Farm Field Assistants with VYCC

Position Overview:
The Farm Field Assistant position is an exciting opportunity to gain knowledge
and experience about farming, food systems, and the link between food
production, education, community development, and food security in Vermont.
Assistants participate in all aspects of the Farm at VYCC including:
greenhouse production; field production (planting, irrigation, weeding, and
harvesting); marketing and distribution; construction, maintenance and repair;
and livestock management. Special attention is given to youth training and
development as well as volunteer coordination and deployment. Primary focus of
all activity is the Health Care Share. Field Assistants have opportunities to
interact and work with VYCC Conservation Crews, as well as partner farm staff
and management. Additionally, Field Assistants participate in trainings,
workshops, and attend VYCC events.

VYCC is an educational and training organization. All positions have an element of teaching and learning.  Much of the learning for Field Assistants will happen through hands-on experience as individuals take part in all aspects of the food production, from ecological soil management, plant propagation, to disease and pest control and livestock management. Farm at VYCC positions begin with an orientation to the VYCC and the Food and Farm Program. During this period of time Field Assistants will:

  • Learn about Farm at VYCC note-taking and begin to keep a Journal of Exploration.
  • Become familiar with general and specific expectations for VYCC staff and Farm Team members
  • Learn operations, systems and methodology for vegetable and livestock production
  • Receive vehicle, tractor and other tools/equipment trainings;
  • Learn about and contribute to the Health Care Share
  • Learn youth and volunteer coordination processes and techniques

2016 VYCC Farm Team:
The Farm Team consists of a Food & Farm Program Director, Program Manager, and
seasonal Field Supervisors, Field Assistants, Crew Leaders and youth Corps
Members. Field Assistants are expected to work effectively with each other,
other members of the Farm Team, VYCC Headquarters Staff and Conservation
Crews, VYCC School Crews, and volunteers. They are supported and guided
directly by Field Supervisors.

VYCC Campus and/or Living Arrangements:
Depending on the individual and the exact position the Farm Field Assistant
may be residential.  Some seasonal staff reside off-site and commute to work
on a daily basis.  Others may participate in a hybrid arrangement where they
live on the VYCC campus during the week and return home for the weekend.
Assistants may participate anytime between March and November.  Assistants
must abide by VYCC policies while representing the VYCC, on a VYCC worksite,
or associated site which include: no drinking, smoking, or drug use; no
physically intimate contact or relations with other interns; and no violent
behavior.

Environmental Factors:
Field Assistants are based out of the Farm at VYCC Headquarters and the West
Monitor Barn in Richmond, Vermont. The office currently houses 20 full-time
staff, as well as varying numbers of seasonal staff and volunteers who assist
with special projects throughout the season. Field Assistants must be able to
maintain focus and productivity amidst a dynamic atmosphere while sharing
space with others. VYCC is an organization that cultivates success using a
team approach.  All VYCC staff are expected to contribute to the development
and maintenance of a strong working community.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Participate in all aspects of vegetable and pasture poultry production including planning, planting, managing, harvesting, and distributing crops; and daily caretaking of livestock.
  • Work with the farm crews, VYCC Conservation Crews, VYCC School Crews, partnering organizations, and volunteers.
  • Participate in Health Care Share production and distribution
  • Collaborate on the continued growth of the Food & Farm Program
  • Marketing and sales: Farmer’s Market and on-site farm stand
  • Communicate with current Farm partnering organizations including, the Vermont Foodbank, local food shelves, area schools, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA)

Other Responsibilities:

  • Lead youth in farm, culinary, and other programmatic projects
  • Participate in trainings and workshops
  • Actively participate in weekly meetings, including group readings and other learning opportunities
  • Attend program events
  • Work on individual projects of interest in the areas of sustainable agriculture, education, and food justice, that further the development of the Farm & Food Program

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Solid belief in the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps mission
  • Commitment to the food system, farming, and working within the local community
  • Past farm and some carpentry experience is helpful but not required
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal communication skills
  • Dynamic personality
  • Exceptional time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • Availability to work regular weeknights and weekends
  • Ability to lift at least 50 lbs

Compensation:

  • $400 per week
  • Farm Team benefits can include: seasonal, on-campus housing; farm food allotment
  • Organizational dedication to on-going professional development (monthly farm visits, NOFA workshops and trainings, etc.)

Start Date:
March, 2016 (Exact Date TBD)

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three
professional references.

Richmond, VT