Farm-Based Programs Assistant

Pukalani HI

Description

Position Title: Farm-based Programs Assistant Reports To: Farm Manager FLSA Status: Non-exempt Primary Responsibilities: Under the supervision and direction of the Farm Manager, supports the delivery of farm-based programs for the Family Strengthening Program, Stipend Program and Farm-based Programs for the Community. Assists with routine farm maintenance activities and performs tasks necessary to maintain an orderly, safe and healthy farm environment. Essential Duties: • Assists with routine farm maintenance activities. • Works with individuals and in groups with families and participants in all programs. • Participates in coordinated planning with all staff to ensure integrated, efficient and effective service delivery. • Provides support for all family members and participates in farm-based activities. Family Strengthening Program & Stipend Program Responsibilities: • Assists with implementing farm-based activities and projects for families including Community Garden. • Assist in training families in animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture practices. • Co-leads weekly Keiki Club with Programs Assistant. • Provides support for Stipend Program as assigned. Farm-based Programs for the Community Responsibilities: • Assists in implementing farm-based activities and projects for internships, volunteers, field trips and farm tours. Daily Farm Operations Responsibilities: • Performs cropping field duties including but not limited to: preparation, planting, watering weeding, fertilizing, pest control and harvesting. • Performs plant nursery duties including but not limited to: watering, fertilizing, plant propagation and transplanting. • Maintains farm areas including pathways, animal environments, composting area and other areas as assigned. • Performs cleaning and clearing of field gardens, plant nursery, bananas, windbreak area and other areas as assigned. • Operates farm equipment including but not limited to: mowers, weed eaters, and leaf blower; may operate tractor or farm truck subject to prior administrative approval; and uses picks, rakes, shovels, sickles, backpack sprayers, and other tools as needed. • Performs duties in the compost area including uncovers and covers compost piles, turns piles with and without tractor, and more. • Assists with the care and feeding of farm animals as assigned on the monthly calendar. As directed, implements a regular schedule of worming, medication regimens, and other animal-specific activities. • Cleans animal pens and transports manure to the compost area. • Cuts grass and other fodder from the farm for use in feeding animals. Other Duties: • Other duties as assigned by the Farm Manager or Programs Director. • Knows the agency’s mission, program philosophy, model, service standards and procedures. • Participates and represents The Maui Farm on local, state, regional, and national organizations, networks, coalitions, task forces, etc. as recommended by the Farm Manager and approved by the Programs Director. Working Conditions: Shared indoor office space that is not air conditioned. Farm-based classroom that is not air conditioned. Outdoor farm environment including plant nursery, crop fields, animal environments, and storage areas. Outdoor grounds include gardens, lawns and areas of uneven terrain. Periodic conditions of excessive wind, rain and sun. Must be able to work with small and large animals. Work Hours: Generally, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with a thirty (30) minute lunch break. Variations in schedule as determined by Farm Manager. Equipment Use: Familiarity with the tools of the trade of farm and garden work. Computers and other types of office equipment including PC, tablet, copy machine, scanner, shredder, and multi-line phone. Mental and Physical Demands: Must be in good health and have the physical ability to operate tools and farm equipment, and engage in physical labor activities including but not limited to pushing, bending, lifting and carrying; and able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) or more pounds. Requires working under occasional pressure; working with individuals and groups; and establishing and maintaining cooperative and productive work relationships. Must be in good health and physically capable of bending, lifting, and carrying. Requires following the company's procedures and professional guidelines. May require travel in personal vehicle and/or agency-owned vehicle. Communication Demand: Requires communicating effectively with co-workers, program participants, volunteers, community representatives, and others both verbally and in writing. Requires the ability to obtain information from a variety of sources and present it clearly and concisely verbally and in writing. Skills / Knowledge: • Knowledge of and willingness to utilize natural farming principles and methods. • Familiarity with and ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on farm equipment, irrigation systems, and grounds maintenance equipment. • Possesses the ability to recognize and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in relationships with program participants and co-workers. • Communicates and works effectively with individuals of diverse racial, social, and economic backgrounds including disability and learning capabilities, gender or gender identity and sexual orientation. • Respects the individuality and confidentiality of persons served and works in partnership with them and their families toward mutually established goals. • Works in partnership with other team members both in the agency and in the community. • Possesses effective organizational and time management skills. • Possesses the ability to observe/recognize participant safety concerns that may be presented on the job. • Possesses computer-based skills including the Microsoft Office Suite, internet use, and data management. Education / Experience: Previous demonstrated experience in farming or gardening, farm maintenance and/or grounds maintenance, and skills in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. Any combination of education and experience which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the minimum qualifications to perform the essential functions of this position. Other Requirements: A TB test is required in accordance with the requirements of the state department of health. A criminal history background check including fingerprinting and a state child abuse and neglect screening is a condition of employment; must be free from convictions of crimes against persons including children. A valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and clean traffic abstract is required. The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. The Maui Farm has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.