Farm Food Program Associate, Case Western Reserve University

Job Overview

Working under limited supervision, the Greenhouse Associate helps lead the Farm Food Program (FFP) of Case Western Reserve University’s 400-acre property. Farm facilities include indoor/outdoor spaces for teaching, research, agriculture recreation, as well as residential. Beyond growing produce the FFP Associate’s blended role includes the business aspects of food production, representing the University Farm at on and off‑campus functions, creating, documenting and delivering original content for short one‑hour up to 12‑week co‑curricular educational programs on subjects such as the technical aspects of planting different crops, gardening at home versus institutional settings, integrated pest management, soil preparation, composting, harvesting, preserving, beekeeping 101, and similar.

With an entrepreneurial and project‑management mindset, the Associate will utilize the basic principles of sustainable agriculture, and when appropriate, regenerative agriculture to design and execute seasonal planting and harvesting. This individual will continue to develop knowledge and advocate on the potential to test or pilot new farming techniques or projects.

They will develop, track, and record relevant data regarding food production. While often working independently, they will also fully participate as a team member and assist other farm staff and student interns and volunteers in the daily operations of the university farm.

This individual will always be exploring, identifying and when possible, executing unique opportunities to collaborate or partner with campus initiatives and community groups so that the FFP can be connected and of benefit to CWRU’s Cleveland neighborhoods.

Will assist or lead University Farm special events and functions as needed.

• Oversee the Debra Ann November Research Greenhouse of Case Western Reserve University: maximize growing space in the greenhouse and collaborate with faculty researchers to care for their research plots, plan and care for food program grow bays, and plan and care for designated outdoor growing areas on the upper farm.
• Work with Farm colleagues, division staff, and vendors as needed to ensure effective operation of the greenhouse systems and facility.
• Lead the production of the Program’s vegetable plugs, micro green trays, and herbs as well as small outdoor seasonal beds.
• Take lead on preserving the Food Program’s seeds and digital seed database.
• Create and manage the greenhouse, outdoor plots, water and irrigation schedule.
• Maintain related equipment for greenhouse operations.
• Maintain the greenhouse tables, floors, containers, production office area, and keep the food preservation cool room clean and free of disease and pests.
• Perform and communicate with stakeholders as needed regarding natural and integrated pest control measures used in the greenhouse.
• Train faculty, staff, and student researchers on their role in keeping the facility clean and free of pests.