Internship Organic Farming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department
Ogier Gardens-OPS
Compensation
$20.00 Hourly
Required Qualifications
General Description: The Ogier Gardens Staff lead, under the direction of the Senior Coordinator or above, participates in the design, development and implementation of the Ogier Gardens departmental processes and/or programs. Assists with overall administration, policies, and procedures of all programs involving the Ogier Gardens. This includes helping oversee a comprehensive gardening program, year-round food production, weekly food-safe harvests for volunteers, and deliveries to the Lend-A-Wing Food Pantry. Implements and recommends policies and procedures to ensure effective coordination of departmental programs.
Job Function: The Staff Lead of the Ogier Gardens assists the Senior Coordinator of the Ogier Gardens with the design, development and implementation of Ogier Gardens departmental processes and/or programs. This includes overseeing the one-acre Ogier Gardens property and comprehensive gardening program, year-round food production, weekly food-safe harvests for volunteers, and deliveries to the Lend-A-Wing Food Pantry.

• Assists with the coordination of Ogier Gardens programs - educational workshops, Adopt-A-Bed garden plots, special events and space reservations, and conducts tours for classes and the general public.
• Assists with the development and implementation of a year-round comprehensive gardening program that engages diverse groups of students in volunteering, garden programs, workshops and educational events. Assists with collaborations and partnerships including academics, FTIC students, Fraternity and Sorority Life.
• Assists with the beautification and maintenance of the Ogier Gardens landscape for use in programming. Assists with maintenance of the building infrastructure of the Ogier Gardens property. Operates and repairs irrigation systems in the landscape, greenhouse, and all equipment utilized for the operation and maintenance of the Ogier Gardens.
• Assists with fertilization and disease and pest management for a wide variety of crops.
• Assists the Senior Coordinator with the management of Student Farmers, providing strategic guidance in the development of Ogier Gardens policies, procedures, and organizational structure. Provides support to Student Farmers in their roles related to special events, adopt-a-bed management, social media and other functions of Ogier Gardens programs.
• Assists with the coordination, tracking and supervision of Ogier Gardens volunteers.
• Assists with program and facility equipment - ordering, inventory, inspections, and routine reports or checklists that support best practices for equipment management and maintenance.
• Maintains Safety Data Sheets and instructions for using all potentially hazardous substances in the Ogier Gardens.
• Assists with oversight and effective management of the acre of Ogier Gardens space, the hydroponic grow station in the Student Wellness Complex, and the additional 5,000 square feet of compost and beekeeping apiary.
• Assists with the delivery and procurement of materials and inputs required for the successful operation of the Ogier Gardens.
• Assists with the development and execution of a strategic marketing program to increase awareness and participation in Ogier Gardens events and programs. Collaborates with on-campus sources such as marketing and publications, Osprey Update, calendar of events, and Spinnaker media. Utilizes culturally relevant social media tools to maximize the program's impact.
• Maintain detailed records of garden tasks, planting locations, inputs and field notes to comply with Organic standards.
• Assists with Ogier Gardens program evaluation. Assists with program reports as requested, including the department's Annual Report and Report to Student Government with dynamic analysis of program use and statistics.
• Assists with reporting achievements and accomplishments to external funders annually.
• Design and deliver presentations, workshops and educational/training materials.
• Serves as a mentor and coach to staff, students, interns, and volunteers. Assists with providing ongoing feedback, training, and professional development opportunities to support their growth and success within the program.
• Serves as a subject matter resource for all Ogier Gardens programming and provides guidance and support to staff, students, interns, and volunteers on industry best practices, safety guidelines and to enhance educational opportunities.
• Assists with the development and implementation of innovative strategies to expand and enhance the Ogier Gardens' educational opportunities for UNF Students and the public.
• Comply with all regenerative organic gardening regulations and ensure all farming certifications are current.
• Assist with coordinating produce needs with the Lend-A-Wing Pantry and for educational programs.
• Work with external partners and stakeholders to build strategic alliances and secure additional funding and resources to support the growth and sustainability of the Ogier Gardens program.
• Works with community agencies in providing holistic programs and services.
• Assist with the management and care of the UNF honeybee colonies. Assist with the maintenance of beehives, collect honey and other bee products, and monitor the health and productivity of the bees. Assist with hive inspections, address disease and pest issues, to maximize honey production while promoting sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices.
• Assist with the implementation of a grant-funded, campus-wide composting pilot program, that collects and diverts food waste from the Campus Café, Dietetics Food Lab, and other locations serving food on campus.

Departmental Requirements:
Trained in all aspects dealing with the Organic Garden, Orchard, & Vineyard. Proficient marketing, promotion and public speaking in formal and informal settings. Organic Farming, pest management, and beekeeping experience preferred. Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as needed. Assists with Marketing and Promotional Campaigns with the Ogier Gardens and Recreation and Wellness.
General Requirements:
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Proficiency in written and oral communication skills and utilization of computers and web-based management systems. Ability to foster a positive, cooperative work environment. Ability to supervise and train student employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Knowledge in employee development and performance management skills. Ability to work independently or as a member of a team. Ability to adapt to changing work environments, conditions and work schedules. Including irregular hours during nights, weekends and some holidays. Ability to manage multiple tasks with varying completion dates to ensure deadlines are met. Excellent risk management skills regarding organic gardening related activities. Must be able to work weekends and early morning hours based on programming as required as a condition of continual employment. Ability to comply with all policies and regulations of UNF and enforce policies that apply to University Recreation programs and services.
Visual and Auditory Abilities: Must be sufficient to monitor activities and events in designated area. Must be able to identify potential hazards during facility inspections.
Machines/Equipment used regularly
Telephone, computer, and oversee and train for usage of lawnmower, weed trimmer, edger, pressure washer, chainsaw, leaf blower, tiller, drill, circular saw and other hand tools used in horticulture and irrigation maintenance.
Supervision Exercised
Assist with the supervision of the Ogier Gardens Student Farmers.
Supervision Received
The position has frequent contact with the Recreation and Wellness staff. The Senior Coordinator of the Ogier Gardens supervises the position and provides annual performance reviews. The incumbent develops procedures for performing a variety of complex duties within established guidelines; has considerable freedom while the work is in process and receives instructions on new assignments.
Program Direction and Development
Assists with coordination, implementation and administration of the Ogier Gardens facility and program. Coordinates and implements the management plan for the Ogier Gardens. Assists with coordination and facilitation of the programs related to Healthy Osprey Living, Learning Community. Assists with the development and implementation of Health Osprey Campaigns, programming, services, and events. Assists with expanding all facets of the "Healthy Osprey" initiative. Assists with writing grants. Knowledge or experience with: Jacksonville recreational areas, local flora & fauna, public speaking, park ranger, Florida Naturalist, equipment logistics.
Policy-making and/or Interpretation
Assist to formulate, design, develop and recommend policies and procedures related to the Ogier Gardens.
Level of Public Contact
Interacts on a daily basis with UNF students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public.
Communicates directly with university benefactors and Student Government.
Communicates on a daily basis with professionals in other university departments.
Works closely with faculty doing research in Ogier Gardens.
Works with community agencies in providing holistic programs and services.
Monetary Responsibility
Assists the senior coordinator with developing and managing the budget for areas of responsibility. Works with the RecWell Business Office staff to support pcard reporting.
Standing Frequent: 30-70%
Walking Frequent: 30-70%
Sitting Occasional: Up to 30%
Lifting up to 30 lbs Frequent: 30-70%
Lifting 30-60 lbs Occasional: Up to 30%
Lifting 60-90 lbs Not Required
Lifting over 90 lbs Not Required
Pushing/Pulling Occasional: Up to 30%
Reaching Frequent: 30-70%
Climbing Not Required
Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching Occasional: Up to 30%
Other unusual physical activities or working conditions required of your position
Works in all weather conditions, use various farming tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
Suggested Licensure or Certification
Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or graduated with a minor in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience.
Farm Food Safety Certified
Public Pesticide Applicator's License
First Aid, CPR/AED
Master Gardener, Farm Business Management.
EPA's Worker Protection Standard Train-The-Trainer.
Preferred: relevant trainings completed through the Cooperative Extension.
*Payrate negotiable based on preferred qualifications
Statement(s) of Understanding
This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.
The holder of this position is designated as a "Responsible Employee" pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University's Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator
Equal Opportunity
The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.
Carnegie
UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University's collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF's mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.