Non-Profit Farming Job in California

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Non-Profit Farming Job: Ecology Action is looking for Farmers! Willits, California – 2016

Full Time, $10/hr (40hr/week), Non-Profit

 

Ecology Action is a non-profit organization focused on sustainable agriculture research and education. We are seeking a full-time Farmer to participate as staff members one of our research farms in Willits (Mendocino County), CA.

More information may be available at: https://growbiointensive.org/Opportunities.html

Duties and Responsibilities:

The GROW BIOINTENSIVE® Farmers will work closely with Mini-Farm Managers, apprentices, interns, tour and workshop participants, Ecology Action staff members and Executive Director – John Jeavons. Gardening tasks and responsibilities include garden planning, bed preparation, planting, composting, weeding, watering, harvesting, data collection and record keeping. Additional tasks include teaching and outreach (you will receive training in biologically-intensive farming and teaching to prepare you for these activities).

Research Garden Activities: daily gardening tasks, including seasonal work in the 10,000 sq. ft. raised-bed growing area.

Teaching Activities (under the guidance of the Mini-Farm Manager): preparing and teaching GROW BIOINTENSIVE topical and crop classes for students and the general public, and assisting with the training of interns and apprentices at the site.

Outreach Activities: Assisting with garden tours (several per year), and workshops (2-3 per year), occasionally teaching a class at our Palo Alto, CA, non-profit Store and Education location.

Research Activities: data collection (crop yield and treatment data from research farm) and assistance with data management..

Optimal Qualifications:

Interest in sustainable agriculture and skilled at working the land: 3 years of organic agricultural experience, based on a degree in Sustainable Agriculture or related field, or from life experience; able to work within a farming structure that contains research and training aspects.

Good interpersonal skills:

We’re looking for a self-starting, solutions-oriented person and a co-creative team player; able to interact with the public, and with our annual group of diverse international interns. Flexibility, patience, a sense of humor, and respect and understanding for others, especially people from other cultures and countries. Cross-cultural experience a plus. This position is currently open to U.S. Citizens or Legal Residents only.

Strong communication skill:

Fluency in English is required. Ability to clearly convey information about research garden activities to individuals or groups is important. A secondary language, particularly Spanish or French, is desirable.

Excellent organizational and planning skills:

Orderly, with meticulous attention to detail, good at keeping track of data and not afraid to take on special projects. Ability to work with Microsoft Office applications–especially Excel; comfortable using Mac OS. Knowledge of data management systems a plus.

Interested in the work we do:

The ideal candidate has a desire to live and work in our sustainable farming community; to become an important part in our research and training programs and projects; and to participate in continued training in Biointensive farming. To ensure continuity of our research, we are looking for long-term farmers: a 5 year (or more) commitment is requested.

About Ecology Action: Ecology Action has spent over 40 years developing and teaching the GROW BIOINTENSIVE Sustainable Mini-Farming Method. This low-tech (but sophisticated) farming method helps small farmers maximize agricultural yields, build soil fertility, and minimize inputs of water, energy, and off-farm nutrients. Our work has demonstrated results in helping communities in the U.S. and worldwide to grow plentiful and nutritious food without depleting precious natural resources.

Our programs are centered at the Common Ground Research and Demonstration Garden/Mini-Farm located in Willits, CA. The garden serves as one of the oldest, long-term sustainable agriculture research projects in the world.

Salary and Benefits: The position is long-term, full-time staff position (40 hours per week, up to 8 hours/day) with an hourly rate $10 per hour to start. Onsite housing is sometimes available.

We are hoping to fill this position immediately. Please send cover letter and resume to:

Ecology Action, 5798 Ridgewood Rd., Willits, CA 95490 or via email.

Applications for this non-profit farming job will be accepted until we find the right candidate. Thank you for your interest!