CAFF Farm Instructor & Incubator Manager

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Professional Staff – Research

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division’s Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

HORT jobsnear.org Center for Arkansas Farms and Food

Department’s Website:

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas Center for Arkansas Farms and Food is seeking a Farm School field educator and Incubator program. CAFF was developed to support and enhance local and regional food systems in Arkansas by shaping the next generation of farmers. CAFF uses sustainable production methods for fruits and vegetables, two scales of production, high tunnels and greenhouse transplant production. The Farm School field educator will work with the instructor team to meet comprehensive education objectives in production, business and field skills areas. Additionally the instructor will work closely with the CAFF Farm Manager. The incubator manager, will work to develop and lead this new program by working with the CAFF leadership team and local farmers. Applicants should be a team player with strong communication skills, work independently to accomplish goals, a passion for local foods and recognize the value and hard work necessary in developing local and regional food systems.

Essential tasks:

Field educator 55%

• Student in-field management to foster a positive learning environment for all students
• Curriculum refinement and assessment to ensure learning objectives are met with instruction, activities, discussion, and shared resources
• Field mentorship for student farmers, providing support and guidance to build independent decisions-making skills; mediate interpersonal conflict/challenges and put systems in place to prevent conflict
• Class preparation which includes examining learning objectives, evaluating activities, researching topics and practices outside of expertise when needed, preparing handouts that students can refer back to, arranging guest speakers and farm tours
• Communication and collaboration with Farm manager on Farm School field activities, tasks and observations in areas where Field activities and CAFF farm intersect
• Participation in Farm School meetings and working with other instructors to ensure an overall cohesive and strong farmer training program
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of Short courses and/or other CAFF events
• Contribute to crop care on Farm School crops
• Other duties as requested

Farm Incubator 35%

• Establish incubator parameters, application, policies and handbook
• Serve as a point person for incubator farmer technical assistance (TA) needs and provide TA to incubators when needed
• Establish recordkeeping and reservation systems to for incubator equipment maintenance and manage repairs/maintenance on incubator equipment
• Ensure incubator farmers are keeping required records, making progress towards goals
• Lead annual meetings with incubator farmers
• Communicate with Farm manager on equipment needs, repairs and maintenance and on issues that may have farm-wide implications
• Other duties as requested

CAFF organizational duties 10%

• Participate in CAFF workshops and events when requested
• Collaborate with marketing and communication team on farm-focused content
• Contribute to overall Farm School learning outcomes when requested (beyond Field learning objectives)
• Participate in team meetings to review, discuss and guide Center activities, farm education plans and farm production plans
• Serve as a program representative in the community
• On occasion, may need to work on weekends or after hours
• Other duties as requested

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in horticulture or education-related fields
• At least 3 years of experience in diversified crop farm management
• Be able to lift 50 lbs and bend, squat, lift periodically throughout the day, walk over uneven ground
• Be able to tolerate regular exposure to pollen, ticks, chiggers and heat
• Greenhouse production experience preferred
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Willingness to adapt, learn, and participate with team members in achieving the Center’s goals
• Strong time management skills including understanding priorities, and when and where to delegate tasks
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Creative problem solving skills
• Enthusiasm and the capacity to endure physically challenging work
• Knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
• Good stress management skills
• Commitment to continuous learning

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Heather Friedrich

Director, Center for Arkansas Farms and Food

heatherf@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS 

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Climbing, Crawling, Driving, Kneeling, Lifting, Pushing, Reaching, Sharps, Sitting, Standing

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

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