Extension Technician – Breeze Farm Site Manager

Posting Number PG190694CE

Position Number NC-00042624-0924

Position Type NC Cooperative Extension

Job City & State Hillsborough, NC

Department Orange County Extension

Working Title Extension Technician – Breeze Farm Site Manager

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Job Type Part-Time – Permanent

FTE .625

Essential Job Duties 

The Breeze Farm Site Manager will be responsible for supporting weekly operations and maintenance of the W. C. Breeze Farm, a 270-acre University field lab located in Hurdle Mills, NC. Major tasks include maintaining farm infrastructure, maintaining and repairing farm equipment, coordinating farm preparation and clean up from storms, communicating regularly with on-site incubator farmers, supporting research and demonstration projects at the farm, and onboarding new incubator farmers to farm processes.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit 

NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians.

For more information about Orange County, go to https://www.orangecountync.gov.

For more information about the NCCE Orange County Center, see: https://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/

Other Work/Responsibilities 

Maintaining The Land

This includes maintaining all aspects of the 270-acres of land included in the Breeze Farm site to keep the site clean, presentable, and usable. Activities include; mowing fields, trimming areas around the Breeze house and farm center, removing debris (trash and fallen trees, etc.) along roads and farm area, inspecting the farm area (gates, fences, forested and open areas, etc.) for any needed maintenance or cleanup, reviewing the site operations of the Breeze users to ensure compliance with procedures and that their operations do not interfere or damage other site users or adjacent properties.

Communicating with Farmers

Regular communication with the on-site incubator farmers to support those operations. Conduct periodic meetings with the incubator farmers as a group to discuss shared issues. Promptly respond to texts, emails, and phone calls regarding farm issues, questions, and concerns. The incubator farmers have their own operations often with privately-owned equipment (vehicles, tools, and tillers) and infrastructure (high-tunnel greenhouses, deer fences, etc.). The off-site users of the larger Breeze Farm fields (row crops and pasture areas) have separate agreements that are managed by the Extension Agent for Community & Rural Development (farm supervisor). They typically manage regular operations of their sites with oversight from the farm supervisor and are infrequently on the site.

Maintaining Farm Equipment

The Breeze Farm has several pieces of farm equipment including a tractor with several implements, walk-behind equipment with attachments, chain saw, hand tools, and other support items. The Site Manager will be responsible for keeping these items in working order (maintenance and minor repairs that can be done on-site) and informing the farm supervisor of any needed repairs/services that require purchases or subcontractor assistance (tractor repair and service, electrical service, pump/well/irrigation systems, etc.). The Site Manager also maintains adequate diesel fuel for large tractors and any gas fuel for walk-behind units and mixed gas/oil fuel for small tools such as chainsaws and weed trimmers. Relay additional equipment needs to the farm supervisor for review and purchase.

Maintaining Farm Infrastructure

The Breeze Farm is a large tract with limited, but vital, operations infrastructure. This portion of the Breeze Farm is critical to the successful operation of each of the resident incubator farms. General components of that infrastructure include;

• Water System (includes 2 groundwater wells and pump systems, irrigation pond with pump/sand filter system, supply lines, valves, field connections, hydrants, service to wash stations, faucets, service to cattle waterer in pasture area, etc.),
• 3 Wash Stations (produce washing areas, sinks, sprayers, etc.),
• 3 insulated Shipping Container Coolers with CoolBot/AC cooling units,
• 30’ x 60’ Propagation Greenhouse (with tables, propane heating system, water service, ventilation fan and vents, interior fans, and electrical service),
• Storage Areas: (“Leonard” building shed with heat/AC unit, an 8’ x 20’ shipping container, steel truss pole barn kit)

The Site Manager will periodically inspect these system components for refueling (including greenhouse propane in cold seasons) and any needed maintenance or replacement and will communicate those needs to the farm supervisor. There are regular, unexpected equipment failures on a farm such as this that will need immediate attention. The Site Manager will inform the farm supervisor as soon as possible of any occurrence and the two will work together to address the issue.

Regular activities on the farm typically vary with seasons and weather conditions (e.g. mowing and site maintenance are more frequent during the growing season, propane inspection and refueling in cooler weather). The Site Manager will work with incubator farmers to ensure the farm is prepared in advance of severe weather and will coordinate the cleanup of the site after severe weather events.

The Site Manager will attend quarterly meetings of the Breeze Farm Advisory Committee.

The Breeze Farm Site Manager receives direct supervision from the County Extension Agent for Community & Rural Development (farm supervisor).

The Site Manager will assist the farm supervisor in various activities such as training of farmers as needed (ex. use of equipment), educational events on-site, and any meetings with University, County, or other associated entities.

The Site Manager will assist Extension Agents and other NCCE staff members as requested with maintaining projects on the farm such as demonstration plots and livestock demonstration projects.

Travel within the county is required; district and state travel is required occasionally. Travel will be reimbursed following State guidelines.

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises N/A

Percent of Time Spent N/A

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable

Work Schedule 25 hours per week. Schedule dependent upon seasonal needs at the farm and ongoing projects. Candidate will work with supervisor to set working hours each week. Some nights and weekends will be required.

Minimum Experience/EducationThe minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

• Department Required Skills
• General knowledge of tools and machinery used on farms.
• Ability to use common garden machines, including power tools, tractors, blowers, chainsaws, etc.
• Ability to maintain and make minor repairs to farm equipment.
• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment.
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in contact with Extension volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to perform rigorous outdoor work in various types of weather.
• Ability to perform physical labor as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with broad populations as necessitated by work assignments.
• Proficient with computers to use email, browse the internet, and create/edit documents.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a team is a must.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, EducationPrior farming experience.

Experience with farm equipment maintenance and repair.

Experience with lawn and yard maintenance functions.

Former incubator resident farmer at Breeze Farm or participant in another incubator farm program.

Experience working with and/or managing volunteers is preferred

Required License or Certification 

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Private Pesticide Applicator License certification is required within 6 months of hire

Valid NC Driver’s License required? Yes

Commercial Driver’s License Required? No

Physical Required? No

List any other medical/drug tests required 

Anticipated Hiring Range $22,945 (25hr/week)

Internal Transfer Only No

Job Open Date 09/25/2024

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/208474

AA/EEO 

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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