Ohio State Student Farm Production Coordinator

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Job Title: Ohio State Student Farm Production Coordinator

Department: FAES | Horticulture and Crop Science

The Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University is seeking applications for the position of Student Farm Production Coordinator 3. This is a full-time, year-round position. The Production Manager is the primary farmer responsible for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers using a combination of row-crop, plasticulture and intensive bed production methods on 4 acres including high tunnel, open field, and greenhouse. This position will be assisted by seasonal volunteers and part-time co-workers, primarily OSU undergraduate students interested in being involved with the Student Farm.

Responsibilities

Field

• Seed, transplant, and cultivate row crops using tractors, hand-tools, and implements.
• Lead and manage seasonal volunteers and part-time co-workers.
• Maintain timely tillage seedbed preparation with the help of Waterman Farm Operation.
• Manage plant disease, pests, and irrigation through scouting, drip irrigation system, overhead traveler irrigation system, row cover, and successive planting.
• Scout fields and collaborate with the sales operation regarding crop scheduling, anticipated harvest dates, and yields.
• Safely operate tractors, trucks, and various implements; supported with training.
• Learn and follow routine equipment maintenance procedures, along with minor repair, report damage and repair needs.

Tunnels, Intensive Beds and Greenhouses

• Plan, coordinate and oversee crop production in intensive beds, low tunnels, and high tunnels using walk-behind tractor and implements, hand tools.
• Greenhouse production of transplants including germination chambers.
• Maintain the high tunnels by making necessary repairs as needed, coordinating venting and helping to remove snow as needed.

Administrative

• Use of Excel/Google Sheets/Qualtrics for planning, mapping, and distributing information.
• Order seeds and document purchases.
• Maintain and oversee maintenance of accurate records.
• Keep current with the latest production and harvest practices for a wide range of vegetables.
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Coordinate on class activities/practicum sessions that can take place or engage with the student farm. This includes but is not limited to HCS 2307 Sustainable Agriculture Practical Experience (Fall) and HCS 2306 Sustainable Vegetable Production Practicum (Spring).
• Engage with potential donors interested in supporting the student farm.
• Lead monthly newsletter publication on updates about the farm and summary of relevant information for small scale and vegetable farmers.
• Support writing materials (grans application, extension article, peer review publications) related to the efforts of the student farm.
• Be motivated to adapt to changing roles as this position develops over seasons.

Supervising/Mentoring

• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students conducting activities at the farm.
• Supervise seasonal volunteers and part-time co-workers.

Required Attributes

• Positive attitude and desire to meet high expectations.
• Dependable, reliable, consistent, and on time, ready to work.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Team leader: motivate, inspire, and get results.
• Committed to improving management skills and leadership mindset.
• Skillful with interpersonal relations.
• Active problem-solver.
• Planful, with flexibility to respond to changing circumstances and expectations.
• Polite, empathic, and professional attitude and manner.
• Active listener and excellent communicator.
• Detail oriented.
• Organized.
• Committed to a quality product.

Qualifications

• The minimum qualification for this position is a high school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience. the preferred qualifications for this position is an earned BS in horticulture or plant science, agronomy or soil science, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, or discipline applicable to the duties and responsibilities outlined above.
• Technological skills: capable of using computer/tablet/smartphone with Google, Qualtrics, & Microsoft Office applications for real-time updates in the field.
• Driver’s license valid in OH.
• Experience using tractors, implements, walk-behind tractors, and hand tools.
• Communicate in English.

Foundational Farming Context

• This position requires some flexibility, with a willingness to adjust schedules around weather to get each week’s jobs completed.
• In turn, this position offers some flexibility in work days and start/stop times relative to the seasons and needs of the crops.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions including precipitation, heat, humidity and cold.

Compensation and Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Salary range $16.65 - $21.77 hourly commensurate with experience, education and internal equity
• Professional development (conference attendance, grad student symposium plant science symposium).
• Gain experience working in the commercial production and sales of food products.

Additional Information:

This job profile is a Farm Coordinator 3 (T3 level) on the career roadmap.

Location: Waterman - Laboratory Headquarters (0179)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: Varying Shifts

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.