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Lead Gardener - Organic Farm

Employer
College of Marin
Location
California, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Date posted
Sep 11, 2020


Lead Gardener - Organic Farm & Garden

Salary: See Position Description
Closing Date:
Job Type: Full-time
Location: CA, CA

Description

Due to COVID-19, most of College of Marin's operations and all instruction are taking place remotely until further notice, with the exception of positions deemed essential. At this time, applicants should be prepared that if selected to interview for a position at the College, all interviews will be held remotely.

PRIORITY SCREENING DATE: October 31, 2020
OPEN UNTIL FILLED


All application materials must be received by the Priority Screening Date in order to be considered during the initial screening. Applications received after this date may be considered thereafter at the discretion of the college until the position is filled.
******Under the direction of the Farm Manager within the Student Learning Division, the Lead Gardener duties are primarily focused on the annual planting, maintenance, and harvesting cycle at the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden ("Farm"); which is a certified organic, diversified, and educational Farm. This position also performs skilled and semi skilled horticultural maintenance operations and routine grounds maintenance including the upkeep of a variety of athletic fields. All reasonably related duties are included.

College of Marin strives to embrace diversity in all forms: it strives to be an Inclusive community that fosters an open, enlightened and productive environment and demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population.

COM serves a county population of approximately 250,000 residents. Based on fall 2019 credit enrollment data, the diversity of students at the college includes greater representation than the county with regards to enrollment by Hispanic/Latino (30% of enrollment), Asian (8%), Black/African American (3%), and Multi-racial (6%) students.

College of Marin does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, or perception of, race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, family and medical care leave, military or veteran status, or prior record of arrest or conviction, and is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Civil Rights Act of 1991, Americans with abilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In accordance with Executive order 11246 (as amended), the College of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

  • Maintains landscaped areas and related items (e.g. storm drains, canals/creeks, etc.) for the purpose of preventing flooding, and removing hazardous debris.
  • Plants, transplants, cultivates, fertilizes, and farm ornamental plants as well as established trees and shrubs, for the purpose of meeting the educational and revenue goals of the farm operation.
  • Keep all assigned areas attractive and protect against erosion and/or fire.
  • Prepares farm grounds for the purpose of providing attractive and safe areas for institutional and public use.
  • Prepares and applies various chemical spraying solutions, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides as appropriate for areas certified as organic.
  • Inspects and repairs irrigation and sprinkler systems.
  • Maintains landscaping/farming equipment (e.g. hand tools, mowers, chain saws, blowers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring equipment is in safe operating condition.
  • Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
  • Responds to inquiries from staff, students, public, etc.
  • Transports various items (e.g. tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required at job site.
  • Complies with all mandated CAL/OSHA safety provisions in the course of work.
  • Use of new equipment, software programs/applications materials and techniques is required with the need to remain current in new technology.
  • Organic certification of the farm is essential and all job duties must be completed in a manner consistent with certification requirements.
  • Recommends appropriate landscaping, farming and irrigation equipment tools; methods and materials used, and scheduling of other gardeners and student employees.
  • Ensures that all necessary certifications are maintained by employees relevant to farm and landscaping of both campuses.
  • Supports gardeners and others in the areas of training, guidance, solving problems, procedures for accomplishing assigned tasks, record keeping and gives clear instructions on daily, weekly and monthly activities through written and verbal communication.
  • Assigns tasks and problem solves.
  • Assists other gardeners, student employees, volunteers, and others in completion of daily tasks at the farm.
Other Functions:
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Requirements & Desirables
REQUIREMENTS
  1. High School Diploma or Equivalent; and
  2. Job Related Experience with increasing levels of responsibility; and
  3. A valid California Class C driver's license; and
  4. A valid Qualified Applicator Certification or License from the California Department of Pest Control or ability to obtain; and
  5. A valid certification or license or certificate of training in organic certification of farm land/farm operations or ability to obtain; and
  6. Demonstrated sensitivity to and understating of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, disabilities and learning styles of community college students and staff.


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Crop planning and experience with crop planning software
  • Food Safety protocols
  • Compost production and application
  • Appropriate application and skilled operation of farm equipment and tools including two-wheeled tractors, four wheeled tractors, and essential farm equipment
  • Ability to lead group work
  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to maintain organized records

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Desirable Attributes & Skills)
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math including calculation of fractions, percent's and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: irrigation, and landscaping equipment; organic certification requirements, and landscape maintenance.

SKILLS are required to perform single technical tasks with an occasional need to upgrade skills due to changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: utilizing equipment used in trade; and operating heavy equipment. Use of new or additional equipment brought about by new technology shall be incorporated consistent with the level of responsibility and complexity of this job. Provide clear and concise instruction including guidance, instruction on techniques, methods and procedures for accomplishment.

ABILITY to work with others under a variety of circumstances. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups. In working with others, some problem solving is required to analyze issues, create plans of action and reach solution. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: use of alternative methods of pest control; adhering to safety procedures; working as part of a team and communicating with diverse groups. Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, disabilities and learning styles of community college students and staff.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following:
  1. In accordance with Federal Law all employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
  2. Criminal Justice/Fingerprint and Child Abuse Index Services clearances.
  3. California Education Code, Section 87408.6 requires persons employed by a community college in an academic or classified position to submit to a TB risk assessment developed by CDPH and CTCA and, if risk factors are present, an examination to determine that he or she is free of infectious TB; initially upon hire and every four years thereafter.
  4. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: All Marin Community College District (MCCD) employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the MCCD requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. For more information, please see the MCCD Emergency Operations Plan.
  5. Candidates applying for positions with the Marin Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
  1. Cover Letter (cover letter)
  2. Resume (resume)


Supplemental & Salary Information
RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision; utilization of resources from other work units which may be required to perform the job's functions. There is continual opportunity to impact the Organization's services.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: carrying, pushing and/or pulling; significant climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; significant reaching, handling, and manual dexterity. Generally, the job requires 5% sitting, 90% walking and 5% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes, some hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) and in varying atmospheric conditions.

CLASSIFICATION & RETIREMENT PLAN:
Employees in this position classification are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021. SEIU employees are also members of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), to which the member contributes up to 7% of their reportable compensation on a monthly basis.

WORK SCHEDULE
Campus: Indian Valley Campus (Novato)
Full-time Equivalent: 1.0 - Full-time
Months per Year: 12
Work Days/Hours:
Monday - Friday; 7:00am - 3:00pm
Please Note: During peak times of the year, the schedule may change to Tuesday - Saturday depending on departmental needs.
7.5 Hours per Day
37.5 Hours per Week

SALARY INFORMATION:
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Salary Range: SEIU 610
Starting Salary Range: $27.80 - $30.64 per hour (Step A to C). Normal entering step is Step A.
Please refer to our Human Resources (Download PDF reader) web site for salary schedules.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applications must include the documents listed in the Required Documents section to be rendered complete; incomplete applications will not be accepted. Screening will begin after the priority screening date. Applicants selected to interview will be contacted to schedule an interview appointment with the screening committee; however, applicants will be notified of their status, either way, following the screening. Candidates forwarded by the committee following the first interview may be invited for a second interview. Regrettably, College of Marin is not able to offer reimbursement for travel to interviews at this time.


To apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/collegeofmarin/jobs/2857042/lead-gardener-organic-farm-garden?pagetype=promotionalJobs


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