Assistant Organic Farm Manager
Position Description
Open until filled. Review of applications begins 1 May 2009
Position Summary: This position provides support to the Organic Farm Manager; the Assistant is responsible for the land areas, gardens, livestock, produce and product sales and distribution for Shepherd's Corner. The individual will also provided general staff support in education, volunteer activities, and general administrative duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
(1) Major Activity: Supports Production Management
·Assists in developing, organizing and implementing a p roduction management plan consistent with organic standards to achieve harvest goals for vegetables, flowers and herbs;
·Implements propagation schedule, rotations & sequencing of plantings, cultivation and harvesting;
·Assists in coordinating post-harvest processing, packaging and allotment;
·Collaborates to determine crop selection for all internal and external markets;
·Assists in supervising, instructing and training of seasonal farm assistants;
·Directs volunteers performing production and harvesting activities;
·Assists in inventorying, organizing and maintaining appropriate equipment and supplies;
·Operates and maintains equipment & organically approved controls of pests & diseases;
·Maintains records & documentation required under USDA-NOP certification;
(2) Major Activity: Supports Land Management of Fields, Forest, Meadow and Landscaping
·Implements and maintains infrastructure, including labyrinth, special and seasonal projects;
·Assists with invasive species eradication;
·Assists with oversight of custom harvest contract;
·Assists with extraction and production of timber and wild-crafted products;
·Assists with training, operation, production and marketing of lumber mill and products;
·Assists in maintaining barn gardens, fence lines, signage, roadways and grass ways;
·Assists with planning and implementation of landscape designs and projects;
·Assists with operation and maintenance of mechanized equipment.
(3) Major Activity: Supports Sales Management
·Supports on and off-site sales operations;
·Assists with coordinating, developing and production of value-added products;
·Assists with oversight of activities of interns, seasonal employees and volunteers performing on and off-site sales related duties;
·Researches and produces marketing support materials (recipes, news, etc.).
(4) Major Activity: Supports Livestock Management
·Assists with management of the health and nutrition for each species; feed, hay, water, minerals, schedules;
·Assists with cleaning, maintenance and repairs of animal shelters, yards, and fencing;
·Provides presence for care and emergencies;
·Assists with coordination of schedule coverage, training and updates to/for staff and volunteers;
·Incorporates appropriate risk management strategies for visitors, volunteers and staff; signage,20chains/locks and guidelines.
(5) Minor Activity: General Staff Support
·Prepares project budgets and reports;
·Participates in educational programs at all levels;
·Participates in fund development;
·Assists staff as needed;
·Participates in staff meetings;
·Collaborates with staff on project goals,20objectives and strategies;
·Provides hospitality as needed;
·Monitors and informs Staff of pertinent local/global food issues;
·Participates in professional development.
·Assists with the production of web-site content, brochures and other PR material;
·Performs outreach and networking;
·Serves as a staff liaison for collaborations, off-site projects and presentations;
·Assists with volunteer activities;
·Maintains building security;
·Assists with workday activities.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree in Sustainable Agriculture or related field or equivalent.
EXPERIENCE: Two years organic production experience. Educational presentation experience preferred.
Sales, marketing, livestock care and maintenance experience preferred.
REQUIREMENTS: Be willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays, and possess a valid state of Ohio driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE: Organic production under USDA-NOP management practices; organic control methods for common plant diseases and pests; implementation of cropping plans and sowing schedules to achieve harvest goals; direct marketing strategies and techniques; basic landscaping principles; ecological principles; report/recordkeeping; exp erience working with volunteers; basic livestock management.
ABILITY: Read and understand basic directions; prioritize daily activities; work efficiently and effectively on multiple projects; work independently and cooperatively; apply general rules to specific problems for resolution; safely operate tools and equipment; lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; work in outdoor and indoor locations; bend, stoop, and stretch as necessary to manipulate plant material, equipment, livestock and supplies.
SKILL: Development of short and long term plans designed to meet established goals and objectives; effectively communicate and interact with Staff, volunteers and public for purpose of providing information, instruction and motivation; facilitation of groups that attend programs on and off-site; giving presentations in area of expertise; relating to people of other cultures for purpose of hospitality and educational instruction; develop solutions for production problems that have the potential to impact harvest outcome.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job.
·Stands and walks intermittently throughout the work day, including sitting, bending, stooping; reaching, lifting, and carrying as necessary to access plant material, equipment, and supplies;
·Manipulates various office materials, supplies, and equipment;
·Lifts up to 50 pounds;
·Coordinates concurrent projects and tasks;
·Maintains deadlines and ability to cope with frequent interruptions;
·Functions independently;
·Performs outdoor tasks in adverse weather conditions;
·Performs indoor tasks in conditions common in offices, barns or greenhouses;
·May work in or assist with other positions temporarily.
SCOPE OF POSITION: Responsible for interns, seasonal employees, volunteers and program participants.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Organic Farm Manager.
Interested individuals please send letter of interest and resume to:
Eric Pawlowski, Farm Manger
Shepherd's Corner Farm & Ecology Center
987 N. Waggoner Rd.
Blacklick, OH 43004
614-866-4302
[email protected]