The Organic Plant Propagation Assistant will take on a leading role in the DFI greenhouse, and work with 2022 farm team on fruit and vegetable production in general. This is a half term (approximately 6-month) position. It does not require previous horticulture, farming or food systems experience, although such experience is preferred for the position. Ongoing training will be provided during this AmeriCorps term, and the successful candidate must have a desire to learn about plant propagation and sustainable agriculture. The position will report to the DFI Director, and take direction from the DFI Farm Production Manager and Education Program Coordinator as well. The position involves physically demanding tasks outdoors on the farm, interacting with diverse groups and populations, and working independently as well as within a dynamic team.
Primary Responsibilities:
Play a key role in DFIs plant propagation program, growing annual and perennial plant starts for the DFI farm and other farms, nonprofits and nurseries. This includes soil mixing, seeding by hand and with a vacuum seeder, transplanting, thinning, trellising, watering, fertilizing and organic pest and disease control activities.
Conduct broader farm tasks, including: weeding, harvesting, cultivation, irrigation management, small equipment operation, and fruit and vegetable packaging and delivery.
Assist the DFI Director, Education Program Coordinator and Farm Production Manager in timely record keeping pertaining to plant propagation and crop production.
Participate in events for university students, other AmeriCorps service members and the public. In time provide training to other members of the farm team and volunteers.
Assist in basic social media postings to help tell DFIs story.
Interact professionally with University faculty, staff, students, the media and the public.
Qualifications:
Passionate commitment to working with others on sustainable agriculture. Preference will be given to individuals who have an interest in a food systems or agricultural career in Nevada
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and take initiative to improve farm systems
Ability to work outdoors conducting physical labor in hot and cold temperatures
Outstanding work ethic and positive attitude
Good interpersonal communication skills
Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office applications
Strong organizational skills
Experience working with volunteers
Preferred: strong understanding of or educational background in horticulture and/or food systems
Preferred: experience working on a commercial or educational farm
Compensation:
AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $8,471 for a half term (approximately 6 months) and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,172.50. Half term service members also receive an AmeriCorps/DFI t-shirt, hoodie, hat, and water bottle. Service members have the option to apply for student loan forbearance, and may be eligible for SNAP and Medicaid benefits.
Service Location: DFI at the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station, 920 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512. AmeriCorps contracts, living allowances and education awards are managed through the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Periodic daytime travel may be required within the metro area and region.
Timeline for Half Term Service: February August 2022
Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week. Time off includes 5 days of vacation, 5 days of sick leave and federal holidays. A total of 920 hours are required to be completed during this half term of AmeriCorps service.
A complete application consists of a detailed resume, cover letter, and 2 professional references. Please submit your application directly via email to Jill Moe, DFI Director, at . Incomplete applications and applications submitted indirectly via online platforms (such as Indeed or other) will not be considered.
Application Deadline: Dec 20, 2021
Employment Type: Full-Time
