UVM Farmer Training Program is hiring a Farm Assistant

Farm Assistant, Farmer Training Program

Continuing Education at The University of Vermont is seeking to fill a part-time wages position, Farm Assistant, for the Farmer Training Program, a six-month training program for aspiring farmers and food systems advocates. The Farm Assistant will receive daily supervision and guidance from the Farm Coordinator and the Assistant Farm Educator, with administrative oversight from designated manager.

The Farm Assistant job duties will include:

Farming

• Assist in field production on 3 acre farm site and ¾ acre garden site, including propagation, planting, tractor work, weeding, harvesting, and fertility management
• Assist in management of pest, disease, and weed pressure on the sites, with a focus on educating the students
• Help lead Farmer Training students in field work, providing instruction and guidance throughout
• Understand and teach harvesting techniques for the weekly farmers market

Teaching and Program Support

• Help coordinate and attend field trips to area farms
• Help students to make connections between the lessons learned on rotations, the growing site, field trips, and classes
• Assist in field instruction and on-farm demonstrations, with guidance from the Farm Coordinator and the Assistant Farm Educator
• Assist in  grass roots marketing plan by attending conferences and representing the program to the public

Successful Candidate will have:

·         Valid Driver’s License

·         Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly and perform physically demanding work

·         At least one season of experience working on a diverse vegetable farm

·         Experience in most aspects of running a farm

·         Ability to multi-task and creatively problem solve

·         Effective interpersonal and communication skills

·         Strong sense of punctuality and dependability

·         Ability to delegate tasks and effectively instruct adult learners

·         An enthusiasm for educating new farmers

This is a part-time seasonal position, requiring 30 hours per week from April 15 to November 1, 2013.

As a temporary seasonal position, UVM employee benefits are not available for this position.

To apply, email, fax or mail cover letter, resume and list of at least three references to:

Noёl McCann

noel.mccann@uvm.edu

Continuing Education

University of Vermont

460 South Prospect Street

Burlington, VT 05405

Fax: (802)656-1347

Application deadline is February 22, 2013.