About Dickinson
Dickinson College is a premier four-year residential liberal arts institution chartered in 1783 and widely recognized as a leader in global and sustainability education. Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, named a “most livable city” by Forbes and is minutes from the state capital of Harrisburg. The campus is connected to a vibrant downtown that offers eclectic dining, shopping and entertainment options. Within a two-hour drive are Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.; New York City is three hours away.
Dickinson College offers full-time employees a broad range of benefits, including a comprehensive medical insurance plan, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, generous time off, parental leave, homebuyer assistance, and tuition benefits for eligible employees and dependent children under the age of 24. Upon eligibility, the College contributes 8% of an employee’s base salary to a retirement account with an additional .5% matching contribution; all money paid by the college into the employee’s retirement plan is immediately and fully vested in the employee.
Below you will find the details for the position, including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the "Apply" for this job link button above.
Position Department
College Farm
Position Details
The Dickinson College Farm Operations Assistant is a 12-month full-time farm-based position. Due to the seasonal demands at the College Farm, the work of the Farm Operations Assistant during the agricultural production season (April thru November) will be almost exclusively dedicated to supporting the farm's vegetable operation. From December until the end of March, the Farm Operations Assistant will assist with the farm's waste-to energy production and at times lend support to the vegetable operation.
Successful applicants will have a minimum of one full season of vegetable production farming, tractor experience, a keen interest in developing professional and technical know-how, and a passion for building cohesive teams. They will also thrive under high levels of responsibility, demonstrate strong organizational apptitude, and enjoy working with college-aged students. Handiness and basic mechanical skills are also desired as is a strong work ethic and zeal for the hustle of a productive diverse farm.
Position Summary The Farm Operations Assistant works as a member of a team and will split their time between the College Farm's biogas project and vegetable operation to develop, implement, and maintain energy and food production-related goals on the College Farm. The scope of work, duties, and responsibilities of the Farm Operations Assistant will fluctuate based on seasonal demands throughout the calendar year.
Essential Functions
- Actively engage in hands-on field work, including general labor planting, weeding, and harvesting crops, primary and secondary tractor work, crop irrigation and crop maintenance for disease and pest control. 30%
- Manage student staff and seasonal apprentices to complete tasks efficiently and safely on the farm's vegetable operation. 20%
- Assist with training and mentoring student staff and seasonal apprentices on tasks and skills needed for working with the farm vegetable operation. 10%
- Non-peak vegetable operations work will include but is not limited to, assisting with greenhouse production, helping with equipment maintenance, infrastructure rehabs and farm-based renovations. 10%
- Assist with day-to-day operations of the farm's waste-to-energy project including monitoring digester operations, troubleshooting and maintenance, site upkeep including mowing and weedwacking, as well as supporting food waste collection in the community. 20%
- Assist with training student helpers in addition to helping with tours. Occasionally support basic cattle chores such as feeding, checking, loading, etc. 10%
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Other duties as determined or assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervises work of others, including planning, assigning and scheduling work, reviewing work and ensuring quality standards, training staff and overseeing their productivity. May offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments, but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.
Requirements
- High school diploma, required. Vocational, technical certificate or Bachelor's degree, preferred.
- A minimum of two years on a vegetable production farm, including tractor work and mechanical work, preferred.
- Valid driver's license for the operation of a company owned, rented or leased vehicle.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds on a consistent basis.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a high level of responsibility, organization and leadership.
- Experience working with college-age individuals.
Minimum Work Experience
Independence of Action
- Results are defined and existing practices are used as guidelines to determine specific work methods and carries out work activities independently; supervisor/manager is available to resolve problems.
Equipment Used
- Tractor(s)
- Mower(s)
- Trucks
- Skid loader
- Weedwacker
- Power tools
Personal Protective Equipment Required
- Respirator (includes fit testing)
Physical/Environmental Demands
- Specific physical requirement or environmental demands
- Outdoor Environment - Work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions.
- Extreme Cold - Temperatures typically below 32 degrees for more than an hour.
- Extreme Heat - Temperature typically above 100 degrees for more than an hour.
- Hazards - Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure t chemicals.
- Atmospheric Conditions - Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
EEO/Diversity Statement
The College is committed to building a representative and diverse faculty, staff, and student body. We encourage applications from all qualified persons.