Oxbow Farm is Hiring a Farmer Educator --Carnation WA

POSITION: Oxbow Education (“Ox Ed”) Farmer-Educator, Full-time, year-round

Our Mission

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center researches, practices, and shares ideas about how humans can benefit from the land in ways compatible with nature.

What We Offer

The Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 30 acres of mixed vegetable crops using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation farming practice.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that produces plants for habitat restoration projects, educational gardens, and urban landscapes, and conducts research on native plant propagation using sustainable growing methods.

Connect children to nature. We offer environmental education programs for children pre-K thru high school to build their comfort in the outdoors and provide them with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Position Overview

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is looking to fill a full-time, year-round farmer-educator position to plan and oversee the growing and upkeep of Ox Ed’s one-acre Kids’ Farm and Living Playground. As part of the Ox Ed team, the farmer-educator will assist in delivering farm and environmental education programs throughout the year and will play an active role during five week-long summer camp sessions. The farmer-educator will train Ox Ed interns on organic farming practices through hands-on experience and will supervise their on-farm work.

Job Responsibilities:

Farming and Gardening Entirety of crop planning from seed to harvest for the 1-acre Kids’ Farm and Living Playground including:

• Seed acquisition, succession timing related to crop needs, field locations related to rotations and program needs, manage the Kids’ Farm propagation house
• Seed bed preparation, direct sowing crops, fertility applications in collaboration with the Farm Manager
• Hoop house upkeep, trellising, irrigation
• Pest and disease management, weed management
• Crop harvest

Additional farm operation duties include:

• Operation of small machines and farm equipment
• Teach hands-on organic farming practices to Ox Ed interns and supervise their on-farm work
• Collaborate with Oxbow’s sales and processing team to coordinate harvests from the Kid’s Farm
• Keep detailed records independently and in collaboration with existing mapping/rotation systems

Environmental Education

• Assist in delivering and strengthening Ox Ed programs, including curriculum development and planning
• Lead spring, summer and fall field trips for all age levels, as needed
• Participate in training interns, staff, and volunteers on organic farming, gardening and related topics as pertains to education program content
• Support Oxbow’s farm-to-school initiatives in local schools, including representing Oxbow at farm-to-school promotional and educational events
• Support Oxbow’s EPA Environmental Education grant initiative, including contributing to the design & installation of a school greenspace/outdoor classroom, contributing to lesson plan development & delivery as needed
• Contribute to the success of Oxbow’s five week-long summer camps sessions, including coordinating and facilitating farm projects, hay rides, harvesting, and supporting & training summer camp staff as needed

General

• Collaborate with other Oxbow teams to ensure integrated and efficient operation
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the Oxbow Management
• Work with Volunteer Coordinator to identify volunteer needs and recruit, schedule, and manage volunteers on the Kids’ Farm

Qualifications

• 3-5 years farming experience
• Strong comprehension of diversified farming systems and experience growing a wide range of mixed vegetable crops and perennials
• Knowledge of producing within the parameters of organic and food safety standards
• Strong record keeping and observation skills
• Knowledge and competency in general equipment operation and maintenance
• Knowledge and experience with youth outdoor education programming
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Positive leadership skills
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is a plus
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Passion for educating youth

Additional qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow farm is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is dependent on experience.

REPORTS TO: Ox Ed Manager

TO APPLY

Please email a resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to:

Megan Boyce-Jacobs Finance & Operations Manager Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center [email protected] www.oxbow.org

Please write Ox Ed Farmer-Educator position in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

Deadline to apply is October 2th, 2016. (Applications will be processed as they are received).