Regenerative Crop Production Specialist
Newport, RI
Ocean Hour Farm – Ocean Hour Farm Operations /
Temporary /
On-site
Ocean Hour Farm is comprised of 45 acres of bucolic, coastal pastures, and a historic stone village, creating a setting that transports visitors' minds and imagination as soon as they step foot through the gate. The mission of Ocean Hour Farm is to serve as a center for education, scientific research, and demonstration of regenerative agricultural practices, highlighting the critical connection between land and ocean health. Ocean Hour Farm will provide a living example of sustainable agriculture and land stewardship – an integrated system where plants, animals, and people sequester carbon, clean stormwater, build soil, and produce food and fiber for the community.
JOB SUMMARY
The Regenerative Crop Production Specialist, under the supervision of the designated Crop Production Manager, will optimize the quality and yield of the various annual and perennial crops, while minimizing inputs and waste streams. Included in this is to assist in the implementation and maintenance of all plant-based food production for the farm, to collaborate with designated support staff, volunteers and contract labor, as well as to assistance in decision-making for crop production planning, maintenance and management. This is a temporary full-time position with the potential for becoming regular full-time in 2025.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Crop Operations
- Assist in design, implementation and management of all aspects of regenerative production of annual and perennial crops, from seed to product delivery.
- Improve efficiency across farm operations, increase productivity/biodiversity an decrease waste streams.
- Participate in key decision-making as related to regenerative food production.
- Inspect planting areas to determine crop maturity, condition, detect disease and insect issues to assist in determining the best regenerative solution.
- Implement crop operations as planned such as tilling (strategic moments only), planting, nutrient cycling, cultivating, compost tea spraying, and harvesting
- Monitor activities such as irrigation, compost tea applications and harvesting to ensure adherence to safety, accurate recordkeeping and achieving best possible outcomes
- Assist coordination with livestock teams to strategically integrate animals as needed.
- Operate standard farm equipment including tractor, sprayer, BCS, truck, gator, etc.
- Adhere to and follow all safety procedures in accordance with training and report any dangerous conditions to management immediately.
- Provide accurate information and observations on status of all equipment and infrastructure to the facilities team in a timely manner to ensure that maintenance and repairs on all farm equipment is carried out in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Administrative Support & Recordkeeping
- Maintain operational, production, research and employment records as requested.
- Create and maintain electronic records of activities and observations.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings.
- Liaison between crop production operations, education and research programs, facilities team, accounting office, communications and management
Outreach & Education
- Be a positive spokesperson and representative of Ocean Hour Farm in the local community and beyond.
- Be able and willing to interact with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
- Participate in educational programming such as leading site tours and volunteer days.
- Mentor the next generation of farm employees.
Special Projects:
- Lead special projects as needed such as irrigation systems, plant propagation, design and management of greenhouse, etc.
- Participate in agricultural research and field studies when needed.
- Assist with projects in other departments as needed.
MINIMUM ABILITY, SKILL, & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
- Brings a passion for the mission of Ocean Hour Farm.
- Willingness to innovate and experiment with regenerative agriculture strategies and techniques
- Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
- Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English. (Spanish and/or Portuguese is a plus!)
- Ability to work legally in the United States.
- Ability to work on site at the farm in Newport, Rhode Island.
- Ability to use email and Google Suite.
- Proficiency in communicating ideas to ensure efficiency of project inputs and outcomes.
MINIMUM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION
- At least 6 years of regenerative agricultural crop production experience.
- Permaculture design certification is a plus.
$36 - $40 an hour
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires both indoor and outdoor work, depending on the task. Approximately 70% of time
spent on the job involves standing and being on your feet. This position will require lifting and carrying
materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Work schedule is normally 7am-3:30pm M-F
with some possible weekend work and after hours events.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Ocean Hour Farm is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of
identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. Ocean Hour Farm believes that
diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater
social and environmental diversity through its grant-making and other related investments. Ocean Hour
Farm is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected
under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities
This is a non-exempt position
Ocean Hour Farm is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. Ocean Hour Farm believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grant-making and other related investments. Ocean Hour Farm is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
