut flowers, a small pasture, prairie, and mixed woodlot.
EarthDance Organic Farm School runs a variety of programs to educate all ages about organic farming and gardening, permaculture and sustainability. Our flagship program is our Farm & Garden Apprenticeship program, in which 25-35 adults take classes and do 8 hours a week of hands-on education and training on the farm. We run a paid job training program for Ferguson teens, engage students in a vocational program from the school district, host field trips and volunteers, and host neighborhood children in summer programs with seniors to encourage healthy habits. We also collaborate on research projects with nearby universities and research institutions.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 3 full seasons of organic vegetable farming
- Supervisory experience.
- Familiarity with tractors, irrigation, cover cropping, and pest management using organic methods.
- Experience in greenhouse production of vegetable starts for transplant and sale.
- Knowledge of the use and service requirements of tractors, plows, discs, cultivators, and other farm equipment and implements.
- Crop planning and CSA production, Livestock management, Farm record keeping Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
DESIRED EXPERIENCE:
- Draft power / draft animals
- Chainsaw
- Carpentry or construction
- Project management
- Google Drive
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Cell phone communication
- Frequent computer and internet access (including use of personal laptop for office work)
- Reliable transportation or the ability to navigate the public transportation system
HOURS & COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, year-round, salaried position, including health insurance and retirement benefits. In addition, the Farmer Educator will receive a weekly CSA share during the CSA season.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume and contacts for 2 references to work@earthdancefarms.org with the subject line FARMER EDUCATOR.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
*Note: This list is not the sole responsibility of the Farmer Educator. Roles and responsibilities are shared with the Farm Manager, and will be divided based on skills and experience.
Production:
- Manage field production for 70 share CSA, weekly farmers market and 4+ wholesale accounts, including crop planning, seed and stock ordering, field preparation, seeding/transplanting, cultivation/weed management, trellising/staking, harvest
- Manage greenhouse production and the 30€™x96€™ facility/utilities
- Oversee basic outdoor maintenance needs of overall 14 acre property
- Ensure good post-harvest handling practices
- Maintain farm vehicles, equipment and supplies; order as needed
- Give input on farm infrastructure and site plan
- Assist with deliveries to wholesale customers, farmers markets and wholesale sales as needed
- Recruit, hire, and supervise additional farm staff as needed
Education:
- Lead field shifts with apprentices April - October
- Come up with content for and lead field walks and harvest walks with apprentices
- Provide input for apprenticeship curriculum and assessment
- Lead volunteers and Junior Farm Crew members as needed
- Provide structure and guidance for sophomore apprentice projects
- Communicate farm production/education practices, etc. with apprentices and public via weekly field notes and monthly Cultivator articles
- Communicate weekly farm task lists with volunteer coordinator and youth programs specialist
Team:
- Participate in weekly staff meetings
- Provide updates, insight, feedback at weekly check-ins with supervisor and co-manager
- Attend and assist with additional EarthDance events when necessary
- Serve as EarthDance spokesperson in wider community as opportunities arise
- Participate in professional development opportunities to continue to gain and refine skills
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Monica Pless
Farm Manager
EarthDance Organic Farm School
233 S. Dade Ave., Ferguson, MO 63135
609-439-6368 (cell)
www.earthdancefarms.org
mpless@gmail.com (personal)
monica@earthdancefarms.org (work)