This is a community based work study program (CBWSP) position. Only students with federal work study are eligible to apply. Students must first complete the CBWSP application to verify their eligibility. If you have questions about eligibility, email eclayto1@oberlin.edu. There are 2-3 groundskeeper openings per semester, depending on availability.
About City Fresh:
Located one mile east of Oberlin College campus, the George Jones Memorial Farm (GJF) is an innovative educational site with abundant resources and activities for students and the greater community. GJF is working towards the City Fresh mission of creating a more healthy, vibrant, and just local food system. We are a growing hub for education, and provide opportunities for students and community members to learn about sustainable agriculture through hands-on experiences, events, and our New Farmer Incubator. We utilize a variety of organic, regenerative, and permaculture based farming practices throughout the site, in concert with our natural resources work to create a healthy and productive landscape. Working collaboratively, our efforts are supported and enacted by a network of students, researchers, community members, volunteers, and local institutions to build a more healthy and equitable local food system.
Position Description:
Groundskeepers are vital to managing our property, and will have the opportunity to hone in on projects like invasive species mitigation, trail breaking, building, and designing, natural resources work, and mapping. Students can expect a range of tasks which vary by season and weather. Students can expect to learn to operate basic hand and power tools, small agricultural machinery, and will be provided with relevant training and basic PPE needed to utilize tools appropriately and safely. This is a physically intensive position in which almost all work is done outdoors. Students will receive guidance and training on how to perform tasks and utilize equipment safely. Weather appropriate attire is necessary. Some examples of work students may take on while employed are:
Landscaping: mowing, weed whacking, and path maintenance throughout the entire property. Utilizing our ride-on mower, gas and electric weed whackers and brush cutters, and other agricultural machinery.
Natural resources: invasive species removal, trail maintenance and building, and flagging/marking out sites, plants, or areas for future attention. Supporting the farm programs coordinator in developing and tracking invasive species mitigation plans and projects.
Farm work: Watering support throughout the farm, in addition to occasional weeding or mulching in garden or farm plots.
Facilities maintenance: cleaning and janitorial tasks, trash removal, and minor construction or repair tasks utilizing hand and power tools.
Misc: Other tasks as assigned by the Farm Programs Coordinator or other City Fresh staff.
Qualifications:
The GJF groundskeeper position is designed for those with limited or no experience in agriculture to explore the farm, learn the basics of landscape management, and train and develop skills necessary for the Farm Assistant position. Alternatively, this position may be a good fit for those with landscape experience, but with more limited availability than required for the Farm Assistant role. Additional qualifications and expertise includes:
Students should be effective at working independently. This role will primarily be self directed, so comfort with working alone and the ability to prioritize responsibilities is required to be successful in this position.
Students must be able to lift (or learn to lift) 20+ pounds. This is a physically intensive position.
Students must have reliable transportation to site (those without cars have found success in biking and carpooling).
Availability and Compensation:
This position requires a minimum of 8 hours of availability per week, up to 20 hours per week, weather permitting. The exact number of hours available to students is variable by season, weather, and availability of tasks, typically with more hours available at the start of the fall semester, and end of the spring semester. This is a Federal Work-Study job that pays $13.00/hr.
To apply, send your resume, a brief email describing your interest, and availability between 9am-6pm for both weekdays and weekends to Emma Miner at emma@cityfresh.org.
