This is 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 3-5 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:
Working at George Jones Memorial Farm (GJF) provides students with the opportunity to tackle a number of exciting projects and tasks, including farm and natural resources work, facilities and maintenance, and some office or clerical support throughout the year. GJF is a working farm, and 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.
Some examples of work are listed below, and is a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities students may take on while employed:
Farm Work: weeding, planting, seed starting, mulching, composting, fall and spring garden clean-up, and responding to pests and diseases on plants.
Harvesting: Harvesting produce grown for City Fresh bulk orders, shares, a la carte, and markets.
Beekeeping: Inspecting hives, harvesting and extracting honey, hive winter preparation, maintenance, and management of bee yard and barn. Those with bee allergies are exempt from beekeeping tasks.
Facilities maintenance: making repairs to buildings, hoop houses, and raised beds, minor construction projects, and cleaning tasks.
Events: setting up and tearing down farm events, leading or planning activities at public events, and putting up posters or flyers throughout Oberlin town and campus advertising events.
Volunteer Program Support: leading volunteers in tasks, managing volunteer sign-in, and data collection and tracking.
Landscaping and Natural Resources: In collaboration with GJF groundskeepers, work on a variety of tasks including invasive species mitigation, trail building and maintenance, assessment of Natural resources, and accurately mapping those resources.
Misc.: Other tasks as assigned by the Farm Programs Coordinator, and other City Fresh staff.
Qualifications:
This role is primarily aimed at Junior and Senior students, though well qualified underclassmen may also apply. The Farm Assistant role requires a higher level or responsibility and commitment than the groundskeeper role. Farm Assistants work closely with one another and the Farm Programs Coordinator to determine priorities, projects, and timelines for all tasks. Additional qualifications and expertise includes:
Some previous relevant or equivalent experience required. This could be as a GJF groundskeeper, working outdoors at a camp or doing fieldwork, or in landscaping, farming, or gardening.
Basic understanding of plant identification and common weeds.
Comfort working with power tools and/or machinery.
Students should be able to work both independently and on a team to accomplish tasks.
Highly flexible and adaptable, comfortable with problem solving on the fly.
Ability to independently organize and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines.
Students must have reliable transportation to site (those without cars have found success in biking and carpooling).
Must be able to lift 20+ pounds. This is a physically intensive position in which almost all work is done outdoors, rain or shine. Weather appropriate attire is necessary.
Availability and Compensation:
This position requires a minimum of 12 hours of availability per week, up to 25 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 $15.00/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.
