Job Summary:
Do you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoy working with innovative urban farming systems? Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture, diverse growing methods and expanding access to fresh, locally grown food? This is your chance!
This position will work as part of the ValleyHUB team at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Food Innovation Center, focusing on farm operations and flexing between processing, logistics and distribution areas as needs arise.
Farm Operations Tasks:
- Safely complete maintenance and troubleshooting tasks in urban farm systems, applying horticultural knowledge and problem-solving to address observed issues and assist with system assembly and repair.
- Accurately and consistently complete required documentation (harvest logs, labor logs, water quality and Integrated Pest Management tracking), analyze and report data to team when requested.
- Lead farm lab assistant crew and/or volunteer groups on daily tasks and time management:
- set the pace and work alongside team when needed
- ensure break coverage
- shift employees between tasks and activities as needed
- Follow established processes for farm production and help manager develop new processes as needed.
- Perform general farm maintenance and cleaning.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of farm operations and local agriculture.
- Knowledge of effective customer service principles.
- Skill in record keeping.
- Skill in prioritizing tasks.
- Skill in effective verbal and written communications.
- Skill in operation of food processing equipment.
- Skill in general kitchen and culinary operations.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
- Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel and the public.
EEO Statement
As an employer, Kalamazoo Valley encourages, welcomes, and fosters differences because we believe that diversity makes us great. It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion, color, national origin/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, age, height, weight, familial status, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other status or characteristic protected by law, in its programs, services, employment or activities. All qualified applicants will be given equal opportunity and consideration for employment; please consider joining us as we empower all to learn, grow and thrive. Prior to a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a criminal record background check. For some positions, a credit history investigation will also be required. Information gathered will be used for job-related purposes to the extent permitted by applicable law and will not result in an automatic disqualification from an employment opportunity.
