Sustainable Field Production and Education Manager

Sustainable Field Production and Education Manager

UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID -19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.

Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 03-30-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Agroecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) maintains more than thirty acres of land for organic crop production, research, education, and outreach. This land and associated facilities have been in operation for over 50 years and serve as the primary classroom for a diverse range of hands-on programming that spans academic, research, and community programs. This includes research and education programs for the Agroecology major and multiple campus divisions, co-curricular student engagement opportunities, the Apprenticeship Program, short courses and community workshops. The Center also serves as a public demonstration site open daily for use by university students, K-12 students, and the general public.

The incumbent's work will support the Center's mission to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, collaborative program-building, community engagement, and public service. UCSC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with R1 research standing, one of only 25 campuses nationwide, a Minority-Serving Institution, and an Asian American and Native American-Pacific Islander Serving Institution and it is imperative that the incumbent has the skill, experience and capacity to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of their work and programming.

More information can be found here: https://agroecology.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

The Sustainable Field Production Manager is part of a team of experienced farm educators that holds responsibility for day-to-day operations of the UCSC Center for Agroecology Farm, a highly complex diversified agricultural system. Under the direction of the Field Site Manager, the incumbent supports sustainable field production design and implementation to support instruction for different educational programs (Undergraduate Agroecology major, Intensive Short Courses, Apprenticeship, extension and general public workshops, and undergraduate interns and student employees). The incumbent supports educational sustainable farming programming with guest lectures, providing hands-on experiences for a diverse range of learners and shares responsibility for produce production; tillage and cultivation systems; irrigation infrastructure and function; and sustainable ecological stewardship of the overall 30-acre farm site. The incumbent will play a key role in maintaining a safe environment where a diverse group of participants can prosper. This position will play an integral role in supporting increased access and success of traditionally underrepresented students in sustainable agriculture.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $32.28 - $34.48 / Hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation rate for this role and should not offer a salary above the posted rate. The salary shown above is the rate the University reasonably expects to pay.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri

Employee Classification: This is a Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 006238 SUSTAIN OFCR 2

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

45% - Sustainable Field Production Management

• Manage, plan and implement all aspects of sustainable crop production for a 10-acre diversified farm operation including specialty crops, orchards, vine, and brush systems. From crop planning to marketing and distribution.
• Integrate production plan with the complex matrix of year-round CfA programming, emphasizing student success as the primary site outcome.
• Integrate sustainable production plan with research needs and priorities from a broad range of disciplines.
• Support the implementation and tracking of annual site budget.
• Maintain field production records for reporting requirements (CCOF, PAL, CCWB).
• Organize and implement marketing via multiple outlets.
• Maintain a safe and orderly public farm.

45% - In-field Supervision, Training, and Instruction

• Lead hands-on educational programming in the tractor-based field site for a diverse range of curricular, research, and community programs integrating all aspects of sustainable crop production: crop planning, propagation, tractor driving and implement usage, irrigation, crop cultivation, harvest and post-harvest handling, marketing, and distribution.
• Supervise a large team of paid student employees to manage the farm operation and integrate curricular and co-curricular opportunities.
• Plan and direct daily activities of assistant staff, student interns, work-study students, participants in educational programs, and volunteers in the field, greenhouses, and orchards.

10% - Organizational Support

• Participate in CfA staff and committee meetings and planning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in agriculture, education or related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Skills to operate farming and specialized farm maintenance equipment.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate others. Skills to evaluate issues and identify resolution in a management role.
• Thorough and effective verbal, interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Thorough and effective written skills.
• Experience managing a diverse farm operation of similar scope to the CfA field site.
• Experience with farm equipment maintenance and fabrication (e.g. welding, cutting, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience meeting and understanding the needs and issues related to serving diverse and underserved populations in agriculture.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a minority-serving institution, understanding the needs and issues related to serving diverse populations.
• Thorough knowledge and experience managing research field trials.
• Tractor experience in a diversified farm system.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Ability to perform vertebrate pest control such as trapping, baiting, or other types of rodent control.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary in storing and moving materials. The ability to lift light to moderate objects up to 40 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

HOW TO APPLY

Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to 'My Activities'. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.