The UW Farm is a student-staff-faculty organization currently working to create and sustain farming activity on the UW Seattle campus across 3 locations. The goals of the UW Farm Production Manager include: providing students with practical, hands-on urban farming experience, from seed to soil to table; and creating a model of sustainable urban production at the UW, providing reliable and high quality production for sales, including but not limited to the UW Farm’s CSA, UW Dining and donations to the UW Food Pantry.

The UW Farm celebrates and supports indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. We prioritize food sovereignty  through our partnership with wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House and the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Native Garden. We link the practice of urban farming directly to academic programs in the study of nutrition, art, history, biology, architecture, literature, and more. Academic engagement on the farm takes the form of coursework, service learning, independent research, capstone and culminating experiences, and other experiential learning opportunities.

The UW community has an outstanding opportunity for an AmeriCorps position as the UW Farm Outreach & Education Lead for the 2024-2025 season. The position is at least 40 hours per week, but varies according to the time of year. AmeriCorps provides a benefit and compensation package to all members. This position reports to the UW Farm Manager, within the UW Botanic Gardens, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, within the College of the Environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The AmeriCorps volunteer works directly with students, staff and faculty to help plan and implement farming activities across campus. The primary responsibilities of this position are:

Production and distribution of produce for the community and field supervision (25 hrs +/- per week):

• Communicate with UW Food Pantry and area food banks and pantries to facilitate the distribution of the farm’s produce to support food security in our community
• Assist in the 75+ share Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for direct to household produce distribution
• Assist with preparing orders for UW Dining, UW Athletics and other campus cafeterias and food retail locations
• Assist all farming operations across campus (3 sites, totaling approx. 2 acres) as it pertains to the growing, harvesting and distribution of produce
• Assist the Farm Manager in weed and pest control as well as soil conditions, using organic food production principles, integrated pest management methods, and natural soil amendments.
• Assist the Farm Manager with supervising student farming activities, work parties to ensure successful and adequate production
• Help carry out a sustainable planting plan, crop plan, and perennial plant maintenance and harvests
• Learn to operate small scale farming equipment, soil preparation machinery, hand tools and growing supplies
• Help carry out the appropriate on-the-ground methods as dictated by production needs, growing cycles, budget availability, and student availability on campus.
• Other duties as requested

Educational Activities (approx. 15 hrs+/- per week)

• Help the farm team provide an environment where students can achieve academic goals, including but not limited to: course-based work, independent study and independent research projects, service learning, and capstone and culminating experiences.
• Interface with faculty who will provide research guidance and mentoring for farm-based students.
• Co-creation of farm materials including newsletter, social media content, website improvements, etc.
• Provide educational support, including tours and field trips for UW academic programs and farm partners
• Manage Community Volunteer logs, Service-Learning Logs, evaluations and communications with volunteers
• Improve of tour guides/documents/videos for the UW Farm for use in supporting academics, giving tours, educational activities, and for the website.
• Assist in UW Farm events, pizza bakes, including an annual Farm-to-Table community fundraiser, dinner.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, urban agriculture, or a related field and/or at least 2-3 years of experience in the following areas:

• Experience in organic vegetable farming, preferably in an urban Pacific Northwest area.
• Experience working with volunteers, groups, in varying situations
• Experience with farm tools, harvest practices, planting and transplanting
• Ability to work with a wide array of personalities in a complex environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Driver’s license and good driving record
• Public speaking, community engagement experience

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.

DESIRED:

• Knowledge of the national organic program standards (NOP)
• Knowledge of good agricultural practices standards (GAP)
• Demonstrated ability to work with student groups and to mentor college-age students in farming and food production.
• Evidence of an ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Working with and mentoring young adults.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• A satisfactory outcome from criminal-background verification may be required prior to hire.
• Physical ability to do the required work, including manual labor, in outdoor locations and occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to operate a state vehicle, which requires a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Washington.
• Must be able to lift heavy objects, 50 lbs. on a regular basis
• Flexibility in work schedule, ability to adjust to weather and demands on-the-fly
• Ability to working in all kinds of weather including smoke (wild fire potential), cold, & heat over 90 degrees
• Working in an environment that may have allergens—dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Working with hazardous materials such as bleach, gasoline, and motor oil
• Working in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when necessary (ex. ear plugs, rubber gloves, safety goggles, etc.)
• Working after-hours, Saturdays, Sundays on an as-needed basis
• View COVID-19 Training video, adhere to UW, UW Farm COVID-19 Operations Plans
• Satisfactory results from a criminal background check

 BENEFITS:

• Monthly living allowance of $2,095 ($2,286 for returning CLEC members) throughout 10.5 month service appointment, provided through Washington Campus Coalition’s Civic Leadership & Engagement Corps (CLEC).
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $6,495.00, provided by the National Service Trust upon successful completion of the 10.5-month term of service and 1,700 hours.
• Health insurance provided by Civic Leadership & Engagement Corps which meets the Minimal Essential Coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act.
• Eligibility for student loan forbearance and potential interest accrual payment on qualifying loans.
• EBT/SNAP food benefits, if eligible

The University of Washington supports a culturally diverse student body and workforce. UW Farm works to create a dedicated team capable of enabling our students to explore and interpret the rich array of disciplines and perspectives that they will encounter. We seek candidates whose teaching, mentorship and/or service have not only prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion, but have also given them the confidence to engage and work with students and audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

Position Start Date(s): Flexible. 10.5 months from start date. Position can be extended for an additional year, if eligible.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to:

Perry Acworth, Farm Manager, persis@uw.edu.

The University of Washington Farm is offering up one paid student staff position for a Work Study eligible student the 2024 growing season.  This position is offered as one of the multiple positions on the UW Farm team.

Position Description:

The UW Farm is seeking one undergraduate or graduate student staff member for the 2023 growing season. This position offers opportunities to work at three unique farm sites on campus as well as opportunities to develop real-life work skills in project management, team work, leadership, communication, volunteer management, food production, food safety, organic practices, and small farm business management. In addition, the UW Farm Manager and Production Manager, will support the student staff by incorporating education and mentorship throughout the workday. An added benefit is access to organic vegetables and fruit.

Please note, this is an all-weather job. Student staff are expected to come to work on time and consistently, rain or shine, and a willingness to learn, work hard and be flexible is required. In the event of activities requiring supervision of minors, a criminal background check will be conducted by the University of Washington.

Responsibilities:

• Help with field work and production, the growing of crops
• Help with maintenance and repair of farm equipment and infrastructure
• Help. with records, harvests, wash/pack operations and distribution of of produce grown to campus outlets and the community
• Lead groups of students and community volunteers (ages 18+)
• Follow food safety protocols, i.e. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Follow organic practices, the farm is starting year one of organic certification process (3 years)
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner as a representative, ambassador of the UW Farm

Required qualifications:

• Must be approved as Work Study Eligible with current standing in the Office of Financial Aid
• See link for detailed position listing within in the Office of Financial Aid
• Current undergraduate or graduate student
• Completion of the Work Study Form (must be completed with the UW Farm Manager)
• Driver’s license and good driving record
• Background in gardening farming or related field of study or experience
• Flexibility in work schedule, ability to adjust to weather and demands on-the-fly
• Work evenings and Saturdays on an as-needed basis
• Leadership, communication and large group management skills
• Physical strength and stamina, ability to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis
• No severe reactions or allergies to insects or vegetable crops
• Elementary knowledge of plants, soil, farming/gardening
• Positive, “Can-do” attitude
• Ability to multi-task

Additional desired qualifications

• Knowledge of organic practices
• Knowledge of GAP
• Previous farming or gardening experience
• Farm tool experience
• Harvest technique experience
• Plant and pest ID skills
• Social media and information systems background
• Critical thinking skills
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Excel and/or Tableau program experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Working in all kinds of weather including smoke (wild fire potential), cold, heat over 90 degrees
• Working in an environment that may have allergens—dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Working with hazardous materials
• Wearing and working in personal protection when appropriate or necessary
• Working after-hours or on weekends on an as-needed basis

Hours: Students enrolled in classes can work 10-19 hours per week during the Spring, and Fall Quarters. Summer quarter offers the potential for 30-40 hours per week.

Pay: Student Assistant compensation rate of $18.69-$20/hour

Start Date: flexible June 2024           End Date:  flexible, Minimum commitment is 2 quarters, Summer and Fall. Priority will be given for those who can commit to two quarters, Summer & Fall 2024

HOW TO APPLY: See job listing on submit a resume and cover letter to Perry Acworth, Farm Manager, persis@uw.edu, and uwfarm@uw.edu.

Indigenous Food Pathway Program /  wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Native Garden Background 

In 2018, the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House partnered with the UW Farm to create the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Native Garden, a plot dedicated to growing traditional foods utilizing Indigenous growing practices and ways of knowing. This partnership has become the Indigenous Food Pathway Program whose mission is to create spaces where students, staff, faculty, and community members can learn about, grow, and consume traditional food. Aims include advancing food security, self-determination, and holistic health all of which are critical to revitalizing Indigenous life-ways and decolonizing food pathways at UW. 

Job Purpose

wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Food Sovereignty Liaison is a leadership position focused on advancing the partnership between the  wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ and the UW Farm. As a the Food Sovereignty Liaison, you will work directly with the UW Farm Manager, UW Tribal Liaison, and Director of wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ to support the mission of the Indigenous Food Pathway Program / Native Garden. The UW Farm Manager will support the student by incorporating education and mentorship throughout the workday, as well as offer opportunities for field trips and workshops, based on student staff interest.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manage the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Native Garden
  • Practice practical aspects of sustainable, organic, Indigenous and urban agriculture including food safety and record keeping
  • Field preparations, including mound work, tilling, amending, direct seeding, irrigation and mulching
  • Grow foods and medicines utilizing a combination of Indigenous and western growing practices including propagation, transplanting, companion planting,  pest management, harvesting, washing, packing and delivery and seed saving
  • Infrastructure set-up and maintenance: hoop house, row covers, trellises, wash-pack, irrigation, and storage areas
  • Basic maintenance of tools and machinery
  • Small farm business operations and management
• Leadership
  • Foster a welcoming and open work dynamic through communication
  • Teaching, coordinating and communicating with volunteers or liaise requests to the UW Tribal Liaison or Farm Manager 
  • Maintain a working relationship with wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ and UW Farm student staff
• Indigenous Food Pathway Program Development
  • Meeting grant requirements 
  • Exploring outside funding sources  
  • Coordinate food storage & distribution
  • Hold community stakeholder sessions 
  • Design educational materials and signage for the Native Garden to educate the broader community
  • Steward spaces for community to share and learn about Indigenous growing practices, food knowledge, traditions and story work
  • Promote the Native Garden and Food Pathway Program at campus events such as Native American Student Day, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ welcome days or similar student outreach

Minimum Qualifications 

• Experience working within American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or world Indigenous communities or organizations 
• Current undergraduate student 
• Follow UW protocols regarding Stay Safe Stay Health, for restrictions during COVID-19 Operations
• If Work Study Eligible provide an Award Verification Form (AVF) and Job Referral Form (JRF) signed by a Work Study Office representative verifying eligibility
• Flexibility in work schedule, ability to adjust to weather and demands on-the-fly
• Basic knowledge of plants, soil, farming/gardening

Desired Experience 

• Engages with  wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ programming
• Driver’s license and good driving record
• Leadership, communication and large group management skills
• Knowledge of national organic practices (NOP)
• Knowledge of good agricultural practices (GAP)
• Previous farming or gardening experience
• Farm tool experience
• Harvest technique experience
• Plant and pest ID skills
• Social media and information systems background
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
• Excel or Tableau program skills

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This job requires: 

• Working in all kinds of weather including smoke (wildfire potential), cold, & heat over 90 degrees
• Working in an environment that may have allergens—dust, mold, grasses, crops, insects, etc.
• Working with hazardous materials such as bleach, gasoline, and motor oil
• Wearing/working in personal protection gear when appropriate or necessary
• Working after-hours, Saturdays, Sundays on an as-needed basis
• Physical strength and stamina, ability to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis

Start Date: Not Currently Accepting Applications

End Date: —

Hours: Minimums, 2 hours per week winter quarter, 10-15 hours per week Spring and Fall Quarter / 30-40 hours per week Summer. Hours are flexible to accommodate course schedules; however, late Spring and Summer will be the most intensive part of the growing season.   

Pay: —

Deadline: contact welebalt@uw.edu.

The position is a one-year temporary appointment with potential for extension and/or an open recruitment for a permanent position on the UW Farm team.  The UW Farm is managed by UW Botanic Gardens, a unit in the School for Environmental and Forest Sciences, part of the College of the Environment.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Production Manager works under the general direction of the Farm Manager and directly with students, staff and faculty to help plan and implement farming activities across the Seattle campus.

Production and Field Training and Supervision (approx. 60% of time):

• Co-manage all farming operations that grow 11.5 tons of produce from 3 sites, totaling approx. 1.5 acres in annual crops with .5 acre in perennials, and sell and distribute the food to a variety of recipients.
• Supervising experienced and inexperienced students, staff and volunteers to successfully produce sufficient organic food to meet demand.
• Co-manage the distribution of produce, including a 75+share Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, increasing the number of participants annually as much as possible given land-use and farming constraints.
• Manage farmland for weed and pest control as well as soil conditions, using organic food production principles, integrated pest management methods, and natural soil amendments.
• Operate, maintain, and provide training on the use of motorized equipment used in crop production, including tractors and their implements, rototillers, weed abatement machines, irrigation. etc.
• Assist the Farm Manager with leading student farming activities and work parties to ensure successful production.
• Assistance in maintaining WSDA GAP and WSDA organic certifications.
• Carry out a sustainable planting plan, crop plan, and perennial plant maintenance and harvests.
• Operate farm equipment, soil preparation machinery, hand tools and growing supplies and teach others how to use the equipment safely and effectively.
• Assist with collaborating with the director, staff, and students from w???b?altx? (aka the Intellectual House under the Office of Minority Affairs) in meeting their farming and food needs.

Educational Activities (approx. 40% of time):

• Cultivate an environment where students can achieve academic goals, including but not limited to: course-based work, independent study and independent research projects, service learning, and capstone and culminating experiences. Interface with faculty who will provide research guidance and mentoring for farm-based students.
• Co-create educational materials including newsletters, social media content, website improvements, etc.
• Provide educational support, including tours, labs, and field trips for UW academic programs and farm partners.
• Co-manage UW Farm events, student pizza bakes, including an annual Farm-to-Table community dinner.
• Mentor members of UW student RSO groups that interact with the UW Farm such as The Dirty Dozen, ASUW Food COOP, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field, and/OR
• At least 2-3 years of experience in the following areas (Additional Requirements).

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Management of an organic vegetable farm, preferably in an urban Pacific Northwest area.
• Knowledge with the safe use of farm equipment, including walk-behind tractors, attachments, tillers, flame weeder, line trimmers, mowers.
• Experience with irrigation systems.
• Experience with soil management and soil fertility.
• Experience with crop planning and vegetable production systems and markets.
• Experience working with/mentoring young adults, various age groups and populations.
• Ability to work with a wide array of personalities in a complex environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Driver’s license and good driving record for transporting self, students, equipment and produce to and from various sites across Seattle campus.
• Public speaking, community engagement experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Small farm business management, including developing work plans and timelines.
• Fruit tree and perennial fruit management.
• Cut flower growing.
• Knowledge of the national organic program standards (NOP)
• Knowledge of good agricultural practices standards (GAP)
• Demonstrated ability to work with student groups and to mentor college-age students in farming and food production.
• Evidence of an ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Hours and days vary with the planning and growing seasons and weather conditions.  Work hours are usually five days a week, 8 hours a day; however, depending on growing conditions and farm needs four 10-hour days and some weekends may be required.

• Physical ability to do the required work, including manual labor in outdoor locations and occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to operate a state vehicle, which requires a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Washington.
• Must be able to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Flexibility in work schedule, ability to quickly adjust to weather and demands as needed.
• Ability to working in all kinds of weather including smoke (wild fire potential), cold, & heat over 90 degrees.
• Ability to work in an environment that may have allergens—dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials such as bleach, gasoline, and motor oil.
• Wear and work in personal protection gear when appropriate or necessary, such as ear plugs, rubber gloves & safety goggles.
• Work after-hours, Saturdays, Sundays on an as-needed basis.
• Adhere to UW and UW Farm COVID-19 Operations Plans.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

 

Currently Not Accepting Applications.