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*Michigan Organic Listserv*
***May 14, 2010*

*By: Vicki Morrone and Danielle Craft*

*CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems*

*www.michiganorganic.msu.edu***

 *Job Opportunities*

*DeLano Farms CSA Manager Opening*

*Position:* DeLano Farms CSA Manager at the Kalamazoo Nature Center,
Kalamazoo, MI.

*Summary of Position:* The DeLano Farms Manager position is a regular,
full-time position with responsibilities including, but not limited to,
overall management of the DeLano Farms with emphasis on the development of a
Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) model.  Responsibilities include crop
production, planning and management, staff supervision, budget management,
planning, and shareholder relations.  This position will work with KNC
educators in providing opportunities for the public to experience and learn
about sustainable agriculture.  The DeLano Farms Manager reports to the Vice
President of Education of the Kalamazoo Nature Center and works closely with
the all KNC staff.  The position is full-time year round with a seasonally
variable work schedule and will be required to be on-call with the farm at
all times.

*Duties:*

   - Develop and implement a management plan for a financially sustainable
   CSA operation, following the DeLano Farms Master Plan, to eventually include
   500 shareholders.
   - Oversee the production of crops on a commercial scale.
   - Oversee care and welfare of a small stock of animals.
   - Work closely with KNC education staff to provide the public with
   experiences to build their understanding of sustainable agriculture.
   - Recruit, manage and supervise permanent and seasonal CSA staff.
   - Assist with marketing and the management of shares, including
   shareholder relations.
   - Assist with production of a regular newsletter.
   - Prepare, oversee and manage CSA operating and capital budgets.
   - Plan, manage and participate in planting, cultivation, irrigation and
   harvesting.
   - Direct special projects including fencing, irrigation, carpentry and
   other capital projects.
   - Help train seasonal CSA staff in safety regarding use of equipment and
   facilities.
   - Participate in administering the apprenticeship and volunteer programs,
   train and oversee seasonal farm crew and volunteers in everyday tasks with
   help from the Assistant Farm Manager.
   - Work with other farmers to help support the local agricultural economy.
   - Work effectively and cooperatively with other KNC staff.
   - Participate in KNC’s green initiative, help promote KNC membership and
   support KNC fundraising staff and efforts.
   - Complete special projects as assigned by the Vice President of
   Education.

*Requirements:*


   - 3-5 years commercial-scale organic vegetable crop production preferred
   - Demonstrate ability in labor, infrastructure, equipment, business
   management and experience in marketing helpful.
   - Ability to communicate effectively with the public required
   - Understanding of CSA and agricultural principles, whole-farm planning,
   crop rotation, soil enhancement methods, soil science, and general
   ecological principles also required.
   - Experience with maintaining a small stock of animals.
   - Must have a good attitude, with a willingness to be flexible and a
   commitment to achieving the goals of the DeLano Farms while supporting the
   mission of the Kalamazoo Nature Center
   - Strong interpersonal, oral & written skills and the ability to work
   independently and as part of a diverse team
   - Detail oriented
   - Creative and high energy
   - Able to work on rough terrain in all weather conditions
   - Able to lift 50 pounds
   - Computer literacy

 *Abilities and Skills:* The DeLano Farms Manager must possess a strong
appreciation for farming, the land and the extraordinary agricultural and
cultural history of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The DeLano Farms Manager
must enjoy working with people and must be able to work independently with a
minimum of supervision.  This person must able be willing to learn new
skills through professional development opportunities in order to meet the
broad range of tasks that will be assigned to the position.

The DeLano farm is a part of the 1,100 acres owned by the Kalamazoo Nature
Center, a not-for-profit organization which is open to the public.  The
DeLano Farms Manager will work closely with the land management staff to
integrate farm practices into the previously established land management
plan.  Interpretive and educational programs will be developed to utilize
the CSA and associated lands to inform visitors about the farm’s history and
the role of agriculture in our society. In addition, management decisions
will reflect sound resource protection and management principals. As a
result, the DeLano Farms Manager must possess excellent people skills, and
be able to adjust to farming methods and practices that are not normally
found on a typical farm. The DeLano Farms Manager may also be required to
assist with other non-CSA farm tasks.

*Salary and Benefits:* Starting salary is commensurate with experience and
qualifications.  This position also includes an excellent fringe benefits
package with group health insurance, vacation and sick pay, option to enroll
in a flexible spending account and a company matching contributions to a
simple IRA.  On-site housing is also available.

*How to Apply:*

Please submit by: May 17, 2010 a resume, cover letter, three references &
your salary requirements to:

Jenn Wright, Vice President of Education

Email: [log in to unmask]

Fax: 269-381-2557

Or mail to:Kalamazoo Nature Center, Attn: Jenn Wright, 7000 N. Westnedge
Ave., Kalamazoo, MI  49009

For a complete job description, see:
www.NatureCenter.org<http://www.naturecenter.org/>


*Americorps VISTA Community/School Garden Summer Program Coordinator*



**

*Position:* Americorps VISTA Community/School Garden Summer Program
Coordinator The MSU Extension - Leelanau County office is accepting
applicants for an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer position for ten weeks this
summer, for the dates June 14 - August 20th.
*Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will have a college degree, excellent
communication and organizational skills, enjoy working with children, have
experience with culinary arts and/or gardening, and be passionate about
promoting the consumption of home grown and locally grown produce.  Other
desirable skills include teaching experience, and computer skills in Word,
Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. This job requires the ability to work
independently as well as collaboratively.
* *
 **
*Duties:* Activities may include (but are not limited to: 1) providing
support to Leelanau County School gardens and Leelanau Community Garden; 2)
assisting with social marketing and programming promoting consumption of
local produce in Leelanau County; and 3)  support Bridge Card implementation
at Leelanau County Farmers Markets.

*Salary:* Compensation for this position is $208 per week, plus a $1000
educational award that can be used toward future classes or student loans
(or $250 cash).  Position is based on 40 hrs per week. The position will be
based at the MSU Extension -Leelanau County office, located near Suttons
Bay, Michigan.

 *How to Apply:*  Applicants should apply by sending a cover letter, resume,
and contact information for three references before 5 pm, May 19th.  All
materials should be submitted to MSU Extension –Leelanau County, 8527 E.
Government Center Dr., Suite 107, Suttons Bay, MI  49682.  Or via email:
[log in to unmask]

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