Sustainable Field Production and Education Manager

University of California Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Full-time Manufacturing / Production / Operations

Posted on April 5, 2024

Apply Now

Sustainable Field Production and Education Manager

Location: Santa Cruz
Job ID: 60117

JOB POSTING

NOTIFICATIONS

The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California's COVID-19 vaccine program.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 11-30-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Center for Agroecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) maintains more than thirty acres of land for organic crop production, research, education, and outreach. This land and associated facilities have been in operation for over 50 years and serve as the primary classroom for a diverse range of hands-on programming that spans academic, research, and community programs. This includes research and education programs for the Environmental Studies department, Agroecology major, research and education programs serving multiple campus divisions, co-curricular student engagement opportunities, the Apprenticeship Program, short courses and community workshops. The CfA also serves as a public demonstration site open daily for use by university students, K-12 students, and the general public.

The incumbent's work will support the CfA mission to advance sustainable agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, and public service. UCSC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with R1 research standing, one of only 25 campuses nationwide, and it is imperative that the incumbent has the skill, experience and capacity to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of CfA work and programming.

More information can be found at: https://agroecology.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

The Sustainable Field Production Manager is part of a team of experienced farm educators that holds responsibility for day-to-day operations of the Center for Agroecology (CfA) Farm, a highly complex diversified agricultural system. Under the direction of the Field Site Manager, the incumbent supports sustainable field production design and implementation to support instruction for different educational programs (Undergraduate Agroecology major, Intensive Short Courses, Apprenticeship, extension and general public workshops, and undergraduate interns and student employees). The incumbent supports educational sustainable farming programming with guest lectures, providing hands-on experiences for a diverse range of learners and shares responsibility for produce production; tillage and cultivation systems; irrigation infrastructure and function; and sustainable ecological stewardship of the overall 30-acre farm site. The incumbent will play a key role in maintaining a safe environment where a diverse group of participants can prosper. This position will play an integral role in supporting increased access and success of traditionally underrepresented students in sustainable agriculture.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $32.28 - $34.48 / Hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

Full-time, Fixed
Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 006238 (SUSTAIN OFCR 2)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

45% - Sustainable Field Production Management

Manage, plan and implement all aspects of sustainable crop production for a 10-acre diversified farm operation including specialty crops, orchards, vine, and brush systems. From crop planning to marketing and distribution.
Integrate production plan with the complex matrix of year-round CfA programming, emphasizing student success as the primary site outcome.
Integrate sustainable production plan with research needs and priorities from a broad range of disciplines.
Support the implementation and tracking of annual site budget.
Maintain field production records for reporting requirements (CCOF, PAL, CCWB).
Organize and implement marketing via multiple outlets.
Maintain a safe and orderly public farm.

45% - In-field Supervision, Training, and Instruction

Lead hands-on educational programming in the tractor-based field site for a diverse range of curricular, research, and community programs integrating all aspects of sustainable crop production: crop planning, propagation, tractor driving and implement usage, irrigation, crop cultivation, harvest and post-harvest handling, marketing, and distribution.
Supervise a large team of paid student employees to manage the farm operation and integrate curricular and co-curricular opportunities.
Plan and direct daily activities of assistant staff, student interns, work-study students, participants in educational programs, and volunteers in the field, greenhouses, and orchards.

10% - Organizational Support

Participate in CfA staff and committee meetings and planning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in agriculture, education or related field or equivalent professional experience.
Skills to operate farming and specialized farm maintenance equipment.
Interpersonal skills to effectively supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate others. Skills to evaluate issues and identify resolution in a management role.
Thorough and effective verbal, interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
Thorough and effective written skills.
Experience delivering adult hands experiential agricultural education.
Experience managing a diverse farm operation of similar scope to the CfA field site.
Experience with farm equipment maintenance and fabrication (e.g. welding, cutting, etc.).
Demonstrated experience meeting and understanding the needs and issues related to serving diverse and underserved populations in agriculture.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in a minority-serving institution, understanding the needs and issues related to serving diverse populations.
Thorough knowledge and experience managing research field trials.
Tractor experience in a diversified farm system.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
Ability to perform vertebrate pest control such as trapping, baiting, or other types of rodent control.
Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary in storing and moving materials. The ability to lift light to moderate objects up to 40 lbs., with or without accommodation.
The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application:
https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=60117&PostingSeq=1

To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

Apply Now