FWSCS Fairplex Learning and Development Center - Farm Assistant (26/27) - FWS Only

University of La Verne; La Verne (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Leave

Retirement Plan – Defined Contribution

Medical coverage after 30 hrs/week

Job summary

The University of La Verne is offering a part-time Federal Work Study Farm Assistant position at the Fairplex Farm. The role involves outdoor gardening, composting, irrigation prep, animal care, and helping with farm events. The candidate must be enrolled at ULV with FWS eligibility and have reliable transportation to the Pomona site.

Starting pay is $18.00 per hour. Schedule ranges from 8–20 hours per week, including weekends, with duties performed under the Farm Manager and with safety

Qualifications

• Must be a current University of La Verne student with Federal Work Study eligibility for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Ability to use basic gardening tools (pruners, clippers, hoes, shovels, rakes).
• Must communicate clearly with Fair goers and Farm guests.

Responsibilities

• Basic Gardening using hand tools.
• Setting up trellises and planting structures.
• Collecting green waste, turning compost, building compost piles.
• Mixing soil with different soil mixes.
• Preparing fields for planting including mulching and soil amendments.
• Seeding, planting, and propagating.
• Hand watering in nursery and grow rooms.
• Weeding and maintaining neat work areas.
• Storing tools and equipment properly.
• Assisting irrigation crew with grounds preparation for irrigation projects.
• Animal care including feeding, watering, bedding refreshment.
• Following safety guidelines for a professional environment.
• Preparing the Farm for events and farm-based educational offerings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor work

Tool use

Communication

Stamina & endurance

Lift 25lbs

Flexible schedule

Reliable transportation

Education

ULV student with FWS eligibility

Tools

Pruners

Clippers

Hedgers

Hoes

Shovels

Rakes

Job description

FWSCS Fairplex Learning and Development Center - Farm Assistant (26/27) - FWS Only

Job Title FWSCS Fairplex Learning and Development Center - Farm Assistant (26/27) - FWS Only

Student Position Type

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Part-Time

FTE

Work Schedule

Hours:
The Federal Work Study Farm Assistant at the Farm at Fairplex will work between 8-20 hours a week in a schedule agreed upon between the employee and the Farm Manager (may include weekends).
Students must have reliable transportation to and from the Farm site.

Department Manager

Hiring Manager

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 2

Position Summary Information for Announcement

University Overview

Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university—it’s a home for passionate individuals like you.

At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart—Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you’re fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.

With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.

Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary.

Diversity Statement

The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.

Job Description Summary

* IMPORTANT NOTE : APPLICANTS MUST be currently enrolled at ULV and have a FEDERAL WORK STUDY award to be eligible for this position. *

The ideal Farm Assistant is a hard worker, enjoys working outdoors, takes instruction well, takes initiative, and has excellent follow-through in completing assigned tasks. The candidate will demonstrate a positive attitude and a learner’s posture, interested in agriculture and regenerative growing practices, becoming increasingly able to present agricultural knowledge and describe the work of The Farm to guests that visit. The Farm Assistant must stay focused on their delegated work while also maintaining a friendly disposition to Farm visitors, which may include children, youth, their teachers, local businesspeople, Fairplex staff, and others.

The starting pay for this position is $18.00 per hour.

Specific Duties

• Basic Gardening using hand tools, such as pruners, clippers, shovels, hoes, rakes, assorted harvesting, and other tools.
• Setting up trellises and constructing planting structures
• Collecting green waste, turning compost, building compost piles, and shoveling wood chips
• Mixing soil (6 different soil mix combinations are created at The Farm)
• Preparing fields for planting, including mulching and soil amendment application
• Seeding, planting, and propagating
• Hand watering in the nursery & grow rooms
• Weeding
• Maintaining a neat and orderly environment; maintaining and storing tools and equipment
• Preparing the grounds for irrigation projects while assisting the irrigation crew
• Animal care, including feeding, watering, and refreshing bedding (poultry & rabbits)
• Following safety guidelines in efforts to promote a professional work environment and meaningful experience for volunteers and visitors
• Preparing The Farm for Farm events such as farm field trips, tours, fair time activation, and assisting with farm-based educational offerings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current University of La Verne student with Federal Work Study eligibility for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Willingness to work outdoors, including in extreme weather conditions, such as heat, rain, and cold.
• Ability to use basic tools, such as but not limited to pruners, clippers, hedgers, hoes, shovels, rakes, and other tools.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with Fair goers and other Farm guests.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time, stoop, and be able to climb
  ladders and stairs.
• Must be able to lift at least 25lbs and carry it for extended distances.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have reliable transportation to/from work site.

Benefits Summary

Employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• One hour of Paid Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 24 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year and capped at 48 hours.
• University of La Verne Defined Contribution Retirement Plan – can contribute employee voluntary contributions, excluding wages derived from federal work study funds.
• In accordance with the Affordable Care Act ( ACA ), employees who work an average of 30 or more hours per week, will be eligible for medical coverage through the University of La Verne.
• Covered under the University of La Verne Workers Compensation Insurance.

Location

Location Other

If Other, please specify.

2118 N. White Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768

Physical Demands Summary

• Must be able to communicate clearly with Fair goers and other Farm guests.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time, stoop, and be able to climb
• ladders and stairs.
• Must be able to lift at least 25lbs and carry it for extended distances.