Job Opportunities 7. BE A PART OF THE SUMMER CREW AT THE STUDENT ORGANIC FARM! Position: Member of the Student Organic Farm Summer Crew Location: Student Organic Farm, College Road, ˝ mile south of Jolly Road, ~3.5 miles from the main MSU campus Hours: Part Time and Full Time positions available Farm Description: The Student Organic Farm is a 10-acre educational vegetable farm. We run a 60-share year round CSA and a seasonal farm market on the MSU campus. We grow over 60 types of vegetables and 30 cut flowers and herbs. We run a year round farmer training program and also have volunteer and tours regularly. Students and local community members are a large part of our farm. Job Description: Summer Farm Crew positions. Job tasks include seeding, transplanting, harvesting, irrigating, weeding and other farm tasks. We are looking for hard working, dependable people to work for our summer season (roughly May through August). We prefer people to apply who have farm work experience and require people who have at least done physical labor before. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about organic farming and work with a dynamic, passionate group of students and staff. Summer farm work is hot, dirty, and tiring and extremely rewarding! We offer veggies to bring home, opportunities to attend farming conferences at free or reduced rates and all sorts of other learning opportunities. We work in all kinds of weather so applicants must be aware of these types of working conditions and must be able to supply proper clothing (boots, rain gear, sun protective clothing, hats, etc) in order to work at the SOF. Qualifications: Team player, hard worker, dependable, pervious physical working experience preferred, flexibility, willingness to learn. Availability from middle to end of May (or sooner) through August (or longer). Pay: starting at $7 with opportunity for raises based on performance and previous experience. To Apply: Please answer the following questions and email them to Corie Pierce at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . Upon reviewing applications we will set up interviews individually. 1. What do you know about the Student Organic Farm? 2. Why are you interested in this type of work and specifically the SOF? 3. What are your previous work experiences and/or other relevant non-work experiences? 4. What interests you about organics and sustainable food systems? 5. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you? 6. When are you available to work? 7. Please list the names and numbers for 2 references. 8. Position Available: Seasonal Assistant Farm Manager at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm Farm Description: The MSU Student Organic Farm is a certified organic 10-acre diverse vegetable, herb, and flower farm located at 3291 College Road ˝ mile south of Jolly Road in Holt, MI at the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center on MSU's south campus. The farm operates a 48-week CSA supplying 60-85 shares year round from roughly 4 acres of field production, 4000 sq. ft of heated greenhouse and 12,000 sq. ft. of passive solar greenhouses used for summer and winter production. From May through October, the farm also runs a one day a week on campus farm stand. The SOF is managed by two faculty project coordinators and two academic specialist co-farm managers who are also course instructors. Approximately 6 to 8 student employees, many volunteers, and students in the Organic Farming Certificate Program participate in the day to day operation of the farm. Farm Priorities: The Student Organic Farm is an educational farm. Our top priority is to teach students and farmers about organic farming and gardening. We have three main areas of focus we use to achieve the goal of educating students, farmers and the greater Michigan community about organic farming. They include: 1) Year Round Organic Vegetable Production with Passive Solar Greenhouses - students at our farm learn how to grow vegetables organically in all seasons and how to market the produce through our year round CSA and on-campus farm stand. 2) Organic Farming Certificate Program - we operate a year long (from Jan - Dec) certificate program where students take classes at MSU on organic farming as well as work at the farm gaining valuable hands on farming experience. 3) Community Outreach - the farm hosts day-long workshops for farmers and other community members on topics such as transplant production, passive solar greenhouse operation, composting, post harvest management, and edible forest gardening / permaculture. We also offer tours to MSU and community college classes, MSU Extension, Master Gardener groups, K-12 groups and other community members. Additionally, the MSU registered student organization that is affiliated with the Student Organic Farm, EFFS (Ecological Food and Farm Stewardship) works to promote sustainable food and agriculture on campus. Description: Assistant Farm Manager We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual who can work closely with the farm managers to execute the crop production and marketing plans including seeding, transplant production, transplanting, field and soil management, irrigation, weed, pest, and disease management, harvest, organic record keeping, infrastructure maintenance and operation of the CSA and farm stand. Candidates for this position must possess a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate effective teams and model horticultural and organic farming excellence while training and managing employees, volunteers and students. The outreach component of the farm's mission will also include scheduling and giving farm tours. This person needs to enthusiastically advance the SOF mission. Job Responsibilities: 1) Co-Management of farm employees, volunteers and students a. Maintain a high farm crew morale and work standard b. Lead the crew in day to day activities c. Run farm crew meetings (weekly or bi-weekly, depending) d. Aid farm managers with hiring and training new employees e. Assist with farm safety and food safety education and protocols f. Aid in recruitment of students and volunteers for involvement at the SOF 2) Execution of the weekly work list, including crop establishment and maintenance for field and tunnels, infrastructure maintenance, etc... 3) Maintain high standards of produce harvesting, storage, handling and marketing 4) One day per week CSA and On-Campus Farm Stand marketing 5) Assist with farm tours and basic outreach efforts 6) Execute winter hoophouse seeding and transplanting (August through October) Qualifications Required: 1) Farm or large scale garden organic vegetable production experience 2) Management / leadership experience 3) Organizational skills 4) Excellent verbal communication/ interpersonal skills 5) Problem solving skills 6) Enthusiasm and passion for organic farming, positive attitude, energetic 7) Strong desire to work with undergraduates and other students in a hands on educational and production oriented environment. 8) Collaborative and team oriented 9) Attention to detail 10) Highly self motivated Start Date, Hours and Pay: Position is available May 1, 2007. The position is a seasonal full time for the summer months (32-40 hours per week) and then will taper to roughly 8-19 hours in the late fall and winter months. Pay will start at $12-14 per hour depending on experience. Benefits are not included. To Apply: Send the following items to Corie Pierce either via email at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> or regular mail at Michigan State University, A430 Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI 48823: 1) A cover letter detailing your previous experiences on farms, managing and leading others, and its relevance to your interest in this position. 2) The names, contact info, and relationship to 3 relevant references. 3) Your resume. The application process is rolling and we are looking to fill the position by May 1 2007 or as soon as we interview an outstanding candidate. Selected applicants will be called for both an initial phone interview and then an in-person interview. If you are out of state, we can arrange an alternative interview process. 9. Allen Neighborhood Center 1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912 517/367-2468, ext. 2003 Thank you for forwarding this Notice of Job Openings VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Positions Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC) on Lansing's Eastside has three openings for VISTA workers (Volunteers in Service to America). All three positions will begin in mid- June 2007, though selection will take place by April 30. VISTA workers with ANC will enjoy a rich set of experiences working in this lively and diverse community, while learning the fundamentals of community development and neighborhood revitalization. Projects in which our new VISTAs will be working include: ˇ Community Organizing/Outreach/Engagement, to help build organized and connected neighborhoods of people working together on a wide range of activities; ˇ Our rapidly expanding Food Resources Project, with its Allen Street Farmers Market and Hunter Park Gardenhouse (offering a wide range of 'growing opportunities for adults and youth); ˇ Youth Service Corps , our job and life skills training program for young teens who do newsletter delivery, landscaping, gardening, field trips, and skill-building workshops; ˇ Health Education and Advocacy, working with neighbors on priority health issues All positions are full-time, and each pays approximately $750.00/month, plus benefits (Note: VISTA is known as the 'domestic Peace Corps'---providing rich experiences, not riches). VISTA workers also receive a cash award of $1200 at the end of the year of service, or if they prefer, a $4700 educational stipend that can be applied toward education or a student loan. Candidates interested in 'healthy community-building', community organizing, or neighborhood-based education will find much to excite them here. Folks with solid 'people skills', energy and enthusiasm, good written and verbal communication skills, and computer skills are especially welcome. Familiarity with the Eastside is helpful. Extensive training and mentorship are guaranteed. A one-year commitment is requested. Call Joan Nelson at (517) 367-2468 for further information; or email her at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . Additional information is also posted on our website, www.allenneighborhoodcenter.org <http://www.allenneighborhoodcenter.org/> . To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to 1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912 no later than April 20, 2007. About Allen Neighborhood Center and Lansing's Eastside Established in 1999, Allen Neighborhood Center is a dynamic hub for capacity building and for activities that promote the health, safety, and stability of families and neighborhoods on Lansing's Eastside. The Eastside of Lansing is home to a diverse mix of people from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds. This rich blend of ideas, lifestyles, and traditions is reflected in a long history of people committed to preserving and improving their neighborhood and celebrating its uniqueness. Come join us! EVENTS 10. Soil Quality and Composting to Enhance Crop Production Presented by: Dr. John Biernbaum, MSU Dept. of Horticulture and Student Organic Farm When: Saturday, March 24, 2007, 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Where: B109 Plant and Soil Sciences Building Parking is available in the Horticulture Demonstration Gardens Parking lot off Bogue Street between Wilson Rd. and Service Rd. Topics to be Covered: Introduction to Soil Organic Matter Management for the short and long term success of your farm or market garden. The importance of soil organic matter (SOM): * How SOM influences soil biology and reduces the risk from soil born diseases * How soil microbes digest SOM and make nutrients available * How SOM reduces risk of crop loss due to drought, flooding and soil erosion by influencing water absorption and retention. * Cultural (farming) factors that decrease or increase soil organic matter How to increase soil organic matter: * The role of animal manure * The role of cover crops * The role of compost * Other sources of organic matter Compost production and use: * Understanding the composting process and methods * What materials are available for making compost; pile building demonstration * Curing, maturity and assessing quality * How much to use and how to use it There is no cost, but please register by Wednesday, March 21, to reserve the correct number of lunches. Please contact Adam Montri, Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) at (517) 432-3381 or [log in to unmask] for questions or to register. Space is limited - please register as soon as possible. 11. Save the Date! Michigan Farmers' Market Association Membership Kick-Off and Market-Style Resource Fair! April 20, 2007, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Edgewood United Church Fellowship Hall, East Lansing, MI You are invited to attend the membership kick-off and market-style resource fair for MIFMA, the new Michigan Farmers' Market Association. Reap the rewards of being one of MIFMA's charter members and a fellow champion for farmers' markets while harvesting a bounty of benefits! * Listen to SPEAKER Jim Farr, President of the Farmers' Market Federation of New York * NETWORK with Michigan's most passionate farmers' market enthusiasts * Learn about the BENEFITS that MIFMA has to offer * Vote for your favorite LOGO * Learn how MIFMA will help SHAPE the role of farmers' markets in the future Everyone involved in farmers' markets is invited, so please share this invitation with anyone you think would be interested. For more information on MIFMA, visit www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu. Please RSVP to (517) 432-0712 if you plan to attend. DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!! 12. John Jeavons, known across the world for his GROW BIOINTENSIVEŽ workshops and book How to Grow More Vegetables: than you ever thought possible on less land than you can image, will be visiting Detroit and teaching two workshops on Biointensive growing methods. We are honored to have him visit Detroit and encourage you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to learn from Jeavons' simple techniques, which are easy to implement in small spaces and result in a highly productive, nutritious and sustainable gardens. Biointensive agriculture is focused on building healthy soil. It emphasizes garden planning that uses deep soil preparation techniques, crop rotation, and plant diversity to maximize yields. It also helps gardeners understand human nutritional requirements and how to effectively grow food to meet these needs WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS GROW BIOINTENSIVE Workshop 9AM - 5PM. March 30-31st Topics covered: Environmental impact of agricultural worldwide, history of Biointensive methods, garden garden planning, soil fertility and fertilization, seed compost principles and techniques, compost crops, Hands-on demonstrations: Deep soil preparation, out, transplanting April 1st - Economic Mini-Farming Workshop 9AM - 5PM Topics covered: Planning for profits, sustainable examples, expenses, marketing goals, marketing good farm models, and follow up resources 13. Video IP Conference Opportunity on Insect and Disease Management for Organic Vegetables Thursday April 19, 6:00 to 8:30 at East Lansing, MI (MSU Communication and Arts Building-Rm 204), and Ithaca, MI (RESD building). This is a great opportunity to hear from expert organic farmers in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio (no Mi farmer this time) and then an extension specialist about organic management of insects and diseases. There is time for questions and answers following the presentation. Hand outs are provided and following the presentation you will be sent (if you want) a DVD of the presentation. Cost is $10.00 per person, due to the cost of the room rental and set up. Please call Vicki Morrone for reservations at MSU at 517-353-3542 or [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . Or Dan Rossman at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . END Have a Good week All the Best Vicki Vicki Morrone Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist Michigan State University C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems 303 Natural Resources Bldg. East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-3542 517-282-3557 (cell) 517-353-3834 (fax) http://www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu/ http://www.mottgroup.msu.edu/ If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html