Mid-Ohio Food Collective Farm Gardener

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Mid-Ohio Farm Gardener STATUS: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Sr. Farm Manager DIRECT REPORTS: Nope

SUMMARY:

The Farm Gardener will contribute to multiple aspects of Mid-Ohio Farm's operations. The Farm Gardener will have a working knowledge of all farm processes to be called upon as needed to complete day-to-day farm operations which entails operating equipment and hand tools, performing farm tasks such as seeding, planting, irrigating, fertilizing, weeding, and overall maintenance of the farm as well as harvesting and processing of produce. Primary responsibility of the Farm Gardener will be to maintain all garden boxes at both Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop and Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Secondary responsibility is to maintain the aesthetics and landscaping while completing farm maintenance. Third responsibility, to be shared by all Farm team members, is to assist in high tunnel operations and processing.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Provides direction for volunteers with regard to daily workflow and processes.
• Coordinate and train volunteers in farm tasks, including planting, irrigating, fertilizing, weeding, cultivating, and maintaining the farm.
• Operate hand-tools and innovative farm equipment
• Follow standard operating procedures and processes to successfully and safely complete farm tasks.
• Perform quality control checks of produce before distribution.
• Assist in the installation, operation, and maintenance of farm infrastructure.
• Perform record keeping and reporting of day-to-day farm activities.
• Complete special projects and planning in partnership with Senior Farm Manager and Farm Site Lead.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), through Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop, is building the farm of the future to transform the urban agriculture community in Ohio by creating a unique farming platform to include innovative techniques and methods to provide high yield and efficiency. The initial phase of this project is completed in 2020 with land secured and working demonstrations in place. The second phase will launch in spring 2021 and will continue throughout the beginning of 2022. Phase 2 will include the construction of multiple farm buildings that will require expand the potential of the Farm exponentially.

Mid-Ohio Farm will serve as a living lab around the future of tech-enabled farming for students of all ages, urban and rural farmers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. To maximize yield, workforce training, and economic development opportunities, the farm will include cutting-edge technology including sensors, robotics, and open data visualization. This farm will serve as a hub across the Food Collective's 20-county service area and scale agricultural efficiency best practices across the state. This effort builds on existing smart farm technology while simultaneously housing prototypes and new innovations. Partnerships with schools and community organizations across the region will educate the next generation and reskill community members on how to farm using the latest technology so they are prepared for a career in a wide range of agricultural and tech related fields.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Education and Certifications: High School Diploma/GED required. Candidate must have a valid Driver's License. Strong knowledge on vegetable and horticultural concepts required.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Occasional travel may be required.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to the principal and essential function of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Current Openings for Mid Ohio Food Collective Farm Gardener Jobs at Mid-Ohio Food Collective