Job no: 688759
Work type: Extension, Support Staff
Pay Grade: 00
Major Administrative Unit / College: Michigan State University Extension
Department: Extension Community Food And Environment 10058942
Sub Area: EXPA- Ext. Prog Assoc
Salary: 12.00
Location: In State, Oakland
Categories: Temporary, Non-Union
Unit Position Summary

Working Title: Sustainable Agriculture Apprentice

Duties: The apprenticeship is an intensive introduction into the field of small scale vegetable agriculture, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to begin their own operation. Apprentices will be responsible for the day to day operation of the farm, including planting, weeding, harvesting and processing the produce. CSA distribution and market stands will also be operated by the apprentices. At the end of the season, the apprentices will have an excellent handle on the operation of the farm and dedicated participants would be qualified for a manager position.
As part of the program, apprentices will engage with textual and online material. These more formal learning opportunities will connect the hands on technical training to larger concepts necessary to understand the operation of a farm. Topics covered in the apprenticeship include: crop and soil science, financial literacy, business management and marketing, organic pest and disease control and operational management
Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit other organizations that are involved in the local, sustainable food movement, including farms, value added facilities and other relevant businesses and organizations. Apprentices will also occasionally assist and interact with other educational programs on site.

Desired Qualifications

• High school diploma required
• Previous farming or gardening experience not required.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainability and indications that this experience will inform your future work.
• Applicants are expected to be physically capable as the job involves completing long stretches of strenuous labor in challenging working conditions.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
• Previous outdoor work experience.
• Ability to lift 50+lbs.
• Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to listen to directions and execute them.
• Positive attitude and effective communication skills.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license(s)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Summary of Physical Demands

• Applicants are expected to be physically capable as the job involves completing long stretches of strenuous labor in challenging working conditions.

Advertised: Jan 11, 2021 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 1, 2021 Eastern Standard Time