Location: Freeville,NY, USA
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
* High school diplomia or equivalent (copy required upon hire)
* 2-5 years of experience in farming or agriculture
* Physical and TB Test (required within 1 month of hire)
* Valid NYS Driver's License (copy required upon hire)
* Ability to work with a diverse population presenting a variety of cultural, socioeconomic, developmental, and sexual identities. Must have the ability and willingness to establish and foster healthy and supportive relationships that acknowledge individual identities and encourage personal growth.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* AS Degree in a related field
* 2-5 years of experience in farming, horticulture and agriculture
REQUIREMENTS
* Must successfully complete all required background checks:
* NYS Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR)
* Multi-State Sex Offender Registry (SOR)
* NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) fingerprinting
* NYS Justice Center Staff Exclusion List (SEL)
* NYS OMIG Medicaid Exclusion List
* Out-of-state child abuse register inquiry of any state in which the person resided within the last five years (if applicable)
* NYS License Event Notification Service (LENS)
* Office of Inspector General (OIG)
* Must successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
HOURS
* Wednesday-Sunday (Monday/Tuesday Off) 8:00am- 4:30pm
* Alternative schedule as needed
SALARY
* $24-26 per hour based on experience and/or education
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
* Be able to handle all the physical responsibilities of the position, which includes but is not limited to lifting, moving, and prolonged periods of standing
OBJECTIVES OF POSITION
* The objective of the farming assistant position is to support daily farm operations and contribute to the productivity and efficiency of the farm. The farming assistant will assist in implementing sustainable practices and help meet production goals. This role involves participating in various activities to ensure the success and productivity of the farm.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
* Basic knowledge of crop production, livestock care, and agricultural machinery
* Understanding of soil health, irrigation systems, and pest control methods.
* Familiarity with budgeting, financial planning, and record-keeping is a plus.
* Ability to assist in day-to-day operations and support decision-making for the farm.
* Willingness to learn about managing a team and participating in staff training and development.
* Awareness of sustainability practices and environmental regulations in agriculture.
* Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing conditions in the agricultural industry.
* Strong mechanical skills to be able to troubleshoot and fix farm equipment
MUST HAVE THE ABILITY TO
* Analyze problems and suggest alternative solutions.
* Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
* Operate various types of machinery, tools, and equipment safely.
* Read and interpret plans and technical manuals.
* Work independently and contribute to team goals while meeting schedules and timelines.
* Maintain reports and files related to assigned activities.
* Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
* Understand and comply with relevant agricultural regulations and policies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Trade Specific:
* Assist in the day-to-day operations of the farm, including livestaock, planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.
* Support greenhouse operations by monitoring environmental conditions and implementing pest control measures.
* Help develop and implement crop production plans to optimize yield and quality.
* Participate in fieldwork and assist with hands-on tasks as needed.
* Work alongside farm workers and students, guiding them in proper planting and harvesting techniques.
* Monitor inventory levels and assist in ordering supplies as needed.
* Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best agricultural practices.
* Assist in the management of existing apple orchards and participate in their care.
* Help care for greenhouse plants, including pruning and general maintenance.
* Assist in growing plants for the Agency's buildings and grounds, and maintain tools and equipment.
* Help maintain nursery stock, including watering and moving plants as required.
* Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance shop operations.
* Foster a positive and productive work environment by supporting farm employees.
* Provide updates on farm operations and performance to supervisors.
Vocational Instructor:
* Upon hiring into the program, assess the youth's interests and knowledge of the Vocational Program specific to your trade area
* Instructs youth in a skilled trade to prepare them for employment upon discharge
* Plan and conduct on-the-job training activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides youth with opportunities to observe, question, and participate in
* Instruct youth in the proper and safe care of work areas and all applicable equipment; stress safety at all times
* Be prepared and in a position to begin work following the Vocational Program time schedules; ensure that assigned youth are properly supervised at all times and maintain attendance and work schedule records
* Enforce established dress, conduct, and behavior codes appropriate to the Vocational Program area
* Communicate and document significant behaviors or incidents on behalf of youth.
* Maintain all trade-related, Vocational Program, and youth records and paperwork in a timely, organized way
* Assess the residents' interests and knowledge of the groundskeeper's program
* Instruct, supervise, and work with residents in the groundkeeper's program.
Responsible for adhering to and performing all duties following all rules, regulations, policy, and safety standards of The William George Agency and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, while upholding our mission, vision, and values.
DEPARTMENT: Facilities
SUPERVISED BY: Farm Supervisor
About The William George Agency for Children's Services
The William George Agency for Children's Services is located on a 650-acre campus nine miles northeast of Ithaca, in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It is a private not-for-profit residential treatment center licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) that serves both male and female youth between the ages of 12 and 21, and their families, who present with significant mental health issues, behavioral difficulties, and substance abuse issues. Our programs offer an array of treatment modalities specifically designed to meet the needs of our youth.
The William George Agency for Children's Services is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
This job description intends to provide, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibilities of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific job duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Outstanding Benefits Package
Working at The William George Agency for Children's Services comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also offer generous paid time off too support your work-life balance.