Location:
CCA Harrisburg (Capital Campus) Greenhouse and Garden Associate
Position Summary
Working from our Capital Campus Family Service Center, the AgWorks at CCA Greenhouse Associate will assist with the management of the indoor agricultural center. The core responsibilities of this position are to ensure the greenhouse and agriculture center are functioning, identifying and addressing greenhouse issues, working with students and families to learn the basics surrounding plants, overseeing high school and post-secondary interns and to facilitate student activities. This will include training and implementing protocols and safety measures to ensure the greenhouse and aquaponic center runs smoothly and safely for CCA students. Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) is a K-12 school that provides students with career-based experiences to prepare them for employment. Our innovative approach led to the installation of AgWorks – the largest, educationally based aquaponic and hydroponic facility in the country. The Greenhouse Associate will work alongside students to train them on different aspects of horticulture, agriculture, hydroponics, soil-based agriculture, and aquaculture. In conjunction with the AgWorks Staff, the Greenhouse Associate will be expected to showcase their knowledge virtually, for students who cannot attend the lab face to face. They will do this with the support of the Director and Greenhouse Specialist.
The CCA AgWorks Greenhouse Associate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Ensure the system is operational with all systems functioning properly
• General maintenance of the system
• Assist in the implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the AgWorks Program
• Facilitate face to face and virtual instruction surrounding different components of running the lab, allowing students to eventually become self-sufficient Project Managers
• Implement modifications and accommodations for students with IEPs
• Implement the AgWorks Credentialing Program where students can build their knowledge to the point of earning badges that can carry with them into their general/special education coursework
• Assist with the maintenance of our mobile classroom
• Provide input regarding curriculum, assisting the Learning Department (curriculum writers) and teachers on an as-needed basis
• Implementing our integrated pest management plan
• Seeding, harvesting, transplanting, and plant maintenance
• Coordinate walk-thoughts and events within the lab, staffing the lab with students
• Create and maintain planting plans, tracking seeds and plants and determining the best location for planting
• Maintain ongoing communication with team members, including facilities, AgWorks, technology and videography department
• Tracking and maintaining fish within the system
• Facilitating summer camps and other outreach opportunities
• Build skills needed to enter the workforce directly upon graduation
• Recruit staff to assist with AgWorks activities

Competencies

• Meticulousness
• Collaboration Skills
• Highly detail-oriented and analytical
• Ability to work effectively both with and without supervision

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong project management skills and attention to details
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft OS and MS Office programs)
• Thoroughness
• Customer focused approach with a high degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment with a team player track record
• Ability to work remotely, if necessary
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours, as needed

Work Environment
This job operates in an indoor agriculture greenhouse. The employee will need to work directly with AgWorks staff and with students/staff/community members in the field. They will be working with water, plants, fish, bio-controls, etc.
Physical Demands
This is a physical role, which requires the ability to lift, squat, sit, bend and stand for long periods of time. Ability to travel to other sites/locations as needed.
Position Type

• Full-time
• Exempt
• Salary

Travel

• Travel is required throughout Pennsylvania on an as-needed basis

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or comparable degree/certifications in a field of agriculture, plant or soil science, aquaculture, environmental science, biology, bio-systems or related field or a degree in agriculture education

• Three or more years’ experience working in an agriculturally-based field (ex. greenhouse, hydroponics, farm-hand, controlled agriculture environment setting).

Preferred Education and Experience

• Background in education is beneficial
• Familiarity with aquaponics or hydroponics is beneficial
• Background in horticulture, horticultural therapy or related activities
• Basic facility or ground maintenance skills

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Valid PA Driver’s License
• Appropriate Automobile Insurance Coverage

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.