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Check out the latest jobs and opportunities in sustainable and ecological agriculture.
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August 28, 2015
The Sustainable Ag Jobs List is a service provided by the Ecological Farming Association.  
We do not endorse a particular organization or company.

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To send us a job posting, please email jobslist@eco-farm.org with the job title, description, and details in the body of the email. Please include links whenever possible. You will receive an automated response. Jobs are posted in the order they are received.

 

Opportunities in this email:

 

Vegetable Production Manager
Funny Girl Farm
Durham, North Carolina


Funny Girl is a three-year-old neighborhood farm, producing and selling a wide array of vegetables from our farm stand and to many area restaurants.  We grow throughout the year on 2 1/2 acres, which includes four high tunnels and one greenhouse.
 
We are seeking an experienced vegetable production manager to lead our hard working and vibrant team of farmers in a diversified vegetable operation.  Applicants should have at least three years of farming experience with at least two years of experience as a production manager.   The manager should be well versed in warm-season growing, as well as off-season and shoulder-season production in high tunnels.  He or she must be production minded, a good communicator, detail oriented while able to lead and delegate effectively, and have an approach that fosters a positive environment for all on the farm.  This person must also be an effective teacher, as the farm places an emphasis on cross training for all workers and takes volunteers at times.  The vegetable manager should be proficient with basic tools and small machinery as these are in daily use at Funny Girl Farm.  This is a salaried position.
 
About Funny Girl Farm and the Job
Funny Girl Farm uses sustainable farming practices including crop rotation, cover cropping, and IPM.  The farm also produces free-range eggs from 300 hens and shiitake mushrooms from 2000 logs. 
 
Our goal is to provide neighbors and area restaurants with fresh, delicious and sustainably grown produce and excellent customer service, while maintaining a productive, positive, and learning-focused work place.  The farm is revenue-minded and aims to expand the number of acres in production and sales over these next few years. We have a prime location on a busy back-route between Durham and Chapel Hill, 10-15 minutes from both downtowns. Our central location has helped us to build a strong customer base at our farm stand and allows us to deliver to more than a dozen area restaurants multiple times a week and on short notice. Being so close to Durham and Chapel Hill also gives our employees access to the vibrant life of these two university towns.
 
There are two farmers and one field supervisor who the vegetable production manager supervises and can rely on to carry out tasks when she or he is absent or focused on administrative work.  The farm also has a general manager who supervises the vegetable production manager and directly oversees the mushroom and egg operations.  The vegetable production manager works closely with the general manager on decisions regarding crop planning, cultural practices, amendment choices, labor allocation and personnel, but ultimately enjoys a great deal of freedom in making the operation their own.  Creativity in improving efficiencies, reducing costs and increasing production is vital. 
 
The vegetable production manager is primarily responsible for the vegetable operation but is also the field manager, directing workers in most daily tasks.  This includes not only work in vegetable production, but in running the farm stand each day and in carrying out chores and harvest work in the mushroom and egg operations.
 
If you are interested:
To apply, and for more information about pay, the farm, and the scope of the job, please send inquiries, your resume, cover letter and 3 work references to the general manager, Ethan Loewenthal, at info@funnygirlfarm.com

Deadline to apply:  September 7th, 2015.
 

International Communications and Event Planning Internship
Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA)
Berkeley, California


Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) seeks an International Communications and Event Planning Intern who is able to assist with organization of our annual 4-day exit seminar in October as well as maintain connections with our international program participants. The internship requires 1.5- 2 days per week in our Berkeley, CA office, and a four-month commitment.

Background Information:
MESA connects food and farming changemakers worldwide to rebuild the food system, linking ancestral knowledge with innovation to strengthen earth stewardship, equitable economies and cross-cultural alliances. MESA's model is rooted in experiential and participatory education that blends hands-on experience and online agroecology curriculum with intergenerational and cross-cultural collaboration. MESA facilitates seasonal programs for farmers, students, activists, educators and agripreneurs to live and train at farms, education centers, community organizations and businesses promoting resilient food systems. Since 1997, MESA has connected 1400 changemakers from 32 countries and helped fund 142 ecological farms and food justice projects spearheaded by hosts and alumni. This year's Stewards hail from South Korea, Haiti, Peru, Brazil, Grenada, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Thailand.

Each October, MESA hosts an annual exit-seminar for stewards to celebrate the end of their six-month hands-on training program. Although a general plan for the week is established, each year we explore new activities and excursion options for the group. Some of the activities in the past have included workshops led by leaders in the sustainable food movement, urban garden and farm tours around the Bay Area and fun outings in San Francisco. The Exit Seminar week includes a Cultural Cuisine Celebration dinner for the Stewards, which has evolved into a fundraiser event attended by MESA supporters.

International Communications Responsibilities:
The intern will work in collaboration with key staff to cultivate Steward and Host communications including:
  • Participation in and leading discussions during online chat sessions with international Steward group
  • Social media outreach to current Stewards, Hosts, and program Alumni
  • Reading and crafting responses to monthly Steward reports via online learning system (Moodle)
  • Designing, sending, and analyzing online surveys for Stewards
  • (Optional) Attending National Heirloom Expo September 8-10 to promote MESA programs and meet local Stewards and Hosts
Event Planning Responsibilities:
The intern will collaborate and/or lead planning of some of our most important events of the year including Exit Seminar activities and Cultural Cuisine Dinner. The intern will work closely with MESA's Head Event Planner, MESA staff and Board Members to:
  • Assist and/or lead planning and facilitation of activities for multicultural group of global farm stewards
  • Solicit in-kind donations from food vendors, restaurants, and local businesses
  • (Optional) Lead or assist cooking meals for steward group during week (around 12 people)
  • Help arrange schedule and travel logistics for MESA Staff and Stewards 
Duties Specifically for Cultural Cuisine Night
  • Timely coordination with event venue, vendors, MESA Staff and Board
  • Assist management of event day volunteers
  • Assist with writing web content and email marketing for events
  • Social media and event-related outreach, before and after
  • Participate in post-event analysis and follow-up, help assess opportunities and make recommendations for future improvements 
Timeframe:
12-16 hours/week for 4 months, with possible opportunity to extend. Start date beginning of September through end of December. Must be available for the week of October 19-23. 

Compensation:
$300 monthly stipend. Reimbursement for any additional event-related travel costs (i.e. donation pick-ups, vendor visits, etc.). 

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Outgoing and confident with the ability to self-manage
  • Passion and commitment to sustainable agriculture, food justice and equitable food systems is desired
  • Excellent communications skills and experience communication with non-native English speakers a plus
  • Proficiency in Excel, Word and Google Docs
  • Strong writing skills and experience using Social Media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
  • Familiarity with the SF Bay Area, has own car (not required, but a plus)
  • Detail oriented and can coordinate between multiple parties in a timely manner
  • Previous event planning experience, cooking for groups, and/or connections to Bay Area sustainable industries is highly recommended.
To apply
Please email a cover letter and resume (writing sample optional). Applications may be submitted immediately. We will close the search when we find the right candidate.

Email:
Michelle Roses Wight Program Coordinator and Head Event Planner: michelle@mesaprogram.org
 

Sustainable Development Site Manager
Urban Adamah
Berkeley, California


Urban Adamah is currently seeking a full time individual to join our growing team as our Sustainable Development Site Manager. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all minor building projects, edible landscaping throughout the campus, and general site maintenance on Urban Adamah’s new 2.2-acre organic farm and community center being built in West Berkeley. The Site Manager will work closely with Urban Adamah’s Farm Manager and Education Team to ensure that the site’s physical elements support the organization’s ecological, spiritual and community building values and goals. This individual will work independently, as well as hire outside contractors as needed and be responsible for supervising Urban Adamah fellows and volunteers to assist in work projects that are appropriate for their involvement. This position is supervised by Urban Adamah’s Associate Director. 

Specific Responsibilities Include: 
  • Carpentry/Building Projects: Urban Adamah is building a new campus on a raw piece of land. In addition to the major buildings that are being constructed by outside contractors there are many smaller projects that we’d like to build in-house. These include our main yurt (a kit); various outdoor gazebos and shade structures, trellises, small storage units/barns, interior fencing, and an earthen amphitheatre, etc. These projects will all be supervised and implemented by our Sustainable Development Site Manager. 
  • Edible Landscape: The Urban Adamah farm seeks to be a model for sustainable agricultural development and edible landscape design. The Site Manager will be responsible for implementing the landscape plan developed together with other staff, as well as supervising on-going maintenance of all landscaped areas and perennial plants including fruit trees. 
  • Site Management: The Site manager is responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of the Urban Adamah Campus. This includes but is not limited to challenges and opportunities as they arise in any of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, permits, fire access, safety and security, compliance issues, etc. Also responsible for stocking and organizing tools of the trade including conducting yearly inventory review. 
  • Teaching: Urban Adamah is an educational farm and community center. It is our hope to hire a Site Manger who is interested in sharing his/her skills and experience with the larger community including offering classes for the Urban Adamah fellows, school groups and members of the general public – as time and scheduling permits. 
  • Additional Responsibilities: Urban Adamah has a very lean staff. Occasionally, the Site Manager may be asked to perform duties not explicitly listed in this job description. In addition, the Site Manager is asked to participate in weekly staff meetings and perform administrative tasks essential for smooth operation of the site. 
Schedule: This is a full-time 40-hour per week position, that is generally Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 pm. Occasionally, the Site Manager may be asked to work a slightly different work schedule that includes weekends. This position may require more than 40 hours a week on some weeks. Hours worked beyond 40 are compensated with additional time off. 

Position Requirements: We are looking for an individual with at least 5 years experience in carpentry and landscaping (softscape and hardscape). Any of the following additional skill-sets are highly desired: permaculture design and development, natural building, electrical and plumbing. We are hoping that this individual also has some teaching experience. A high level of emotional maturity and exceptional communication skills are required. Proficient in basic computer skills including Word and Excel. This individual should also be in personal alignment with the mission of Urban Adamah, which is to use the tools of mindfulness, sustainable agriculture, social action and Jewish tradition to build loving, just and sustainable communities. 

Salary and Benefits: This is a full time position with benefits including health care and paid vacation, as described in Urban Adamah’s personnel code. Salary is competitive and DOE. 

To Apply: visit http://urbanadamah.org/about-us/job-opportunities/site-manager/

 

Head Gardener
Malibu Mountains Retreat Oasis
Malibu Mountains, California


Head Gardener for magical retreat oasis (Malibu Mountains of California). Seeking an experienced gardener with exceptional knowledge caring for a large diversity of landscape plants for a "Garden of Eden" health and spiritual retreat center opening this year.
 
Requirements:
  • Must be organized, honest, dependable, hardworking, plants (and people) lover
  • Able to assess plant health and needs according to organic growing practices.
  • Experience with drip & sprinkler irrigation systems. (maintenance, repair & installation)
  • Experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic remedies for pest and disease issues.
  • Experience with pruning ornamental and edible shrubs, fruit trees and herbaceous plants.
  • Computer literate
  • Bringing a kind heart and a joyful disposition to serve this very special magical garden oasis and vision
  • Reliable car and cell phone necessary as we are located in the canyons and mountains above Malibu (45 minutes from Santa Monica)
  • Kind-hearted, honest, committed and passionate
  • Super successful in your field and looking to utilize your talents to contribute to the greater good of all.
  • Deep understanding of the health conscious life movement
 Highly Prized
  • Knowledge and experience in biodynamics, permaculture, and native plants of Southern California
  • Knowledge of herbs, wild edibles and medicinals
  • Bi-lingual ( English & Spanish)
To Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter describing why you would be the best person for this role and your expected salary range/hourly rate. Applications will not be considered unless all of the above are submitted. Please email applicants@ajamalibu.com.

 

Office Administrator
Central Coast Grown
San Luis Obispo, California


Central Coast Grown (CCG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to create strong connections among farmers, the public and the land to nourish our community, support local agriculture, and make local food products accessible for all. CCG’s main program is managing City Farm – SLO, a 19-acre community farm and agricultural education center. The Office Administrator will support CCG staff and Board of Directors with operational organization, human resources, and relationship management activities.
 
Main Responsibilities will include:
  • Administrative tasks: responding to general phone and email inquires from the public; scanning, copying, and scheduling; gathering pricing quotes; preparing mailings; running errands;
  •  Maintaining and updating physical and electronic filing systems such as our customer relationship management database;
  • Basic website updates using the WordPress platform and social media;
  • Payroll and invoicing preparation;
  • Supply the Board Treasurer with financial information in preparation of financial statements, budgets;
  • Tracking, processing payable/receivables;
  • Develop contracts and business agreements as necessary
Required Qualifications
  • High-school diploma and 2 years administrative experience;
  • Professional oral and written communication skills;
  • Detail oriented, organized, able to track projects through to completion;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft programs; Google products: mail, calendar, documents; Fluency with Mac computers
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with customer relationship management databases; online tools such as Box;
  • Bookkeeping skills;
  • Familiarity with non-profit environment
  • Commitment to sustainable agriculture and food systems work
This position calls for someone who enjoys working independently and produces detailed, thorough work. You will be working in a volunteer based non-profit organization with limited resources and a small team of co-workers.
 
Our office is located at 246 S. Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, CA. This position is ten hours per week. Starting wage is $15/hr. This is an at-will position.

To apply, email cover letter and resume to Nicki Anderson: nicki.anderson@centralcoastgrown.org

CCG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such we value diversity and actively solicit candidates from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Our Board adopted policy prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status or any other basis prohibited by law.
 
 
 
The Sustainable Ag Jobs List was first created by EcoFarm Board Member Thomas Wittman.  Thomas also created the GE News service in 1991 to provide the latest news about genetically engineered foods and the movement advocating for labeling and public awareness.  To sign up for EcoFarm's other email lists, click here.
 
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