CNP Farmer - IDEA Rundberg (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Austin, TX

9d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The CNP Farmer works within IDEA Public Schools’ Child Nutrition Program and Healthy Kids Here initiative to support the goal of making IDEA one of the healthiest school districts in the nation. The role coordinates onsite farm operations and production while leading farm-based education that supports student learning and healthy eating habits. The Farmer works with campus leaders, students, and community stakeholders to provide high-quality produce and educational experiences. The position coordinates Junior Master Gardener classes, teaches K–12 students through outdoor lessons and Food Systems curricula, and supervises students during outdoor instruction. The Farmer plans and delegates a four-season diversified vegetable production system, including cover cropping, crop rotation, orchard cultivation, native habitat maintenance, and integrated pest management. The role also manages a campus farm budget, procures supplies and services, and coordinates approved vendors. Key outcomes include having the farm operationally ready for the first day of school; meeting student Junior Master Gardener certification, produce harvest, farm cost, and food-safety audit goals; and maintaining records, equipment, facilities, and safe operating procedures. The Farmer works closely with school leadership, facilities staff, cafeteria managers, CNP assistants, and substitute farmers.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to motivate, delegate, and lead a team toward goals.
Ability to communicate with and educate students.
Understanding of irrigation systems, vegetable production, and general horticulture.
Strong understanding of food-production safety and sanitation practices.
Ability to understand and interpret data, including charts and graphs.
Effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite such as Excel.
Ability to follow verbal and written directions and seek clarification when needed.
Problem-solving ability, adaptability, and flexibility.
Good mathematical skills and basic finance understanding.
Ability to handle stress and meet deadlines.
Commitment to IDEA’s mission and values, including accountability, collaboration, responsiveness to feedback, and comfort working in a high-growth environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher.
At least 1 year of teaching or outdoor education experience.
At least 1 year of supervisory experience.
At least 2 years of general growing experience.
Hydroponic experience.
Local or state-recognized food-safety certification.
Familiarity with integrated pest management and farming methods, materials, equipment, and processes.

Responsibilities

Develop a year-ahead production plan based on IDEA menu requirements and regional growing limitations, and meet weekly and monthly production goals.
Manage planting of seeds and transplants according to the strategic production plan and academic calendar.
Complete QuickStart and preparation checklists and ensure the farm is ready for the first day of school.
Conduct operational audits and meet Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Harmonized audit standards.
Coordinate with the Assistant Principal of Operations and Facilities Managers on farm facility, maintenance, and safety matters.
Ensure equipment, land, and buildings are serviced and maintained.
Coordinate agricultural education with school leadership, teach or oversee curriculum-based classes and field lessons, and supervise students during outdoor instruction.
Support student participation in agricultural education and healthy eating, verify educational hours and Junior Master Gardener registration records, and certify eligible students.
Manage the campus farm budget, maintain budget accuracy, submit requisitions, verify purchase allowability, and prepare yearly financial projections.
Coordinate approved vendors and contracted services.
Oversee farm expansion projects, including pollinator gardens, outdoor classrooms, and other educational areas.
Manage crop succession and harvest schedules, track pounds-to-meal conversions, and take corrective action to meet production targets.
Conduct regular field walks with CNP Assistants and Substitute Farmers to assess crops and determine management actions.
Coordinate produce distribution with campus Cafeteria Managers and arrange excess-harvest deliveries to other IDEA campuses.
Ensure food-safety and harvest logs, records, and audit documentation are entered and maintained on time.
Train individuals who interact with the farm on food-safety protocols and prepare the farm for audits.
Conduct quarterly inventories of materials and equipment and maintain standard operating procedures for hazardous or inefficient activities.
Follow the Farm Program’s schedule for online SafeSchools safety training.