Book and Plow Farm Green Dean

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Book and Plow Farm Green Dean position. The Book and Plow Farm Green Dean is a full-time, fixed-term position starting at $19.72/hour. Given Amherst’s distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

Book and Plow Farm is a student-centered farm that grows vegetables well. We engage students in collaborative and productive farm labor, provide quality produce to the Amherst College community, and offer people space on campus to connect with food, land, and each other. The Green Dean position will work to strengthen the farm as a resource on campus for students and faculty.

The Green Dean will be trained and expected to perform independent, high-level farm tasks such as tractor cultivation and irrigation. The Green Dean will also utilize their particular strengths and interests to build connections between Book and Plow Farm and the College Campus, particularly through engagement with students and student-facing groups, as well as the development of field trips and lessons to enrich the summer internship experience. This position also maintains a relationship with the wider Amherst Community and takes appropriate action to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Programming Coordination and Collaboration

• In collaboration with Farm Manager, assess and identify ways to increase campus knowledge of sustainability and farming
• Work with Farm Manager to support Student Farm Programming/Communications Organizers
• Develop programming to engage a diverse group of students, staff, faculty and alum with the farm
• Plan field trips and lesson plans to enrich summer internship program
• Serve on relevant campus committees and participate in cross-department meetings
• Support administrative tasks, including farm email and social media accounts

Farm Operations

• Work collaboratively with Farm Managers and Farm Crew Leaders
• Work independently on a variety of farm activities
• Operate heavy machinery such as tractors and other farm equipment
• Farm activities include greenhouse, field prep, cover crop/fertility, planting/direct seeding, cultivation, weed/pest control, irrigation, harvest, and wash/pack
• Repair and maintain equipment, infrastructure and farm environment
• Provide administrative support as needed

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree
• A valid driver’s license and successful credentialing is required in order to operate college vehicles
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift check
• Successful completion of all required reference and background checks
• Commitment to working with a diverse community

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree from Amherst College
• Experience engaging with students and volunteers
• Interest in data collection, outreach and events planning
• Experience or interest in farm activities, including greenhouse, cultivation, tractor operation, irrigation, and harvest

Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

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