Agriculture Garden Technician

Job Identification:

Position Summary:

The Agriculture Garden Technician will be responsible to manage multiple gardens and greenhouse, seed banks, and other related tasks. This position will involve a lot of physical exertion, such as lifting heavy plants or pots, bending over, and digging. Many of these tasks will take place outdoors in various weather conditions. Candidates must also be prepared to handle chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilizers, and to use gardening tools while using caution. Due to the nature of the work, this individual must be willing to maintain the garden and greenhouse on weekends, as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Host tours of garden and greenhouse.
• Help develop organizational protocols.
• Preparing/maintaining garden and greenhouse.
• Cleaning up gardens at the end of the growing seasons.
• Assist in presenting workshops and tutorials to the community
• Serve as a resource person to answer questions about food preservation and seed bank projects.
• Help prepare and staff exhibits at farmers markets and other community events.
• Preparing seeds for short-term storage by threshing, extracting, winnowing, and conditioning.
• All other duties as assigned.

Non-essential Job Functions:

• Attend various meetings, seminars and training as required.
• May be required to provide training to volunteers, project partners, or new employees.

Job Specifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Detail-oriented with considerable attention to organization and an ongoing commitment to improving systems.  Must have initiative and be a self-starter.

• Maintain a current driver’s license in good standing and qualify under the nation’s insurance policy.
• Must be flexible and a team player with the ability to work well with members of the community.
• Ability to juggle multiple relationships, projects, and responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge and practical work experience related to horticulture.
• Ability to operate rototillers and other small farm and garden implements.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate with others.
• Ability to obtain a Food Handlers Permit.

Experience:

One to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education:

Minimum high-school diploma; Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school preferred.

Physical Abilities:

The incumbent must have the ability to perform physical activity: lifting (up to 100 lbs. assisted); carrying (50 lbs.), bending frequently, climbing, pushing, and pulling

Working Conditions:

Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather, under potentially strenuous conditions and with various pesticides and fertilizers.