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Rural Resources
Garden Manager Position
Garden Manager Position
Farm Description:
Rural Resources is a 501-c3, 15-acre farm in East Tennessee. The farm includes a new 3,900-square-foot learning center, barn, creek, greenhouse, and walk-in cooler. Our mission is to connect farms, food, and families through experiential learning based on sustainable agriculture practices. The 2,500-square-foot garden is managed using hand tools, a walk behind tractor, and a small John Deere tractor with a tiller attachment. We also have small livestock that have mainly served for education and small-scale meat production.
Position Description:
This is a one year AmeriCorps position through Appalachia CARES. The Garden Manager position teaches at-risk teens organic agriculture and entrepreneurial skills. Responsibilities include but not limited to managing a garden, being an educational resource on organic food production for the community, safe food handling practices and farm business development. The Garden Manager also coordinates educational activities for younger children. During field trips.
Abilities and Skills:
The Garden Manager must possess a commitment to working with youth and a strong appreciation for farming, the land and the unique agricultural and cultural history of the Appalachian region. The Garden Manager must enjoy working with people and must be able to work independently with a minimum of supervision. This person must be able and willing to learn new skills through professional development opportunities in order to meet the broad range of tasks that are assigned to the position.
The Garden Manager must possess a commitment to working with youth and a strong appreciation for farming, the land and the unique agricultural and cultural history of the Appalachian region. The Garden Manager must enjoy working with people and must be able to work independently with a minimum of supervision. This person must be able and willing to learn new skills through professional development opportunities in order to meet the broad range of tasks that are assigned to the position.
Duties:
· Oversee planning & growing a garden and teach at-risk teens organic sustainable agriculture methods
· Help design, build and maintain home gardens with teens
· Meet and include field trip participants and Farm Day Camp children in learning about the garden.
· Direct special projects including fencing, carpentry and other farm improvement projects and manage volunteers and teens from the Farm & Food Teen Training Program as a part of accomplishing those projects.
· Work as a part of a team.
· Help train seasonal staff in farm and food safety
· Maintain irrigation infrastructure
· Work with other farmers to help support the local agricultural economy.
· Participate in fundraising initiatives.
· Complete special projects as assigned
Requirements:
· Ability to teach and work with youth of all ages
· Minimum of 3 years organic vegetable crop production preferred
· Experience in farm labor, infrastructure, equipment, business management and marketing
· Ability to communicate effectively with the public
· Understanding of agricultural principles, whole-farm planning, crop rotation, soil enhancement methods, soil science, and general ecology
· A good attitude, flexibility, and a commitment to achieving the goals and mission of Rural Resources.
· Strong interpersonal, oral & written skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team
· Detail oriented
· Creative and high energy
· Able to work in all weather conditions
· Able to lift 50 pounds
· Computer literate
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter explaining why you’re interest, a resume, and three references to: Debbie Strickland, Farm & Food Training Coordinator (email: debbie@ruralresources.net). Deadline is Nov. 15. Please, no phone calls or walk-ins.
