CNP Farmer - IDEA Quest (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools • Edinburg, TX

2d • $17 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

At IDEA, our Child Nutrition Program (CNP) campus farms work within the larger Healthy Kids Here initiative dedicated to making IDEA Public Schools one of the healthiest school districts in the nation. CNP Farmers report directly to CNP Campus Farm Managers to support with farm education al programming and farm production. Educational programming includes coordinating with campus leaders on program approved curriculum , preparing lesson activities, instructing K-12 students through on-farm project-based learning, and supervising students during outdoor classroom instruction. The CNP Farmer works with the CNP Campus Farm Manager in executing a four-season diversified farming system that includes cover cropping, crop rotation, orchard cultivation, native habitat maintenance, and an integrated pest management plan. Additionally, the CNP Farmer contributes to farm safety and efficiency by updating inventory, tracking farm data , and implementing all food safety protocols outlined in the Farm Food Safety Plan . CNP Farmers also complete a dministrative tasks required to support data logging, food safety protocols, and digital communications on a range of virtual platforms to maintain a high standard of program integrity, transparency, and collaboration. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Location: This is a 100% on-site, campus-based role. Applicants must live in the same city as the campus to which they are applying. Travel Expectations: Overnight travel to outside regions is required for professional development opportunities on a semi-annual to quarterly basis.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1 year experience in horticulture , farming, or gardening
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Experience with youth education and communicating with students
• Comprehension of irrigation systems, and hydroponic practices
• Understands vegetable production and general horticulture
• Familiarity with Integrated Pest Management
• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and processes used in farming
• Understanding of safety and sanitation practices involved with food production
• Can handle stress well to meet deadlines
• Effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy and ability to navigate Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to follow verbal and written direction and ask for clarification as needed
• Demonstrate problem solving, adaptability and flexibility; can reprioritize workload due to inclement weather, schedule changes, and any other potential setback

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Horticulture, Agriculture, Ecology, or a related field
• 1 year experience teaching or working with pre-K through 12 th grade students
• Knowledge of sustainable horticulture, agriculture, and hydroponic systems
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish

Responsibilities

• Facilitate Student Learning
• Co-facilitate and, when needed, lead the implementation of agricultural education for students on the farm that enhances their core curriculum objectives
• Implement effective classroom management techniques to ensure student safety and engagement
• Implement nutrition education that Increase s student engagement in agricultur e and the food system to promote a lifetime of healthy eating habits
• Supports c ollaborat ion with teachers to lead student tours and educational projects
• Support with l og ging student educational hours by the end of every teaching week
• Support with tracking student attendance for every class period
• Coordinate with the CNP Farmer to plan a successful campus - led e nd of y ear certification c eremony
• Support Farm Production:
• Adhere to production plan developed by the CNP Campus Farm Manager one year in advance based on IDEA menu requirements, and ensure weekly and monthly goals are met
• Start 100% of crops on time via direct seeding or transplanting , to maintain consistent crop production from the f irst to the l ast d ay of s chool
• Align with CNP Campus Farm Manager to t reat & log biological and environmental disorders impacting production plan goals effectively
• Support with the harvesting, washing, processing, and delivery of produce to Cafeteria Managers on the f arm c ampus a s well as neighboring campuses when excess produce is available for distribution
• Participate in regional workdays and mentorship opportunities to support the success of neighboring farms
• Participate in field walks daily/ weekly to develop assess , diagnose and collectively plan next steps in crop management and daily tasks
• Implement effective weed management strategies to ensure a high aesthetic standard and consistent harvests throughout the school year
• Conduct all hydroponic protocols effectively and efficiently to ensure operational management of machine is maintained.
• Uphold Farm Compliance
• Support with logging food safety and harvest farm logs into tracking system s by set deadlines to fulfill audit requirements
• Support with the completion of “Beginning of Year” farm tasks to ensure the farm is operationally safe for IDEA scholars by the first day of school each year.
• Compl y with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Harmonized operation audit requirements to meet a minimum 90% score each quarter
• Support with updating of physical inventories for all materials and equipment each month.
• Report maintenance and safety issues on the farm to the CNP Farmer as soon as they are identified to ensure a safe working and learning environment
• Uphold all operational mechanisms in place alongside your direct manager.
• Support Financial Stewardship
• Utilize consumables such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides conscientiously and report the need for restocking or replacement of depleted supplies
• Provide support for the oversight and completion of contracted projects on the farm
• Receive deliveries and submit all invoices to CNP Farmer to ensure timely vendor payment
• Collaborate with the planning of in-ground farm expansion to continuously e nhance the student farm educational experience
• Communicate new farm needs as they surface and support with researching solutions when directed
• Continuously seek feedback as an essential part of IDEA’s culture, taking action to determine how it can best be used to improve our program and the CNP Farmer role.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees