Agriculture & Greenhouse Student Assistant

Sweet Briar College; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Sweet Briar College is seeking a part-time Agriculture & Greenhouse Student Assistant for its 26,000 sq ft greenhouse, supporting vegetable production for campus dining, weekly markets, CSA, and local food programs. The role involves tasks from planting to market prep, with strong emphasis on reliability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities include assisting in greenhouse operations and, when needed, other campus agriculture areas (apiary, vineyard, composting).

Qualifications

• Concurrent or prior enrollment in ENVR 201: Agricultural Operations.
• Extremely reliable/always reports for work at scheduled time.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to get dirty working with soil, plants, insects, etc.
• Must disclose any allergies or sensitivities that might be triggered by work in the greenhouse or other agricultural areas.

Responsibilities

• Reliably perform assigned tasks in the greenhouse or other campus agriculture areas (apiary, vineyard, outdoor growing, composting, conservation, etc.).
• Notify supervisor of any observed issues or concerns in the greenhouse.
• Follow all operations, policy, safety, and hygiene protocols

Skills

Reliability

Communication

Willingness to get dirty

Attention to detail

Education

Concurrent or prior enrollment in ENVR 201: Agricultural Operations

Job description

Agriculture & Greenhouse Student Assistant

Overview

Position Type

Student

Job Shift

Any

Not Specified

Travel Percentage

Category

Education

Description

Job Title: Agriculture & Greenhouse Student Assistant

Classification: Non-Exempt, Student Worker

Reports To: Dr. Powell

Job Summary/Objective: Sweet Briar's 26,000 sq ft greenhouse is a key component of integrated efforts to increase overall campus sustainability. The greenhouse supplies vegetables to campus dining services, weekly markets, a community supported agriculture (CSA) subscription program, local food banks, and other outlets. Students and faculty also use the greenhouse as part of their academic activities, and the structure hosts occasional events and tours. Sweet Briar also maintains a 20-hive apiary, vineyard, outdoor growing areas, composting, and multiple conservation initiatives. In this position, students will assist in Sweet Briars greenhouse operations, as well as on an as-needed basis with other areas of campus agriculture (including the apiary, vineyard, outdoor growing, composting, and conservation initiatives). Responsibilities may include planting, watering, pruning, weeding, pest scouting, harvesting, produce washing, produce delivery, market and CSA preparation and staffing, composting, monitoring hydroponics systems, cleaning equipment, building raised beds, staffing events, and other duties required to maintain a functioning greenhouse, produce vegetables, and support other areas of campus agriculture and conservation. Because plants are living things that require consistent attention, and because many people are depending on the campus agriculture team to grow food for them, this position requires students to be very reliable and committed to completing assigned tasks and projects on time and with attention to detail. Students must clearly communicate any questions, concerns, or issues observed (e.g. signs of pests or disease) using the process set up by their supervisor

Position Type/Expected Work Hours: Part-time

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

• Reliably perform assigned tasks in the greenhouse or other campus agriculture areas (apiary, vineyard, outdoor growing, composting, conservation, etc.)
• Notify supervisor of any observed issues or concerns in the greenhouse.
• Follow all operations, policy, safety, and hygiene protocols

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Concurrent or prior enrollment in ENVR 201: Agricultural Operations. Students with substantial prior greenhouse or other agricultural experience may be considered early in the semester while takingthecourse.
• Extremely reliable/always reports for work at scheduled time
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to get dirty working with soil, plants, insects, etc.
• Must disclose any allergies or sensitivities that might be triggered by work in the greenhouse or other agricultural areas

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous agricultural experience

Work Environment: Primarily in the greenhouse and outside on campus

Physical Demands: The greenhouse and outdoor agricultural areas can be hot and humid, especially during the summer, early fall, and late spring. The Agriculture & Greenhouse Student Assistant will need to bring a water bottle, wear closed-toed shoes, and remain aware of how she is responding physically to the environment. This position will require some shoveling; moving loaded wheeled carts/wheelbarrows; working with water hoses and pipes and in damp conditions; bending over to plant, weed, etc.; climbing on ladders; working with/around insects; lifting and carrying supplies and equipment. Wearing specialized attire may be required when working in some campus agricultural areas (e.g. a protective veil, jacket, and gloves when working in the apiary).

Travel: If the student is certified to drive a campus vehicle, she might take part in on- or off-campus produce deliveries; however, this is not a required portion of the position.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.