Land Steward Position Available In Bennington, Vermont

Land Steward 3.0 3.0 out of 5 stars 246 S Stream Rd, Bennington, VT 05201 This position will assume responsibility for the planning and coordination of the agriculture spaces within Mount Anthony Union Middle School. Facilitate effective use of all spaces and resources to grow food and work with staff to educate students about sustainable practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with students, staff, and community members both individually and in small groups. Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products for consumption, including storage/handling techniques and managing weeds. Willingness to learn and apply basic instructional strategies and techniques as needed for effective implementation of instructional strategies practiced by the district; general understanding of student learning styles or modalities. Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, policies or procedures; understand and follow verbal and written directions; meet schedules and timelines. Ability to operate a personal computer, tablet, or other device to search, retrieve, or record information; accurately maintain records and prepare reports. Time management and keeping records of daily activity including planting reports. Ability to keep supplies and materials clean and organized. Ability to work collaboratively with the MAU Agricultural committee, Abbey Group food services, and MAUMS teachers to carry out the vision of the garden.

Space Planning and Utilization:

Create and maintain a planting schedule for all spaces associated Identify and pursue potential community partnerships for the purposes of grant research, fundraising, education; provide groups and individuals tours of the agricultural spaces. Gather and share information with the Agricultural Committee, related to program budgets, costs, utilization, opportunities for growth and improvement ideas. Track and report qualitative and quantitative data related to program participation, successes, challenges and recommendations. Select and purchase supplies and equipment such as seed, fertilizers, and farm machinery. Annual budget planning, purchase and acquisition of all agriculture-related supplies.

Planting/Maintenance/Harvesting:

Perform crop production duties such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, weeding and harvesting. Plan crop activities based on factors such as crop maturity timelines and weather conditions. Monitor crops as they grow in order to ensure that they are growing properly and are free from diseases and contaminants. Responsible for the growing area designated for cafeteria food production Maintain facilities and equipment such as fencing, water supplies, greenhouse, and frost or wind shelters. Assess and report maintenance needs or concerns observed on property. Coordinating program use of necessary equipment and storage, and working to keep the property features open and available to students and staff year-round.

Education:

Facilitate potential site opportunities identified by schools, Career Development Center (CDC) and the Youth Agriculture Program (YAP) and work in conjunction with the leadership of each program and the Agricultural Committee to maximize use of the property for quality programming. Work with teachers to make connections between the classroom and agricultural spaces. Monitor and supervise students in agricultural spaces to ensure student safety. As necessary, attend meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions and applying lessons learned into daily activities. Support the value of education and the philosophy and mission of the District. Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the school and supporting student learning objectives in a positive environment.