Alaska Pacific University’s Spring Creek Farm
Sustainable Farm Management and Outreach Assistantship
Alaska Pacific University’s Spring Creek Farm is seeking a Sustainable Farm Management and Outreach Assistant to help with community and customer outreach and education during the 2023 season. This position will provide the successful candidate with experience in sustainable farm operations and management, environmental education, small business development and management, and communications.
Spring Creek Farm, located on Alaska Pacific University’s Kellogg Campus, is an educational farm located in Palmer, AK. We grow 2 acres of vegetables to supply a CSA program, farmers market, dining services and various educational programs involving APU students and the wider community. This is a 10-week position beginning June 5 and ending August 13, with some flexibility. This position will assist the Farm Manager and farm crew by fulfilling the following roles:
Responsibilities:
• Farm operations (approx. 2 days per week)
o Performing day-to-day farm operations alongside Farm Manager and farm crew, including planting, weeding, harvesting, washing, and marketing of vegetables.
• Education and Outreach (approx. 2 days per week)
o Developing educational and outreach materials for CSA member newsletter, including photos, articles, essays, recipes, and other communications from the farm.
o Assisting with the development of materials for ongoing educational, research, and outreach projects, including involvement with Farmer Training and Knowledge Exchange workshop series. Possibility to develop independent project/s to contribute towards communicating farm mission and vision to wider audiences.
o Under supervision of Farm Manager, managing social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram) in order to communicate specific goals and values of the organization to customers and the public.
o Assisting, as opportunities arise, with on-farm educational activities such as workshops, tours, and camp, by developing lesson plans and material, guiding visiting groups, and leading activities.
• CSA and Farm Stand management (1 day per week)
o Assisting with day-of management of Spring Creek Farm’s CSA pick-up and farm-stand, including set-up, customer engagement,
o When time allows, assisting Spring Creek Farm staff with farmstand and CSA pick-up management by interacting with customers, fielding questions, selling produce, and distributing vegetable shares.
Qualifications:
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Academic and professional interest in sustainable agriculture and/or food systems.
• Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs.
• Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
Compensation:
• This is an unpaid assistantship, full-time assistantship.
• On-campus housing is provided in a farm apartment with a private room and shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry spaces, along with fresh vegetables from the farm based on availability.
• Successful applicant will be enrolled in a 1-credit assistantship at Alaska Pacific University. No application for enrollment required.
• Successful applicant will be trained to drive University vehicles, and will have periodic access to a vehicle for local trips to grocery store, trailheads, etc.
Applicant:
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two academic or professional references to APU Spring Creek Farm Manager, Ben Swimm (Williams ‘09), at [email protected] by 2/15/23. Your cover letter should discuss your interest in organic farm management and your ability to perform the duties detailed above, as well as relevant previous experience.
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