Farm Discovery Volunteer! Harvest Festival 2018
Farm Discovery Volunteer! Harvest Festival 2018

Employment

Volunteer Opportunities

Educator
hiring in March 2024

Position Description:

We are looking for two highly motivated, detail-oriented and energetic people for the position of Educator. This position will help lead food, farming and nature education programming. Farming components include assisting with the up to 3-acre Discovery Garden, Education Fields, small goat herd and chicken flocks, as well as coordinating with farm staff and volunteers to accomplish large seasonal projects. You will be a key member of the program team in running programs with youth on the land and in the kitchen.

We run seasonal field trips and Farm Immersions (March-June & Sept-Nov), a weekly immersive program (Sept-June), drop in programs (year round), Farm Camps, Summer Leader in Training and job programs (June-July), two large annual community events, and a partnership with Food What?! (March-Oct). This position will work in concert with our Assistant Director of Education, and Executive Director in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and development of these core programs..

This position will train in working with youth, farm production and in the kitchen. You are someone who wants to build outstanding education, farming, cooking and relationship building skills, who can engage and inspire the youth we serve about multiple aspects of the food system from production to consumption and food justice. You are approachable, a great communicator, and passionate about our mission. You’re comfortable being you, and willing to share your personal magic with Farm Discovery students while creating safe space on the farm and in the kitchen.

Responsibilities:

  • Implement all education programs at the direction of or in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Education.
  • Work with the Field Manager on day-to-day organic farming operations with ongoing coordination with Live Earth Farm production operations.
  • Support the piloting of new weekend event programs such as workshops, Airbnb experiences and farm campouts.
  • Support program outreach to local and regional agricultural and business communities to help develop relationships to help sustain Farm Discovery programs.
  • Maintain order and cleanliness of the education barn, kitchen classroom, and restroom.
  • Lead farm tours and teach organic farming/gardening skills, environmental stewardship, and nutrition.
  • Support program, development and administration staff on our annual big event, Fall Feast, as well as smaller community building and fundraising events (Supporter’s Picnic, Holiday Sip & Shop, Land Stewardship Workdays, etc.)
  • Act as a friendly ambassador, welcoming the public & upholding the mission of Farm Discovery and Live Earth Farm.
  • Implementing program evaluation (quantitative and qualitative)
  • Assist in maintenance of Farm Discovery customer database (Salesforce Software).
  • Social media, marketing, blog entries
  • Participate in development of programs
  • Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and other staff
  • Training and supervision of seasonal program staff, LIT’s, and field/animal volunteers
  • Restocking supplies and keeping tabs on necessary inventory of needs (animals, fields, facilities, arts/crafts)
  • Support Field Manager with the implementation of the value-added product line. Involves managing relationships with local business partners and retailers.
  • Support Field Manager to maintain existing, and create new, relationships with local chefs, coordinating their participation in summer camp guest chefs and chefs for our annual benefit.
  • Use computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database software to prepare reports, memos, and documents. Code and file material according to the established procedures. Update and ensure the accuracy of the organization’s databases. Back-up electronic files using proper procedures
  • Co-manage goat herd and flocks of chickens through overseeing daily and long-term husbandry. Facilitate planning and raising of baby chicks

Duration

The position will be filled by March 31, 2024. The position ends on November 15, 2024.

Position Details

This is a 40 hour per week, full time position with paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Pay $17-$20/hour, commensurate with experience. In addition, the farm will provide produce and fresh eggs as available.

*To Apply:
*Please fill in the following form: https://forms.gle/6H2EgzAeKWt1uDHL7

the form will require the following two items to be uploaded within it:

  • A cover letter that shares the unique skills you bring to the table and includes the date or range of timing you are interested/available to start
  • A resume with at least two professional references

Or see the job post on indeed (we will still need the same form filled out): Indeed posting

 

We will begin reviewing and accepting candidate material immediately.

Farming: components include co-managing the up to 1-acre Discovery Garden, Education Fields, pygmy goats and chicken flocks, as well as, coordinating with farm staff and volunteers to accomplish large seasonal projects.

Programs: We run seasonal field trips and Farm Immersions (February-June & Sept-Nov), a weekly program with Santa Cruz Montessori (Sept-June), a monthly Home School program (Sept-June), drop in programs (year round), Summer Farm Camps, Summer Leader in Training and job programs (June-July), a partnership with Food What?! (March-Oct), a 10- month apprenticeship, a produce distribution program (year-round), field and garden volunteers (year-round). During the pandemic we constantly adjusted and developed programs to best serve the needs of our community.

Events: Supporters Picnic, Fall Feast, Harvest Festival, Farm U-pick Events, Specialty Workshops, Birthday Parties

The Education Associate will work with our Education Director and Executive Director in the planning, implementation, evaluation (data collection) and development of these core programs and events.

The Education Associate engages and inspires the youth and families we serve about multiple aspects of the food system from production to consumption to food justice.

If you are interested in this position please fill out the form – available soon – and include a resume and cover letter.

To see full Job Details visit: live soon

Position Details: This is a 40 hour per week, full time position with paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Salary $40-43k, commensurate with experience. Health benefit stipend, retirement plan and 1% organization match. In addition, the farm will provide produce and fresh eggs as available.

*To Apply:
*Please fill in the following form: https://forms.gle/abcsNAETv9jBh1d36
the form will require the following two items to be uploaded within it:
• A cover letter that shares the unique skills you bring to the table and includes the date or range of timing you are interested/available to start
• A resume with at least two professional references
Or see the job post on indeed (we will still need the same form filled out): https://www.indeed.com/job/administrative-assistant-512a646afc088e3c
We will begin reviewing and accepting candidate material immediately.

 

Farming Intern
hiring immediately

Position Description

We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented and energetic person for this position of Field Intern. This position will support the food/farming programming. The person in this role will support our Field manager in managing the up to 3-acre Education area, including Discovery Garden, Education Fields, small goatherd and chicken flocks, as well as coordinating with farm staff and volunteers to accomplish large seasonal projects. You should be ready to hit the ground running, supporting implementation of our crop plan.

Our fields are grown to support our education and produce distribution programs. We run seasonal field trips and Farm Immersions (April-June &Sept-Nov), a weekly immersive program (Sept-June), drop-in programs (year-round), Farm Camps, Summer Leader in Training and job programs (June-July), two large annual community events, spring, summer and fall u-pick events, a partnership with Food What?! (March-Oct) and internship programs. We grow about 5000 pounds of organic produce for 3 community partner meal and grocery distribution programs for neighbors in need.

This position requires a collaborative individual with a high level of organization and flexibility. You are someone looking to expand your farming skills, who can engage and inspire the youth we serve about multiple aspects of the food system from production, to consumption, to food justice. You are approachable, a great communicator, and passionate about our mission. You dive in and get the daily work done with a strong attention to detail. You’re playful, comfortable being you, and willing to share your personal magic with Farm Discovery students while creating safe space on the farm and in the kitchen.

Responsibilities:

  • Support seasonal and day-to-day organic farming operations with our Field Manager
    • propagation and greenhouse work, crop planning, planting and rotation, soil fertility, composting, perennial fruit tree and berry care, harvesting, post-harvest handling, irrigation, pest and disease control.
    • Care for goat heard and flocks of chickens through daily and seasonal husbandry. Raise chicks seasonally.
  • Support farming curriculum implementation.
  • Maintain order and cleanliness of garden, fields, animal pens, education barn, kitchen classroom, and restroom.
  • Assist with Produce (donation and distribution) program.
  • Work with program and administration staff to accomplish big events including u-picks, Sheep to Shawl Fair, Harvest Festival and Fall Feast in the Fields, as well as smaller community building and fundraising events (Supporter’s Picnic, Holiday Sip & Shop, Land Stewardship Workdays).
  • Support implementation of fundraising and community events.
  • Participate in program evaluation (quantitative and qualitative).

Personal Characteristics

  • Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization.
  • Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
  • Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
  • Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
  • Organization: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
  • Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
  • Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Preferred:

  • Bilingual Spanish speaker.
  • Experience and understanding of Latinx culture.
  • Farming gardening and/or nutrition experience, skills, and/or passion.
  • Familiarity with area agricultural business and philanthropic sectors.

Experience

  • 1-3 semesters experience in horticulture

Work Setting

  • 3-5 acres of nonprofit organic farming fields, orchards and animal pens
  • This is a 10-20 hours per week, position.

Duration

The position will be filled by immediately for a semester long commitment

Position Details

This is a 10-20 hour per week internship.

At this time, this position is available to eligible students at public colleges and universities through the Learning-Aligned Employment Program

*To Apply:
*Please fill in the following form: https://forms.gle/cvkabewcktBdSjU68

the form will require the following two items to be uploaded within it:

  • A cover letter that shares the unique skills you bring to the table and includes the date or range of timing you are interested/available to start
  • A resume with at least two professional references

 We will begin reviewing and accepting candidate material immediately.

Field Trip Docent

Our Docents help to guide children around the farm and Discovery Garden. After attending a docent training, you will lead students on farm tours, teaching them about life cycles, identifying plants, and helping to inspire wonder! We encourage docents to teach a handson approach to environmental education, letting the kids explore the farm in a guided fashion. We ask that docents commit to a minimum number of service hours within a year. For more information please click on the link below:

Field Trip Docent Position Description

Board Member

Farm Discovery is currently recruiting 1-3 new board members. Join our dynamic, diverse group of board members in serving our community in this important way.

We are currently looking for members adept in: finance, law, HR, tech and are open to meeting with people with other areas of expertise. We will prioritize candidates who grew up in or reflect the diversity of our community.

email: director@farmdiscovery.org to inquire

Event Volunteer

Farm Discovery hold several annual events on the farm, including the Sheep to Shawl Festival, Fall Feast in the Fields, and Harvest Festival. We always need volunteers to help make these events a success. Volunteer jobs vary, but may help involve set up and tear down, helping people check in, and helping with food.

Garden Docent

Do you have experience with gardening or farming? We are always in search of people to help upkeep our farm and garden; our needs vary and jobs may be on specific projects on ongoing maintenance. For more information please click on the link below:

Garden Volunteer Position Description

Produce Delivery

Produce Delivery Volunteers pick up organic produce on the farm once a week and deliver it to one of 2 food pantry and meal programs in Watsonville or Santa Cruz. Deliveries occur on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. While all 3 spots are currently full, we often need trained volunteers to fill in sporadically. To learn more or onboard email Ulises fieldmanager@farmdiscovery.org

Data Entry

This you can do from the comfort of your home and your efforts are super important for the evaluation and funding of our programs. Add participants to our database, help segment our contacts, and more from our office or your own cozy couch.

Group Volunteering

We have many opportunities for your larger groups to volunteer with us! Perfect for corporate groups, church groups, clubs, etc. Please reach out to Stephanie at education@farmdiscovery.org to learn about these opportunities.