Description

Role Mission : CNP Assistant Farmers assist with farmeducation programmingwhich includescoordinatingwithcampus leaderson Junior Master Gardener (JMG) classes,instructingK-12studentsthroughoutdoor lessonsand Food Systems curricula, and supervising studentsduring outdoor classroom instruction.

The CNP Assistant Farmer executes the implementation of a four-season diversified vegetable farming system that includes cover cropping, crop rotation, orchard cultivation, native habitat maintenance, and an integrated pest management plan across a specified campus farm.

Additionally, the Assistant Farmercontributes to farm safety and efficiency by updating inventory, data tracking, and implementing food safety protocols.

TheIDEA Farm Programworks within the larger Child Nutrition Program (CNP) and Healthy Kids Here initiative dedicated to making IDEA Public Schools one of the healthiest school districts in the nation.

The IDEA Farm Program collaborates with campus leaders, students, andcommunity stake holders to create a successfulfarm-to-schoolcurriculum by providing exceptional educational experiences and high-quality produce.

CNP Assistant Farmers report directly to CNP Farmers and support farm operationalprocesses and student academic performance by leading a best-in classfarmeducation programtosupport IDEA’s mission of makingCollege for Alla reality.

What We Offer

Compensation :

• Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging between $16.00 for 0 years of experienceand $20.00
• This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

Other Benefits :

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse / domestic partner and children.

Some of the special benefits we offer at IDEA include :

• Paid Family Leave : Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement : Staff members may apply for up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
• Employer-Paid Mental / Behavioral Health : 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24 / 7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.

Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses and professional development.

IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

What You Bring Competencies :

Experience :

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• 1 year experience in horticulture, agriculture, gardening, or desire to learn
• Reliable transportation

Preferred experience :

• Certification in Horticulture, Agriculture, Ecology, or a related field
• 1 year experience teaching or working with pre-K through 12th grade students is a plus
• Knowledge in sustainable horticulture, agriculture, and hydroponic systems

What You’ll Do Accountabilities :

Facilitate Student Learning

• Supports in the implementation of agricultural educationfor studentson the farmthat enhances their campus education
• Increase student awareness and participation in agricultural issues to create a lifetime of healthy eating habits
• Collaborates with teachers to lead student tours and educational projects
• Logs100% of studenteducationalhours at the end of every classfor record keeping
• Logs100% of certified students into the JMG website to be registered as certified JuniorMasterGardeners
• Coordinates with the CNP Farmer to plan a successful JMG certification ceremony

Implement Farm Production

• Adheres to production plandeveloped one yearin advancebased on IDEA menurequirements, and ensures weekly and monthly goals are met
• 100% of cropson time via direct sow, transplant,in order tohave crops ready and harvested for studentsto eatfrom the First to the Last Day of Schools
• Treats biological and environmentaldisorders impacting production plan goals effectively
• Coordinates the delivery of produce to Cafeteria Managers on Farm Campus and neighboring campuses when excess produce is available for distribution
• Conducts field walks with CNP Farmers regularly to develop next steps in crop management anddaily tasks
• Implements effective weed management strategies to ensure aesthetic quality and consistent yields

Uphold Farm Compliance

• Enters 100% of all food safety and harvest farm logs into tracking system by end of weekfor auditing purposes
• Completes QuickStartchecklistandsubmits signed checklists toCNP Farmer to ensure farm is readyto serve studentsby first day of school
• Complies withGood AgriculturalPractices(GAP)Harmonized operation auditsrequirements to meet a minimum 90% ratingto providesafe,quality produce
• Updates physical inventories for all materials and equipment on a monthly basis
• Reports maintenance and safety issues on the farm to the CNP Farmer as soon as they are identified to ensure a safe working and learning environment

Support Financial Stewardship

• Utilizes consumables such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides conscientiously and reports need for restocking or replacement of depleted supplies
• Provides oversight for the completion of contracted projects on the farm
• Tracks delivery of items and receiving of invoices to ensure timely vendor payment
• Collaborates with the planning of in-ground farm expansion, including a pollinator garden, outdoor classroom, and other areaswhich enhance the student farm educational experience

Team Goals :

• Meet farm JMG certification target by June 30th
• Meet an average score of 90% or higher on GAP harmonized and Quality Operations Audits each quarter
• Meet cost per square foot goal by June 30th
• Facilitate three farm outreach events by June 30th
• Grow and harvest a minimum of 12 different crops to meet production target by June 30th

Physical Requirements :

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend or work on hands and knees for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Must be able to work in an outdoor space, walk on uneven ground, crawl, or move about on hands and knees.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 50 pounds regularly
• Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running.
• Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold

We look for Team and Family who embody the followingvaluesand characteristics :

• Believes and is committed to our missionand being an agent of change : that all studentsare capable of gettingto and through college
• Has demonstrated effectiveoutcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them
• Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improvequickly
• Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization
• Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationshipsin order toachieve outcomes
• We believe in education asa professionand hold ourselves to high level of conduct, professionalism and behaviors as models for our colleagues and students

Last updated : 2024-05-01