BereaCorps Horticulture Production Associate

Job Overview

Please note that references provided at the time of application for staff positions will not be contacted until the applicant has been offered the position.

A successful Berea Corps Horticulture Production Associate is capable of working unsupervised, leading team tasks, supervising student workers, conducting day-to-day operations, and meeting deadlines with assistance from the Horticulture Manager. They will execute organic crop production activities including seeding, transplanting, irrigation, cultivation, pest management, harvest, post-harvest, communication with customers, and delivery of crops. In addition, they will assist with tasks related to greenhouse production, public events, and maintenance and repairs to machinery and facilities as needed for production.

The Associate will have the opportunity to develop and apply their verbal and written communication skills, as well as their organizational and quantitative analysis skills. The Associate will need to be effective at completing timely work and contribute toward collaborative problem‑solving. A working knowledge of organic vegetable and fruit crop production, food safety, cultivation, pest control, soil fertility, irrigation systems, and safe operating skills of farm equipment and machinery is desired.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Regular and predictable attendance is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The successful candidate will be able to succeed in both the physical and mental areas of the job. Agriculture requires thoughtful planning, problem solving, and serious physical stamina and flexibility.
• The successful candidate will be able to collaborate with staff and students to improve production.
• The successful candidate will be able to document their progress and keep appropriate records.
• In support of Berea College’s great commitments this position requires student supervision. The fourth great commitment is to promote learning and serving in community through the student labor program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done. The supervision would include scheduling, assigning and approving work performed. Developing students about common workplace acumen and giving them tangible work experience is an expected outcome.
  
  To learn more about the student labor program and requirements on this position see:
  Labor Program Goals.

Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty and students.

• Undergraduate degree from Berea College with a graduation date in 2024 or May 2025. Agriculture & Natural Resources, Technology & Applied Design, Biology, and Sustainability & Environmental Studies are preferred.

• Experience working outdoors in all kinds of weather
• Farm experience, especially growing vegetables and fruit for market
• Experience using farm equipment
• Experience in effectively delegating tasks
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment

• Experience installing and using irrigation systems
• Experience growing crops in high tunnels and fields
• Experience using power tools and farm equipment
• Experience seeking agricultural information
• Ability to assimilate new skills and knowledge in a fast‑paced job environment. Ability to instruct student workers
• Experience organizing information and documenting activities using spreadsheets (record keeping)
• Capabilities necessary to regularly work with things such as tiny seeds and identify insects
• Knowledge of soil fertility management
• Knowledge of organic production practices

• Val…