Farm Food Program Associate

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $18.44 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data. Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Greenhouse Associate helps lead the Farm Food Program of Case Western Reserve University's 400‑acre property. The farm includes indoor/outdoor spaces for teaching, research, agriculture recreation, and residential uses. Beyond growing produce, the associate’s blended role includes business aspects of food production, representing the University Farm at on‑ and off‑campus functions, and creating, documenting, and delivering original content for short one‑hour up to 12‑week co‑curricular educational programs on topics such as planting techniques for various crops, gardening at home versus institutional settings, integrated pest management, soil preparation, composting, harvesting, preserving, and beekeeping 101. With an entrepreneurial and project‑management mindset, the associate will apply principles of sustainable and, when appropriate, regenerative agriculture to design and execute seasonal planting and harvesting. The role continually develops knowledge and advocates for pilot projects, tracks and records relevant data, and collaborates with campus initiatives and community groups to connect the food program with Cleveland neighborhoods. The associate will also assist or lead University Farm special events and functions as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The food program associate leads one or more program areas and performs cross‑over work in each. All staff record planting and harvest data, collaborate with Farm administration on seed ordering, and analyze data from seed ordering to product sales, covering greenhouse, mushroom, high‑tunnel, irrigation, rainwater, beekeeping, field production, events, volunteer turnout, and farm stand sales. This work includes continuous improvement of procedures, hand planting and harvesting—sometimes with mechanical or volunteer aid. Creates, documents, and delivers original content and workshops for short one‑hour, half‑day, and up to 12‑week co‑curricular educational programs. May deliver content upon faculty request for credit classes on topics such as planting techniques, institutional versus home gardening, pest management, soil preparation, composting, harvesting, preserving, and beekeeping 101. Programs may charge fees and are open to the public, free for university members, K‑12 groups, and visitors. The associate also provides overview content for site visits, designs and runs about 20 farm stands to sell produce, delivers programming to diverse audiences, does talks, and tabling. The associate represents the farm at designated special events to recruit volunteers and partners, market activities, and educate on the mission. Leads or assists large and small group volunteer event workdays, develops original content outlines, digital presentations (e.g., PowerPoint), and related handouts. (20%) Operates heavy machinery such as tractors, mowers, irrigation equipment, compost sifter, snowplows, and other equipment related to food production and general maintenance. Assists farm maintenance staff with equipment maintenance and repairs. (15%) Collaborates weekly to maintain the lower farm, hoop houses, compost operation, and other small landscaping beds and pollinator areas, assists with invasive species control, snow plowing, trail management, pollinator habitat, and research needs. (15%) Oversees hiring, training, and supervision of student workers, interns, and temps. The farm typically hires 5‑10 students per year and hires seasonal temps as needed. (6%)

NON‑ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists with marketing content on farm food program products, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities on social media, websites, and sales operations at the farm stand. Writes original content for local food topics for print and online media as requested by Marketing & Communications. (5%) Assists with special events and other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with full and part‑time Farm staff. Works closely with the farm food program coordinator, farm director, and assistant director to maintain workflow. University: Daily to weekly contact with faculty members, university community members, and volunteers to maintain workflow. External: Weekly contact with farm visitors and greater Cleveland community members to exchange information. Students: Regular work with student workers, interns, and student volunteers to maintain workflow.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student interns, volunteers, and any temporary farm employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 2 to 3 years of experience with plant production, preferably food crops. Greenhouse experience is a plus. Ornamental crop production experience may be substituted if the candidate also has knowledge of food crop cycles. Experience creating and delivering educational content related to gardening and food production. Education/Licensing: High school education required, Bachelor's degree preferred. Classes in horticulture or agriculture preferred. Valid driver’s license.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Familiarity with food crop growth cycles and difference between cold‑weather and warm‑weather crops. Experience with integrated pest management and organic food production principles. Strong organizational skills, priority setting, meeting deadlines, attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective decision making. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. Excellent social skills for interaction among faculty, staff, students, and farm visitors; face‑to‑face communication skills. Ability to handle tools and large, power equipment related to food production. Proficiency with email, Google Suite, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint; light graphic design experience is a plus. Willingness to work with honeybees; experience preferred. Willingness to work with food waste and composting; experience preferred. Experience managing student interns and volunteers in a farm or related setting preferred. Experience safely operating and inspecting farm vehicles, including off‑road 4‑wheel drive, standard transmission vehicles, tractors with implements such as backhoes, tillers, mowers, etc. Demonstrated history of supporting, educating, and advocating for all students in alignment with the university’s mission, while adhering to conflict‑of‑interest policies. Ability to maintain consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This full‑time position requires 37.5 hours per week in Hunting Valley. Each staff member participates in a weekly, after‑hours on‑call rotation with telephone responsibilities and will periodically work weekend and evening events. Availability for evenings, holidays, and weekends is required. Daily outdoor work is mandated, regardless of weather, and may involve ladder climbing and work at heights. The role is classified as essential and may require reporting during weather events, emergencies, or designated periods, with compensation accordingly. Lifting up to 40 lbs and operating on‑and off‑road vehicles are necessary. Case Western Reserve University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, and genetic information. Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Case Western Reserve University