Role Mission: CNP Farmer Substitutes maintain the continuity of our farm program while lead CNP Farmers are unavailable. Substitute farmers complete the daily farm tasks as per the protocol set by the CNP Farmer or CNP Farm Assistant Manager to ensure the farm maintains productivity. A CNP Farmer Substitute may teach Junior Master Gardener lessons or participate in afterschool programming, if applicable. Farmer Substitutes maintain and update farm logs to ensure accurate documentation. This is a part time/ as needed position located in the central Texas region with preference given to candidates who live in the Austin and/or San Antonio area. Farm Substitutes will travel to school farm sites, using personal transportation or program vehicles. The hourly commitment for a Farmer Substitute is flexible, contingent upon the CNP Farmer's absence, ranging from 1-8 hours per day as needed, with the possibility of working weekends.
The IDEA Farm Program works within the larger Child Nutrition Program (CNP) and Healthy Kids Here initiative dedicated to making IDEA Public Schools one of the healthiest school districts in the nation. The IDEA Farm Program collaborates with campus leaders, students, and community stake holders to create a successful farm-to-school curriculum by providing exceptional educational experiences and high-quality produce. CNP Farmer Substitutes coordinate onsite farm operational and production processes, and student academic performance by leading a best-in class farm education program to support IDEA’s mission of making College for All a reality.
Compensation:
Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging between $21.29 for 0 years of experience and $26.62.
In this role you will:
· Complete daily farm tasks as per the protocol set by the farmer or farm assistant manager to maintain operation continuity. This includes but is not limited to harvesting, weeding, irrigating, preparing growing beds for planting, seeding, applying fertilizers and organic pesticides, and landscape maintenance.
· Teach Junior Master Gardener lessons or participate in afterschool programming, if applicable.
· Assist lead farmers in reaching program goals.
· Document and maintain farm records and logs
· Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the farm in adherence to Operations Audit standards
· Uphold food safety on the farm by following Good Agricultural Practices
· Ensure that supplies are received and stored properly, and that contracted services are completed according to planned scope of work
· Adhere to field management schedule outlined in the yearly production plan
· Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for all farm operations
Required experience:
High School Diploma or GED1 year experience in horticulture, agriculture, gardening, or desire to learn. Reliable transportation
Preferred experience:
Associate degree or higher in Horticulture, Agriculture, Ecology, or a related field1 year experience teaching or working with pre-K through 12th grade students is a plusKnowledge in sustainable horticulture, agriculture, and hydroponic systems
Goals:
Individual Contributor Language – As part of the Child Nutrition Program Farm team, you will contribute to reaching the following ambitious goals:Ensure farm is operationally ready with crops planted, quick-start, and prep week completed, and operation audits passed before the first day of school (FDOS).Certify 10% of students enrolled in grades 3-7th as junior master gardeners by June 30th. Meet Farm cost per square foot goal by June 30th Meet pounds harvested goal by June 30th Meet an average of 90% rating on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) harmonized and quality operational audits by June 30th
Physical Requirements:
· Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend or work on hands and knees for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
· Must be able to work in an outdoor space, walk on uneven ground, crawl, or move about on hands and knees.
· Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 50 pounds regularly
· Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running.
· Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold
We look for Team and Family who embody the following values and characteristics:
Believes and is committed to our mission and being an agent of change: that all students are capable of getting to and through college Has demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships in order to achieve outcomes We believe in education as a profession and hold ourselves to high level of conduct, professionalism and behaviors as models for our colleagues and students
About IDEA Public Schools
At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools.
IDEA Public Schools boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.
When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality.
At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values
To Apply
Please submit your application online through Jobvite. It’s in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.
IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.