Calypso’s Assistant Farm Manager works closely with farm managers Susan Willsrud and Christie Shell, playing a primary role in the vegetable production and marketing at Calypso Farm. Activities include (but are not limited to): seeding, field preparation, planting, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting, building compost piles, going to Farmers’ Market ,etc. Additionally, the Assistant Farm Manager will work alongside and mentor participants in the Farmer Training Program on field production topics. There will be additional opportunities to teach through the Farmer Training Program – depending on the applicant’s areas of expertise.
Hours: 40 hours per week
Position Length: May through September
Compensation: $1,800 per month plus on-farm housing and food supplies
Overview of the Farm
Calypso Farm is a small (3 acres) diversified, educational farm located just outside Fairbanks, in Ester Alaska. We produce an array of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. The vast majority of the field work is done by hand. We also have a small flock of Shetland Sheep, several dairy goats and chickens. We use all organic methods, but choose not to be certified because we direct market all of our produce locally. Visit our website for more information about Calypso and our programs - www.calypsofarm.org.
Duties
· Greenhouse seeding
· Field Preparation
· Hand cultivation and weeding
· Drip irrigation
· Running a Farmers’ Market stand
· Building compost piles
· Assisting with minor infrastructure projects and repairs
· Harvesting
· Mentoring participants in the Farmer Training Program
· Other miscellaneous farm tasks
Qualifications
· Farming experience (we are looking for someone with at least two seasons of farming experience – managerial experience is not required)
· High energy, positive, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, good teamwork, and attention to detail; ability to work independently
· Good interpersonal communication skills
· Believe in Calypso’s mission
· Able to do highly physical work throughout the day
· Able to troubleshoot on the spot
· A good sense of humor!
Season Overview
During May, the primary focus is on field preparation, seeding and planting. By early June, we start harvesting for both markets and CSA. Twice weekly harvests continue through the end of September. June and July is also a key time for field cultivation and maintenance. August and September are key months to complete all compost piles and manage for the primary weed species. By late September, we try to get most of our crops out of the ground and into the root cellars for winter storage.
To Apply:
Please send the following to calypsochristie@gmail.com
· Resume
· 3 work-related references
· The answers to these questions: 1, Describe why you are interested in being Calypso’s Assistant Farm Manager 2. Describe your most relevant experience that will aid you in this position. 3. Are there any farm related topics that you’d be interested in teaching through the Farmer Training Program? If yes, please list those and describe your experience related to your topics (please note – if you are not able to teach any subjects, we will still consider you for the position!) 4. If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why? 5. How did you hear about this position?
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