Freight Farm and Garden Technician - 77224

St. Charles Community College; Cottleville (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Charles Community College is seeking a Freight Farm and Garden Technician to support its innovative vertical farming project. This full-time position involves hands-on work with hydroponics, plant care, and educational outreach, contributing to sustainable farming practices and student learning.

Qualifications

• Experience with hydroponics and greenhouse management preferred.
• Basic knowledge of planting, pruning, irrigation, and mechanical skills is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and care for gardens, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.
• Monitor plant health, nutrient levels, and implement pest management strategies.
• Support educational programs in sustainable farming and assist with research projects.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, horticulture, or related field

Three years of experience in related field

Job description

Location: Field to Table Institute @ St. Charles Community College Position Type: Full TimeSt. Charles Community College is located just west of St. Louis, in the heart of growing St. Charles County. At St. Charles Community College, we have a passion for student success. We serve a growing diverse student population, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff who will help prepare our students for a global society. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated success in serving diverse student populations.
POSITION SUMMARYSCC is seeking a full time Freight Farm and Garden Technician who will support the on-site gardens and the operation and maintenance of SCC's freight farm, an innovative vertical farming system designed to provide fresh produce year-round. This role involves hands-on work with hydroponic systems, plant care, and educational outreach, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and student learning. Join us in promoting innovative agricultural practices and enhancing our campus sustainability initiatives!ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge and experience in maintaining and caring for growing fields and gardens, greenhouses, agricultural buildings and general grounds.Demonstrated ability to perform general agricultural work, general greenhouse work, and plant care.

Monitor and maintain the hydroponic systems, ensuring optimal growing conditions for crops. Plant, maintain, harvest, and process in the Freight Farm and other growing areas.Perform routine checks on plant health, nutrient levels, and water quality. Implement pest management strategies and monitor for signs of disease. As needed, move plants from the Freight Farm to the greenhouse or fields.Troubleshoot and assist in repair of equipment as needed, ensuring smooth operation of growing spaces. In collaboration with leadership, assist in the setup and calibration of environmental controls, such as lighting and climate systems, as needed in the growing spaces.Support educational programs and workshops related to sustainable farming and hydroponics for students and community members. Assist faculty with research projects related to urban agriculture and sustainability.Maintain accurate records of crop growth, yields, and system maintenance. Assist in data collection for research and reporting purposes.In collaboration with the Agriculture and Field to Table leadership, assist with other FTI initiatives as needed, including teaching courses.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree in agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, horticulture, or a related field preferred. Or a minimum of three years of experience in a related field.Coursework or experience with hydroponics, greenhouse management, or a related field is a plus.Basic knowledge of planting, pruning, irrigation, transplanting, fertilizer application, and basic mechanical knowledgeStrong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.Good communication and teamwork abilities.Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs).Adept to working in varying temperatures and environments.Able to work with plants and potential allergens.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Executive Director Field to Table Institute

St. Charles Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer