WE'RE HIRING!! 

Farm Educator at the Village

This is a full-time (40 hours) to ¾ time (30 hours) per week position. Ranging from $20-$24 per hour. Six weeks paid vacation, no other benefits currently. This position is funded through December 2027 by the American Rescue Plan Act - USDA in partnership with Big River Farms. 

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Organization Overview

The Village Agricultural Cooperative is a local nonprofit focused on connecting people to farmland in urban areas in and around Rochester, MN. Founded in 2019 through community partners from the University of Minnesota-Rochester, Diversity Council, Olmsted County Public Health and more, this organization serves residents of Olmsted County by providing land access, farm education, market connections, food distribution, and resource building. The Village became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in March 2022.

 

The Village was created in response to our communities’ needs surrounding food sovereignty, environmental justice, local food sourcing, diversifying Minnesota’s farmers, and community integration, as well as regenerative farming practices. These core values also address the gaps and disparities experienced by historically marginalized people in MN by providing them with culturally relevant entrepreneurial opportunities and safe spaces to produce healthy foods for their families and grow their farm and food businesses. 

 

Job Summary

The Farm Educator will assist a diverse set of farmers by providing education, resource allocation, and technical assistance to growers that covers but are not limited to the following: 

• skills needed in the basics of crop production 

• food safety-harvesting-handling practices

• business management

• how to sell produce

• financial literacy

• appropriate amendment application

• pest and weed management 

• land fertility/soil health

• season extension and infrastructures

• greenhouse planting

• seed ordering

• trellising

• utilizing tools

• irrigations

• field prep

• record keeping

• Connection to USDA/FSA/NRCS and Rural Authority services and programs

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Some duties and responsibilities may be:

• Conduct 1:1 technical assistance

• Assist with goals setting

• Visit farmers in their field

• Conduct phone calls and check-in as needed throughout the growing season

• Identify needs and resources to address obstacles that producers frequently face

• Assist farmers as they wrap up the growing season

• Ensure proper record keeping

• Assist in the development of education materials

• Assist in filling out applications for USDA, FSA, and Rural authority programs and services

• Connect farmers to resources

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The Farm Educator will report to the Executive Director and will work with community partners, specifically our project partner Big River Farms, to build capacity and resources and provide technical assistance for the farmers. This person will attend occasional training to build upon their own technical assistance skills. 

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Position Requirements

1. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

1. Must be able to work effectively with individuals who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion

2. Must be able to work effectively in an organization that recognizes its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community

3. Demonstrated commitment to food systems change focused on health, nutrition, and equity

4. Must have farming experiences

5. Basic knowledge of pests and disease management

6. Basic understanding of so,il health

7. Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication across various cultures

8. Ability to work independently and prioritize many competing demands and responsibilities 

9. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

10. Coaching/mentorship abilities strongly desired

11. Knowledgeable of farm finance and farm management skills

 

Minimum Education and Experience

1. Farming experience,  five years preferred

2. Preferred knowledge of farm equipment handling

3. Food systems exposure

4. Knowledge of or experience in sustainable agriculture and land stewardship

5. Fluency in a language other than English is a plus

 

Working Conditions and Environment 

This position works primarily during normal business hours but includes some evening and weekend hours to accommodate farmer availability/event schedules. The location of work will be catered to the needs of the farm operation but will also be mindful of the employee’s personal schedule. In-office and at-home hours may be negotiated. 

 

This employee must be able to push, pull, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and work outdoors in varying conditions.  

 

All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion. The Village is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Applications Process

If interested, please submit your resumes and a cover letter to Amanda Nigon-Crowley, AmandaNC@RochVillage.org. Questions: 507-271-7069

 

Applications will be accepted through September 22nd, 2023. 

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