Part-Time Student: Assistant Market Farmer - 83119

St. Charles Community College; Dardenne Prairie (MO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Charles Community College is seeking a part-time Student: Assistant Market Farmer to support on-site gardens and the Freight Farm, an innovative vertical farming system providing fresh produce year-round.

The role involves hands-on work with hydroponic systems, plant care, and educational outreach, contributing to sustainable farming practices and campus learning. Flexibility including weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Current student at the Field to Table Institute with an interest in gaining experience in controlled environment agriculture and horticulture.
• Coursework or experience with hydroponics, greenhouse management, or related fields is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of planting, pruning, irrigation, transplanting, fertilizer application, and basic mechanical knowledge.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and care for growing fields, gardens, greenhouses, and general grounds.
• Monitor and maintain hydroponic systems for optimal growth.
• Plant, maintain, harvest, and process in the Freight Farm and other growing areas.
• Check plant health, nutrient levels, and water quality; assist with pest management.
• Troubleshoot equipment and assist in repairs to ensure smooth operation.
• Assist with setup and calibration of environmental controls (lighting, climate) as needed.
• Support educational programs and workshops on sustainable farming and hydroponics.
• Assist research projects related to urban agriculture and sustainability.
• Maintain records of crop growth, yields, and system maintenance; assist data collection.

Skills

Hydroponics knowledge

Greenhouse management

Plant care

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Current student at Field to Table Institute

Job description

Founded in 1986, St. Charles Community College (SCC) has a reputation as one of the best two-year colleges in the state of Missouri. SCC's service area includes a six-county region with a population exceeding 540,000. SCC's main campus, located in Cottleville, has won architectural awards for its innovative, contemporary design. The college's Dardenne Creek Campus features the Center for Healthy Living and the Field to Table Institute. Opening Fall 2025, the Innovation West Campus located in Wentzville features the Regional Workforce Innovation Center. With a focus on innovation, St. Charles Community College is a leader in delivering high-quality education in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The success of SCC is rooted in the mission of serving the community by "focusing on academic excellence, student success, workforce advancement, and life-long learning within a global society".

Location:

Field to Table Institute @ St. Charles Community College

Position Type:

Part-Time

Position Summary

SCC is seeking a part-time Student: Assistant Market Farmer 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

• 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

• Current student at the Field to Table Institute with an interest in gaining valuable experience in controlled environment agriculture, horticulture, and related fields.
• 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 knowledge
• Strong 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