Farmer 2 (Non-Permanent, 50% of Full-time)

Description

Columbia Basin College ('CBC' or the 'College') seeks a Farmer 2 to assist with an agriculture research program that serves the needs of the Columbia Basin and the surrounding region. This position is responsible for all aspects of farm operations including the cultivation of vegetables, tree fruits, grapevines, berries, alfalfa, wheat, and other crops of economic significance to the region. The Farmer 2 will also assist with operation and maintenance of specialized research equipment as well as general farm equipment. This position is also responsible for assisting and guiding agriculture student workers and part-time hourly employees in all phases of farm operations. This position reports to the Director for Agriculture Education, Research & Development.

This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by April 17, 2022 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1 (Download PDF reader) , state employees and employees of educational institutions must be fully vaccinated. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. Need more information? Please contact covidvaccinemandate@columbiabasin.edu .

Primary Responsibilities

• Under the general direction of the Director for Agriculture Education, Research & Development cultivate crops in accordance with agricultural research projects;
• Operate and maintain farm equipment such as tractors, trucks, harrows, cultivators, seeders, drills, combines, mowing machines, rakes, hay bailers, forage choppers, cutters, loaders, and silo fillers;
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems including hand lines, wheel lines and pivots;
• Plant, transplant, label, irrigate, weed, fertilize, record, and perform related duties to produce and process seed and forage, horticultural, and other harvesting activities;
• Spray pesticides, herbicides, and other treatments according to the manual or label instructions;
• Maintain field operations records and assist in the collection of data for pesticide and fertilizer applications annually to refer back;
• Compute proper quantities of chemicals and seed for research plots; mix and apply chemicals; estimate feed requirements and weigh and mix feed;
• Supervise student workers and part-time hourly employees in all aspects of farm operations and plant cultivation; and
• All other duties related to the comprehensive operations of a research farm.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Three (3) years of agriculture field, greenhouse and research experience;
• One (1) year of farm-machine operation experience; and
• Have and be able to maintain a valid US driver's license, clean driving history and ability to be insured.

Skills & Abilities

Project Management : Run field and greenhouse experiments under the direction of the Director for Agriculture Education, Research & Development;

Teamwork : Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed;

Visionary Leadership : Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates;

Change Management : Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results;

Delegation : Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results;

Leadership : Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Can effectively influence the actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others;

Managing Student Workers and Part-Time Hourly Employees : Includes student workers and part-time hourly employees in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates’ activities; Makes self-available to students; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops student worker and part-time hourly employee skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills;

Quality Management : Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness;

Business Acumen : Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals; and

Cost Consciousness : Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost savings measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a non-permanent, 50% of full-time, overtime eligible, represented, classified staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., however, due to research farm, the working hours will vary due to work demands and some weekend and evening work as required by growing season. This position is available immediately.

PROCESS NOTE:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Mechanical Knowledge, Agricultural Knowledge, Analytical Skills, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], Customer Service, etc.).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

Columbia Basin College operates under an approved affirmative action plan and encourages applications from persons of color, women, veterans and persons of disability. The Human Resources Office is accessible to those with disabilities. If you need accommodation in application or employment, contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 542-4740.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, manipulate objects, and operate equipment. The position requires mobility, including the use of hand tools, tractors and other power equipment. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and rarely requires moving materials weighing over 50 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating things such as computer keyboard, and a variety of farm equipment/tools. This position will require frequent need for local travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment is performed in multiple locations such as a typical office environment, field and indoor/outdoor settings that includes some exposure to hazards or physical risks that require following safety and driving requirements. There may be exposure to chemical hazards requiring the use of rubber safety gloves and safety glasses as provided. Interruptions occur on a regular basis. There can be exposure to adverse weather conditions and unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust and/or uneven surfaces, while performing the duties of this position.

UNION CLAUSE:

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.