Career Opportunities at UDC >> Assistant Farm Manager
Assistant Farm Manager
Summary
Title:Assistant Farm Manager
ID:1867
Department:CAUSES
Location:UDC- Main Campus Van Ness Campus – NW
Description

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public 

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade:
DS0058/7
 

Salary Range: $57,153- $65,977
 

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

 

The incumbent serves as Assistant Farm Manager for the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE) staff and its Urban Agriculture Research Farm and Food Production Systems at all Urban Food Hubs, which is at the heart of the land-grant programs of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The successful incumbent will have a passion for the sustainable agriculture movement, enthusiasm for educating beginning urban and peri-urban farmers, be a team player, will support the research and food production needs of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, weekly farmers market at each Urban Food Hubs and other direct marketing initiatives using organic and bio-intensive growing methods and good land stewardship. The Urban Agriculture Assistant Farm Manager supervise Project Assistants I, II, and III in the complete planning and implementation of all local food hubs created thru the University. The Urban Agriculture Assistant Farm Manager will also teach classes relevant to the structure of the food hubs. The Assistant Farm Manager will report directly to the Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education and work closely with the Assistant Directors and Project Specialists to ensure that all operational and training objectives of the Center are met, including the day-to-day operation of the Firebirds Farm and food production components of the Urban Food Hubs, assisting with field preparation and on-farm demonstrations, supervising students interns and volunteers as directed, and leading field walks as needed.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Works directly with the Director of the CUAGE in day-to-day operations of the Firebirds Farm and all Urban Food Hubs production sites;
  • Manages field preparation (plowing, disking, raising beds, laying plastic mulch, mulching) irrigation management, hoop-house and greenhouse maintenance at Firebird Farm and Urban Food Hubs;
  • Inspects equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety
  • Makes recommendations for the purchasing of machinery, equipment and supplies, such as tractors, seed, fertilizer and chemicals;
  • Conducts tours of facilities and assists visitors at the farm;
  • Ensures fields and lawns are mowed, cuts bushes, trees and wood and plows and shovels snow;
  • Transplants early crops in the greenhouse and field;
  • Keeps buildings and equipment in good working condition.
  • Determines the need for repair and improvement of the farm site.
  • Supervises Soil-based and Soilless-based Project Assistants, student interns or temporary employees to include planning, scheduling, organizing, coordinating and directing work activities at Farm and Urban Food Hubs;
  • Assists Farm Manager with research activities undertaken at the farm;
  • Assists the Farm Manager in designing and developing sustainable projects for improving and enhancing farm site areas;
  • Assists with projects that enhance the educational outreach to the community;
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements
 

  • Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture or horticulture or a related area, or demonstrated 5-10 years of work experience in the relevant areas of agriculture or horticulture
  • Knowledgeable of techniques and use of equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting crops.
  • Knowledgeable of horticultural practices and techniques.
  • Knowledgeable of the principles and procedures for personnel to include selection, supervision and training.
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control and other techniques for maximizing the effective production of crops.
  • Knowledge of the safety procedures for farm operations.
  • Knowledge of the appropriate use of chemicals and pesticides.
  • Ability to demonstrate outreach and public relations strategies and materials.

 

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

 

Residency Preference: The Residency Preference Amendment Act of 1988, D.C. Law 7-203, created a system in which provides that any applicant for employment in the Career or Educational Services who is a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia may claim a residency reference at the time of application. An applicant selected for an appointment based on District residency will be required to submit no less than eight (8) proofs of bona fide District residency. Bona fide District residency must be maintained from the date of appointment to the position for seven (7) consecutive years. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the (7) year period will result in forfeiture of employment.
 

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.

 

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.
 

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal opportunity/.

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