Friday, November 30, 2018

Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Summer Research Opportunity

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) at Michigan State University invites applications from undergraduate students interested in a career in bioenergy for their Summer Undergraduate Research Program in 2019.   

The program is expected to run from Tuesday, May 28 through Saturday, August 3. The total stipend is $5,000; additionally, room and board on the MSU campus and up to $500 for round-trip travel to/from East Lansing are provided.
Requirements for application: 

  • Undergraduates currently enrolled in a four-year program.
  • Not an incoming freshman or graduating senior.

Strong preference will be given to:

  • Members of an underrepresented group in science.
  • First-generation college students. 
  • Students at small colleges without broad research facilities.
  • Students with demonstrated interest in a career in bioenergy research.


 Additional information about the GLBRC can be found at www.glbrc.org.  Further information about the Summer Undergraduate Research Program and application instructions are posted at https://www.glbrc.org/education/educational-programs/summer-undergraduate-research-program


Applications are due February 4, 2019. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Common Good City Farm-Farm Manager (Full-time)


Common Good City Farm (CGCF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to create a vibrant, informed, and well-nourished community through urban farming. CGCF’s half-acre farm in Washington DC’s LeDroit Park is the principal site for programs providing hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability to people of all ages and backgrounds.

CGCF programs include the following:
Food Distribution: a Community Supported Agriculture Program, weekly Farm Stand, Value Added and Small Enterprise Program that sells herbs, specialty produce, and value added products to local food producers.

Youth Education: an after school program for neighborhood youth, a hands-on experiential learning program for toddlers and their guardians, field trips for DC area schools, and a spring, summer, and fall youth employment program Seed to Table Workshops: hands-on workshops on a variety of food-related topics open to the public.

Farm Manager Position Summary
We are looking for an experienced production farmer capable of managing year-round sustainable small-scale vegetable production on our half acre urban farm. A minimum of three years on-farm experience is required. The position entails crop planning, growing and harvesting vegetables and small fruit, as well as working with volunteers and staff to distribute produce via a 25 member CSA, weekly Farm Stand, and sales to local food businesses. This person is expected to manage a robust volunteer training program that provides hands-on learning to farm volunteers. The farm manager will join a small team of highly committed and talented staff. This position requires dedication and skill in intensive growing techniques, interacting with people from many different backgrounds, personal and professional maturity, creativity, and commitment to the vision and mission of Common Good City Farm. This is a full-time, year-round position.

Job Responsibilities
Job responsibilities of the Farm Manager, under the direction of the Executive Director and executed with support and assistance of CGCF staff and volunteers, include:

Farm Management
  • Develop an annual plan for farm operations that addresses programmatic needs and grant deliverables.
  • Develop and implement crop plan, planting, and harvesting schedule for each season (spring/summer/fall/winter), including greenhouse plant propagation, and four-season management of high tunnel
  • Develop and execute a pest management plan and disease control plan
    Plan and direct day-to-day operation of the farm to meet benchmarks and goals of annual plan.
  • Supervise and train volunteers of various skill levels. This includes leading volunteer groups of up to 30 individuals in large farm tasks.
  • Track farm operations and data, including crop plans, harvest log, germination rate, planting schedule, growth tracking, compost production, and soil nutrient management.
  • Maintain and supervise entries to farm records; documenting work, events, program content, and participation
  • Utilize sustainable organic agricultural methods, to include weed management, integrated pest management, and development of soil structure through composting and other organic methods.
  • Purchase materials and supplies for the operation of the farm.
  • Manage maintenance needs of the farm, handle/ arrange for repairs to facilities as needed.

  • Salary and Benefits
    Salary range is $35,000 to $40,000 with a minimum of 10 days paid vacation and sick leave. Benefits include health care coverage and employer contributions to an individual retirement account.

    Application Process
    CGCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, their resume, and three references to jobs@commongoodcityfarm.org, with the subject “Full Time Farm Manager Application.” At least two references should directly pertain to farming skills. The position is open until filled. No phone calls please.

    Common Good City Farm-Seasonal Farm Manager (Part-time)




    This is a part-time, temporary position from late November, 2018, through the end of December, 2018. Common Good City Farm (CGCF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to create a vibrant, informed, and well-nourished community through urban farming. CGCF’s half-acre farm in Washington DC’s LeDroit Park is the principal site for programs providing hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability to people of all ages and backgrounds. 

    CGCF programs include the following:
    Food Distribution: a Community Supported Agriculture Program, weekly Farm Stand, Value Added and Small Enterprise Program that sells herbs, specialty produce, and value added products to local food producers.
    Youth Education: an after school program for neighborhood youth, a hands-on experiential learning program for toddlers and their guardians, field trips for DC area schools, and a spring, summer, and fall youth employment program
    Seed to Table Workshops: hands-on workshops on a variety of food-related topics open to the public.

    Short-term Farm Manager Position Summary:
    We are looking for an experienced production farmer capable of managing winter crops on a sustainable, small-scale, half acre urban farm. The position entails growing and harvesting vegetables starting from seed, as well as working with staff to create a farm plan for 2019. It includes sowing cover crops, mulching, and preparing the farm for the winter, as well as maintenance of the existing planted crops. This person is expected to occasionally manage volunteers on the farm. This is a part-time, temporary position.

    Job Responsibilities:
    Job responsibilities of the Farm Manager, under the direction of the Executive Director and executed with support and assistance of CGCF staff and volunteers, include:
  • Removing finished crops, and preparing the beds for cover cropping.
  • Sowing cover crops.
  • Mulching pathways and mowing grass.
  • Harvesting any ripened crops.
  • Maintaining greenhouse space and starting seedlings, as appropriate.
  • Working with the Executive Director and Programs Manager to create a 2019 farm plan.
  • Working with the outgoing Farm Manager to transition responsibilities, and maintain and document tools and supplies.
  • Author 2 blog posts about topics TBD (may include agriculture, farming, urban farms, winter farming, etc.).
  • Manage existing composting systems.
  •  
  • Qualifications:
    The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
  • A minimum of 2 years of vegetable production using sustainable agriculture practices—urban agriculture experience and biointensive mini-farming a plus.
  • Comfort working in diverse neighborhoods across race, culture, and class differences.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours.
  • Ability to train and manage diverse groups of volunteers and community members.
  • Ability to organize and maintain records and daily written reports.
  • Ability to manage assets resourcefully—equipment, labor, etc.
  • Knowledge of composting systems.
  • Ability to budget and plan ahead.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and take part in physical labor in all weather conditions.
  • Salary and Benefits
    This is a contracted position, and the rate of pay is $20/hr for up to 24 hours per week.

    Application Process
    CGCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a brief letter of interest, their resume, and three references to jobs@commongoodcityfarm.org with the subject “Seasonal Farm Manager Application.” At least two references should
  • Love & Carrots-Garden Installation Crew Member


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    Garden Installation Crew Member

    Who we are:
    Love & Carrots is DC’s foremost urban farming and edible landscaping company. We design, install and maintain organic urban farms, vegetable gardens, and native landscapes across DC, MD, and VA. Through our garden care & coaching program we provide expert garden maintenance, guidance, and education in almost 150 gardens every year, helping connect people to their food and inspiring local food production and farming inside the beltway. Since our inception in 2011 we've installed over 500 gardens and our clients include residents, local restaurants, and community organizations throughout the DMV.

    The Job:
    The Installation Crew is responsible for building all Love & Carrots’ new vegetable gardens and perennial landscapes. As a member of the Installation Crew, you will work with a team to transform yards into productive and beautiful vegetable gardens. We also install stone pathways and patios, fences, pergolas, and arbors.

    Tasks Include:
    • Building raised bed garden boxes
      • Cutting wood
      • Using power tools
    • Installing raised beds and full gardens
      • Loading trucks
      • Hauling mulch/soil/filling wheelbarrows
      • Digging trenches/holes
      • Installing drip irrigation
      • Planting vegetables/trees/shrubs
      • Building fences
      • Building trellises
      • General landscape labor (excluding lawncare)
    • Driving large trucks

    Necessary Qualifications:
    • The ability to lift, dig, haul and generally work hard. The work is very physical and is completed in varying weather conditions (extreme summer heat, rain, wind, cold)
    • A valid driver's license and working personal vehicle required.
    • Experience with carpentry (basic knowledge of power tools, woodworking)
    • The ability to work as part of a close knit team while following directions. Also, to work independently, take initiative, and lead as necessary.
    • Attention to detail and organization.

    Preferred Experience in: (not required, but strongly favored)
    • Construction/Building
    • Landscaping
    • Construction
    • Advanced Carpentry
    • Masonry
    • Manual labor
    • Gardening/farming
    • An affinity for veggies, soil, urban farming, and local food is preferred but not required.
    ·         
    Compensation:
    • Paid hourly based on experience ($14-$17/hr).
    • Benefits include health insurance, 401k, and paid time off.
    • Opportunity for seasonal bonuses, based on performance.
    • Our office/headquarters has an on-site vegetable garden for staff use.

    Interested? Email a brief letter of interest and resume to: Garden@loveandcarrots.com