Farm Manager--Part Time bei Alamance County Government, NC

About the Department

The Part-time Farm Manager, under the supervision of the County Extension Director, oversees the management and maintenance of the Buster Sykes Demonstration Farm, Mebane.  Responsibilities include maintaining and managing the two acre orchard, ensuring staff and volunteer access to the farm, and coordinating with Extension staff and volunteers various meetings that are held on the farm. The role also involves maintaining a trail system on the farm and the 4-H Shooting range and picnic facilities. Experience with fruit orchards is strongly preferred.

Position Duties

1. Oversee orchard operation with help from the County Extension Director, Extension Agent - Consumer Horticulture and the Master Gardener volunteers.
2. As the Farm Manager, the position will be available from 10-20 hours per week depending on the time of year and work needed to be completed like pruning, spraying, thinning, harvesting, etc.
3. Coordinates with the Horticulture Agent to manage volunteer activities at the farm.
4. Assists with teaching educational tours and workshops at the farm.
5. Manages and maintains the grounds around the equipment shed, farm grounds, and the shooting range in the back field area where the 4-H Shooting Sports and picnic area is located.   
6. Maintains and updates equipment for the farm.
7. Leads improvements for the farm and programming areas.
8. Participates with the County Extension Director in leadership planning and budgeting for the Buster Sykes Demonstration Farm.
9. Communicate with staff, volunteers, and State Wildlife officials that are housed on the farm.
10. Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Experience in orchards & vegetable farms or agricultural farms.
• Computer & Technology Skills:  Experience with Microsoft Office and various communication tools used in Extension. 
• License/Credentials:   Possession of a valid NC driver’s license. This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for a valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.  A Pesticide license will be required.  

Other Qualifications

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.   
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.  
• Analytical – Ability to analyze statistical data, keep accurate records and complete reports.
• Autonomy – Ability to work independently without supervision. 
• Collaborator - Ability to work and collaborate in a joint matter on projects and activities.  
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely. 
• Confidentiality - Ability to maintain confidential information.  
• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming professional standards.  
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain a high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace and community.
• Independent Discretion – Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment when needed to ensure successful department functioning.
• Integrity – Being forthright, honest and respectful within interactions with co-workers, members of the public at all times, building and reinforcing confidence within daily actions for county/state government.
• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion at all times.
• Multitasker – Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems. 
• Prioritization – Ability to assign the relative importance or urgency of tasks and duties.   
• Safety-Minded – Maintain a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.   
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete all work.