Agricultural Technician (Farm Tech)

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton, MA is seeking an Agricultural Technician (Farm Tech) to support the Farm Director and Ag Cluster staff in executing school farm operations and agricultural programs.

You will supervise student workers, assist with crop production, composting, and data collection for educational projects, while ensuring proper storage of crops used for livestock feed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate Degree preferable with a concentration in Agriculture and at least four years of farm-related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise student employees and help resolve issues for farm operations.
• Collect and monitor data for educational projects as directed by Farm Director.
• Assist with production and storage of crops for livestock feed and related needs.
• Maintain plant material, field crops, and greenhouse production; assist with farm repairs and vehicle maintenance.

Skills

Livestock management

Crop production

Composting

Communication

Supervising student employees

Record keeping

Software literacy

Education

Associate degree in Agriculture

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Email

Spreadsheet software

Record keeping software

Job description

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School - Northampton, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Agricultural Technician (Farm Tech)

Job Description

Primary/other Functions:

• Works under the supervision of the Farm Director and in cooperation with the Ag Cluster staff to insure implementation of Agriculture Department and School policies.
• Responsible for monitoring and collecting data as needed for educational projects.
• Responsible for the production and proper storage of crops related to the need for livestock feed.
• Responsible for assisting the Ag Cluster staff in the care and maintenance of all plant material, field crops and greenhouse production.
• Responsible for conducting routine maintenance and to arrange for repair of associated vehicles and machines.
• Responsible for routine maintenance and repair of farm structures, buildings and grounds, fencing and greenhouse maintenance.
• Responsible for ongoing composting operations including processing, screening, handling customer orders and delivery.
• Supervision of student employees and solving issues needed for the successful operation of the school farm and enterprises and clientele.
• Follows budgetary constraints established for the successful fiscal operation of the farm.
• Performs various duties requiring substantial initiative and judgement in operating the farm, caring for its livestock and maintaining farm related services.
• Responsible for the day-to-day needs of the farm operations either directly or by assignment of duties throughout the year, as directed by the Farm Director and in cooperation with the Agriculture cluster staff.
• Responsible to assist with the training of relevant employees, supporting the instruction of students, and providing demonstrations under the direction of the Farm Director and through coordination with the Facilities Director and Vocational Director.
• Responsible for meeting with and reporting to the Farm Director the status of various projects, programs and emergencies.

Position Type: Full-time

Welcome to Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School is a public high school that provides technical and agricultural education to students from throughout western Massachusetts. Smith provides a unique educational experience to any student who wants to make high school an important investment toward career or college success.At Smith we provide students the opportunity to explore twelve different career areas, and to select a career or college direction that is fitted to his or her individual interests, talents and abilities. Also, at Smith we provide a learning environment that acknowledges that different students learn in different ways – academic concepts are taught and reinforced in shops and laboratories utilizing applied learning and project-based learning.For juniors and seniors, agreements with employers provide internships and cooperative work opportunities that directly relate to each student’s schoolwork. Agreements with local colleges provide students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Smith prides itself as a small school of excellence where each student works with a small cohort of students and teachers building a community of learners.Smith is a results-oriented school. We invite parents and students to review our performance data and graduate placement reports.We have developed this Program of Studies as a guide to help students as they plan for a successful high school experience. In addition, we hope that it will provide adequate information for families so that they can guide students in making informed career plans.If you have any questions please feel free to contact the guidance office. The administration, faculty and staff invite families of students and potential students to come and visit the campus.

Job Requirements

• Other Functions: Carries out required procedures for the maintenance of the farm enterprises, and in alignment with the policies of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School.
  Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent. Associate Degree preferable with a concentration in Agriculture and at least four years of farm-related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  Knowledge and Skills Required: Valid Hoister's license issued by the MA Department of Public Safety, within 90 days of appointment.
  Knowledge in the areas of livestock management, crop production, composting, organic farming methods and conservation restrictions.
  Effective communication skills.
  Ability to supervise student employees and volunteers effectively.
  Thorough knowledge of farm tools and equipment.
  Commercial Driver's License (CDL) a plus.
  Computer literacy including email, spreadsheet experience and knowledge of basic record keeping software.
• At least 4 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Crystal Fairman , School Business Administrator
• 80 Locust Street
• Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
• Phone: [phone] x3436
• Email: [e-mail]