Posting Details

Posting NumberPG190790TMPosition Number11ASO1529Position TypeTemporaryEssential Job Duties

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Food and Farm Apprenticeship Program, is seeking highly-motivated individuals from a variety of different backgrounds to participate in an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship appointments are for 8 weeks and are located in Cherokee, Clay, Macon, and Haywood Counties. See descriptions below for specific information on each position.

Brief Program Overview

• During the 8 week, the apprentice will have the opportunity to:
• Assist business with expanding their marketing and outreach strategies via internet based platforms including web site design and development, social media, digital graphics, and e-commerce.
• All work will be done remotely, no on-farm or on-site visitation

6 Available Remote Summer Apprenticeship Opportunities:

1 – Sustainabilities (Haywood Co.)
Canton, NC

• The apprentice will focus on communications and marketing assistance; focused on advertising strategies in order to reach a larger audience and increase sales. Tasks include developing marketing strategies for future on-farm food-based classes, farm tours, and upcoming farm stays. An important role will be to update the website, create social media presence, and other digital aspects of marketing to promote farm and blacksmith activities and products. Additionally, the apprentice will assist in the expansion of Agritourism business marketing efforts to effectively reach the community and increase visitation.

Learning Objectives:

• Website design and content development
• Marketing strategies for Agritourism
• Creating a Social Media presence
• Understanding farm business ideology for the food movement
• Community engagement and outreach

Experience

• Website design and development using user-friendly website builders with mobile compatible sites with no coding required .
• Social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram).
• Internet-based graphic design platform (Canva).
• Marketing and communication skills are strongly preferred.

Working Business Hours
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm

Apprenticeship Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(8weeks) for 20 hours a week
(Remote Working Environment)

2 – The Crown Restaurant (Clay Co)
Brasstown, NC

The Crown’s mission is to foster community and set a new higher standard for food and beverage quality, employee welfare, and environmental sustainability for the area. Our focus is to provide a gathering space and experience as unique as the diverse and eclectic community we serve.

We are looking for an enthusiastic marketing apprentice to join our team and provide creative ideas to help achieve our goals. A digital media and marketing specialist with working knowledge of various internet based digital platforms including but not limited to; website builders, social media, graphic design and email marketing. The apprentice will be responsible for boosting The Crown’s digital marketing strategy to promote brand/restaurant awareness to increase customers. The apprentice will use graphic design platforms to create social media graphics, event posters/flyers and other visual content. Updating the company database and customer relationship management systems. Work will include collaborating with area Chambers of Commerce, business associations, and other community organizations to market the restaurant and special events.

Learning Objectives

• Website design and content development
• Marketing strategies for a restaurant focused on well-being, healthy eating, and sourcing of local food
• Increased brand awareness
• Marketing material development, i.e. digital newsletter, event flyers, etc.
• Community engagement and outreach to market business and special events

Experience

• Website design and development using user-friendly website builders with mobile compatible sites with no coding required.
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.).
• Internet-based graphic design platform (Canva)
• Creative, self-motivated and willing to learn

Apprentice Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(8 weeks) 20 hrs per week

Working Business Hours
Monday-Friday (8am-5pm)
(Remote Working Environment)

3 – Deal Family Farms (Macon Co.)
Franklin, NC

Deal Family Farms is looking for a digital media and marketing specialist with working knowledge of various internet based digital platforms including but not limited to; website builders, social media, graphic design and email marketing. The apprentice will be responsible for boosting Deal Family Farm’s digital marketing strategy to promote brand/farm awareness to increase sales and farm visitation. The apprentice will use graphic design platforms to create social media graphics, event posters/flyers and other visual content.

The apprentice would learn the details of working with a diversified family farm. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will have a better understanding of agriculture, increased appreciation for family farms, and will have a diversified portfolio of work.

Learning Objectives
*Website design and contact development

• Marketing strategies for Agritourism based farm business
• Increased Deal Family Farm’s brand awareness
• Improve social media presence
• Marketing material development, i.e. digital newsletters, event flyers, etc.
• Community engagement and outreach to market farm awareness and special events

Experience

• Website design and development using user-friendly website builders with mobile compatible sites with no coding required.
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, etc.)
• Internet-based graphic design platform (Canva)
• Creative, self-motivated and willing to learn

Apprentice Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(8 weeks) 20 hrs per week

4 – Shady Brook Grass Farm (Haywood Co)
Canton, NC

Shady Brook Grass Farm is a four-generation family farm specializing in grass-fed beef and pastured poultry. We are looking for a digital media and marketing apprentice to promote brand awareness, and expand our farm’s e-commerce business, by building a robust social media presence and active campaigns to drive traffic to our website. Skills include a working knowledge of various internet-based digital platforms such as website builders, social media, graphic design, and email marketing. Apprentice will use graphic design platforms to create social media graphics, event posters/flyers, and other visual content to increase product sales, The apprentice will gain knowledge and skills in online marketing specifically geared towards integrating a convenience factor into our local food sales platform.

Learning Objectives

• Website content development
• Maintain and expend e-commerce site
• Increase brand awareness
• Improve social media presence
• Social Media analytics
• Track increased farm product sales
• Marketing material development, i.e. digital newsletters, event and or new product flyers, social media banners, etc.
• Community engagement and outreach to market farms brand awareness and promote e-commerce site

Experience

• Website design and development using user friendly website builders with mobile compatible sites with no coding required.
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
• Internet based graphic design platform (Canva)

Apprentice Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(8 weeks) 20 hrs per week

Working Business Hours
Monday-Fridaym 8am-5pm
(Remote Work Environment)

5 – MountainWise (Macon Co)
Franklin, NC

The apprentice will work to expand the Double Up Food Bucks Program (DUFB) in the region to Haywood and Jackson Co. Farmers Markets, with the potential to add to the Franklin Farmers Market, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Through the DUFB Program, MountainWise matches SNAP/EBT dollars spent on local fresh produce, at the participating markets. DUFB matching dollars can be spent that same day, or saved up for use on a different day, for up to one year.

Additionally, the apprentice will participate in expanding the services offered in the Work Site Wellness Program. The program’s focus is to support workplace health in manufacturing, auto, and aviation businesses in the region. This will involve participation in the planning phase to develop outreach efforts, and program marketing materials around how to approach CSA farm businesses to assist them with expanding their market share, and also accessing data to bring local food into these workplaces. This work includes educating employees on the nutritional value of sourcing their food from local farms, farmers markets, and CSA’s.

The apprentice will work remotely. Some travel in supported counties may be required, but reimbursement is not available at this time.

Learning Objectives

• Community engagement with focus on food system change.
• Strategic planning and data collection.
• Program marketing and outreach.
• Access to local food resources.
• Understand federal nutrition incentive programs and food policies and their applications in rural Appalachian communities.

Experience

• Experience or interest in marketing/communications, health education, health promotion, or economic development is preferred.

Apprenticeship Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(8 weeks) 20 hrs per week

Working Business Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
(Remote Working Environment)

6 – Long Family Farm (Cherokee Co)
Murphy, NC

Long Family Farm is a multicultural and product diverse family farm using sustainable organic practices and was awarded 2019 North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year.

Long Family Farm looking for a digital media and marketing specialist with working knowledge of various internet based digital platforms including but not limited to; website builders, social media, graphic design and email marketing. The apprentice will be responsible for website design and development with e-commerce capabilities. The Long Family Farm’s digital marketing strategy to promote brand/farm awareness to increase sales. The apprentice will use graphic design platforms to create social media graphics and other visual content to post on social media platforms to build a robust social media presence and active campaigns to drive traffic to their website.

Learning Objectives

• Website content development.
• Maintain and expand e-commerce site.
• Increase brand awareness.
• Improve social media presence.
• Marketing material development, i.e. digital newsletters, event and or new product flyers, social media banners, etc.
• Community engagement and outreach to market farms brand awareness and promote e-commerce site.

Experience

• Website design and development using user friendly website builders with mobile compatible sites with no coding required.
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
• Internet based graphic design platform (Canva)

Apprenticeship Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(12 weeks) 20 hrs a week

Working Business Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm
(Remote Working Environment)

7 – Haywood’s Historic Farmer’s Market (Haywood County)
Waynesville, NC

Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market is a producer-only market featuring local products sourced from Haywood or adjacent counties. The Market offers a diverse number of products including fresh produce, meats, fish, eggs, honey, dairy, preserves, baked goods, heritage crafts, and much more. To increase our vendor sales and overall health of the market we are looking for a creative marketing apprentice. Job responsibilities include creating social media posts and events, digital newsletters and campaigns, and providing creative content for Market events and promotions using digital graphic design platforms. The apprentice will promote the Market through community outreach at health-related businesses, our local downtown association, and local businesses through online flyer distribution. To assess impact, the apprentice will track financial transactions including market-only currency, debit/credit cards, SNAP/ebt cards, Double-Up Food Buck currency (in-line with SNAP/ebt) and the correlation between marketing efforts and customer flow by weekly customer counts conducted by the market manager and increased vendor sales.

Learning Objectives

• Social Media Analytics
• How marketing strategies increase customer flow
• Tracking increased farmer and value-added producer sales
• Tracking increase of token exchange and EBT sales
• Website updates and content development
• Increase brand awareness
• Improve social media presence.
• Marketing material development, i.e. digital newsletters, event and or new product flyers, etc
• Online community engagement and outreach to increase Market customer traffic
• Online direct-to-consumer marketing

Experience

• Website maintenance and content development
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
• Internet-based graphic design platform (Canva)

Apprentice Duration
Anticipated Start Date: May 23-29
(8 weeks) for 20/hrs per week

Working Business Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Apprentice must be able to upload content real time on social media platforms during Saturday Market operations 9 am -1 pm (Remote working environment, no on-site market visitation)

What specific skills are required for this position?
We seek individuals who embrace the messaging of sustainable agriculture, are hard-working, self-motivated, have the ability to work consistently on repetitive tasks and have a positive attitude. Successful applicants will have the ability to take direction, show initiative, and work well in a team as well as independently. We desire someone with good communication and organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to lift up to 45 pounds. Work will be conducted via using online platforms, email, and phone communications. All work is remote. No on-site or on-farm visitation will be permitted.

Work Schedule
Flexible – Monday – Friday, Hours can be scheduled directly with the mentor during their normal hours of business as written above and in coordination with student(s) schedule. Approximately 20 hours per week.

Is Time LimitedNoIf Yes, Appointment LengthJob City & StateRemoteDepartmentCEFSClassification TitleTemporary-Technical/ParaprofessionalWorking TitleTemp Agricultural ApprenticePosition Information

Work ScheduleMonday-Friday, 20 hrs per weekOther Work/Responsibilities

n/a

Minimum Experience/Education

-High School Diploma or equivalent

Department Required Skills

-Students enrolled in Southwestern Community College, Tri County Community College, Haywood Community College curriculum or continuing education programs.
-Students enrolled in Western Carolina University (including rising Freshman).
-Students enrolled in any secondary institution and that is living in the program region during the apprenticeship period.
-Students graduated within 12 months from Southwestern Community College, Tri County Community College, Haywood Community College, Western Carolina University or other colleges/universities if applicant primary residence is in Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Macon, Graham, Clay, Cherokee Counties or the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
-Applicants must be flexible and open to working with producers, EMFS Program Managers and Evaluators, faculty, Extension Agents and other organizations
-Applicants need to be self motivated to accomplish job responsibilities remotely.
—Keen interest in supporting marketing strategies to highlight messaging of sustainable agriculture practices, agriculture and product education, sustainable livestock production, benefits of proper animal husbandry and promotion of local foods

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

-Skills in design and development of online digital marketing platforms is preferred.
-Experience with internet based marketing strategies to expand customer base and increase revenue.

Required License or Certification

n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required?NoCommercial Driver's License Required?NoRecruitment

Anticipated Hiring Range$12/hrJob Open Date04/22/2020Quick Linkhttp://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/131796AA/EOE

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. How did you learn of this opportunity?
   • NCSU Website
   • Job Alert (automated email from our system)
   • NCSU Executive Search Services
   • Monster.com
   • CareerBuilder.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Other Online Job Board
   • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
   • Job / Career Fair
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Professional Journal
   • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
   • Radio / Television Advertisement
   • Professional Organization
   • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
   • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
   • NCSU Employee Referral
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
   • Other
2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. What is your County of residence?

   (Open Ended Question)

4. Are you currently in school? (please choose one)* Yes, enrolled at Haywood, Tri-County, or Southwestern Community College* Yes, enrolled at Western Carolina University* Yes, enrolled in a community college not in the seven Western NC counties* Yes, enrolled in a University not in the seven western NC counties* No, but I graduated from WCU, HCC, TCCC, or SCC within the past year* No, but I graduated from WCU, HCC, TCCC, or SCC more than a year ago* Will begin attending classes next semester at one of these institutions* Not currently enrolled and not a recent graduate* I am a currently enrolled student in another institution outside of the region, my home residence is in one of the program counties

   (Open Ended Question)

5. What is/was your major or area of study?

   (Open Ended Question)

6. Do you have work experience? If so, please provide a short description. If not, please enter n/a.

   (Open Ended Question)

7. What kind of skill sets could you bring to a host business? (Please list all that apply)1 - Marketing, sales, retail experience2 - Production and farm experience3 - Animal management experience 4 - Business planning5 - Communications and social media6 - Online marketing7 - Website design and development8 - E-Commerce

   (Open Ended Question)

8. Do you have any specific learning outcomes you are required to meet for your program of study?

   (Open Ended Question)

9. Please share any other information you'd like us to know before you interview (maximum 300 words).

   (Open Ended Question)

10. * Do you have a High School Diploma or Equivalent?
    • Yes
    • No
11. * Do you have experience with internet based marketing strategies to expend customer base and increase revenue?
    • Yes
    • No
12. * Do you have a keen interest in supporting marketing strategies to highlight messaging of sustainable agriculture practices, agriculture and product education, sustainable livestock production, benefits of proper animal husbandry and promotion of local foods?
    • Yes
    • No
13. * Are you flexible and open to working with producers, Extension Agents, EMFS Program Managers and Evaluators, faculty, and other organizations?
    • Yes
    • No
14. * Are you self-motivated to accomplish job responsibilities remotely?
    • Yes
    • No
15. Please specify which apprenticeship(s) you are applying for - 1: Sustainability (Haywood Co), 2: The Crown Restaurant (Clay Co), 3: Deal Family Farms (Macon Co), 4: Shady Brook Grass Farm (Haywood Co), 5: MoutainWise (Macon Co), 6: Long Family Farm (Cherokee Co) or 7: Haywood's Historic Farmers Market (Haywood Co)?

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Contact Information for References

Optional Documents