JOB SUMMARY

The SLF Farmhand will work closely with the Farm Production Manager to support the development and day-to-day operations of the Southbank Learning Farm (SLF), SEEAG's newest agricultural education and workforce development initiative in Oxnard. This is a hands-on, physically active farm position focused on preparing and maintaining the site through soil preparation, irrigation, planting, harvesting, pruning, composting, weed management, and infrastructure projects. The Farmhand will work outdoors in a variety of farm conditions and weather and should be comfortable with physically demanding work. The SLF Farmhand will also assist with farm-based programming for probationary youth in partnership with the Ventura County Probation Agency and support maintenance and enrichment projects at SEEAG's Farm-to-Food Lab site at Petty Ranch. The SLF Farmhand must be comfortable with, and ideally interested in, programs and opportunities that benefit at-risk and system-involved youth. This is a part-time position averaging 24-30 hours per week, with regular work at SLF and occasional work at Petty Ranch and SEEAG's main office. The ideal candidate is dependable, collaborative, interested in agriculture and youth development, and comfortable working outdoors as part of a small nonprofit team.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Southbank Learning Farm Support Report to the Southbank Learning Farm in Oxnard on a weekly basis. Assist the Farm Production Manager with day-to-day farm operations and projects to establish and maintain the site. Assist with soil preparation, irrigation, planting, harvesting, pruning, composting, weed management, and maintenance of row crops, edible gardens, native vegetation, and other farm areas. Assist with the construction, installation, and maintenance of farm infrastructure, including fencing, irrigation systems, growing areas, and other site improvements. Engage positively and professionally with SLF program partners. Support volunteers on SLF volunteer days and during community engagement events. Perform physical farm labor and work outdoors in a variety of weather and farm conditions. Programming Assistance for Probationary Youth Assist with the planning and implementation of agricultural education and workforce development programs serving probationary youth at Ventura County Juvenile Facilities as they relate to on-farm activities. Work alongside probationary youth during hands-on farm activities and projects. Be comfortable educating, engaging, and working alongside youth in an outdoor farm environment. Willing to undergo a background check and all other vetting processes required for working with youth from the Juvenile Facilities. Engage positively and professionally with Juvenile Facilities staff and program participants. Petty Ranch Site Support & Maintenance Help conduct routine farm maintenance at Petty Ranch, including preparing and maintaining learning stations and outdoor education spaces and assisting with enrichment and infrastructure projects. Support volunteers with farm and site improvement projects during volunteer days. Communicate effectively with Farm-to-Food Lab educators, coordinator, and program manager to ensure timely completion of projects.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture (Ag Science, Ag Business, Ag Education) or a related field, or equivalent relevant farm experience. Experience in production farming, agriculture, gardening, landscaping, or other hands-on outdoor work is highly preferred. Knowledge of basic farming practices, including soil preparation, irrigation, planting, harvesting, pruning, composting, and general farm maintenance. Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors, including lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, digging, and working in a variety of weather and farm conditions. Experience teaching or engaging participants in an outdoor context (outdoor education, gardens, farms, or non-traditional classroom settings) is preferred. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work confidently and respectfully with participants from diverse demographic, systemic, socioeconomic, and behavioral backgrounds. Must complete sexual harassment prevention, mandated reporter, ServSafe trainings, and Live Scan fingerprinting. Additional vetting, including a background check with the Ventura County Probation Agency, may be requested for work with VCPA youth, but is not a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Physical Conditions of Employment:

Sit, stand, and/or walk for approximately 80-90% of the workday. Kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk, and frequently use hands. Speak, hear, read, and write in English. Frequently use a computer, keyboard, and mouse. Lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds frequently and heavier objects occasionally, with appropriate assistance when needed. Work outdoors on farms in varying weather conditions. Perform routine farm maintenance and other physically active program duties.

Environmental Conditions of Employment:

Noise:

When working on farms, the incumbent may be exposed to loud noises from machinery, equipment, or students.

Dust:

When working on farms, the incumbent may be exposed to dust and other particulate matter from farming activities.

Heat:

When working outside in the summer months, the incumbent may be exposed to high temperatures and heat stress.

Cold:

When working outside in the winter months, the incumbent may be exposed to cold temperatures and inclement weather.

Pay:

$25.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 24.0 - 30.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) matching Paid time off

Work Location:

In person