Urban Farm Stewardship Technician

Job Summary:

The UW Extension Milwaukee County Urban Agriculture program has operated for 50 years, providing opportunities for Milwaukee County gardeners and urban farmers to rent garden plots and acre "microfarms." The Urban Farm Stewardship Technician position supports program efforts through planning, equipment operation, and infrastructure maintenance activities. This position is a unique opportunity for someone who loves to work outdoors and wants to grow their agricultural skill while supporting a storied institution of public service in Milwaukee County.
The eight community gardens operated by Extension Milwaukee County require consistent year-round maintenance to assure safety, aesthetics, and accessibility. The hired Urban Farm Stewardship Technician will work collaboratively with a small team of dedicated UW-Extension staff to support these intensive efforts. This role requires a versatile skill set, including, but not limited to heavy equipment operation, carpentry, landscaping, invasive plant removal, tree care, gardening, mechanical work, lawn care, and more. Candidates from many employment backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and extensive on-the-job training is anticipated.
The successful candidate will be motivated to refine a wide range of skills related to agricultural equipment operation and the operational needs of urban farms. Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment and/or related experience in gardening, urban agriculture, landscaping, tree care or an adjacent field is desirable but not required for consideration. This role is somewhat public-facing, and the successful candidate must have excellent teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. The Urban Farm Stewardship Technician will report to the Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens Outreach Specialist and to the Extension Milwaukee County Area Director

Responsibilities:
Operates basic agricultural equipment and performs physical labor to maintain institutional agriculture in support of institutional goals.

• 30% Operates, cleans, and repairs basic agricultural machines and equipment to ensure safety and operable functionality and to adhere to established rules, policies, and regulations
• 20% Stages equipment and machines in preparation of agricultural activities
• 25% Maintains organization of designated facilities and associated supplies, notifies appropriate entities of damaged materials or the need for supply replenishment
• 5% Documents completion of duties according to established policies and procedures
• 15% Conduct mowing, roadway maintenance, brush clearing, signage, fence repair, litter removal, and other landscape maintenance tasks consistent with program land management plan objectives
• 5% Participate in Urban Ag Team's annual and long-term field management planning

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Preferred
H.S. Diploma

Qualifications:

Required:
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and manage time effectively
- Ability to communicate effectively using a variety of methods and technology
- Ability to work safely outside, including under adverse weather conditions
- Ability to safely lift loads of up to 75 lbs
- Ability to effectively work with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age,
- Experience managing multiple tasks, timelines, and schedules while maintaining high-quality work
- Valid driver's license
Preferred:
- Experience with agricultural machinery such as tractors, loaders, and trailers
- Knowledge of techniques used in urban food production systems

Work Schedule:

n/a

Work Type:

Part Time: 60%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Terminal, 8 month appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding

Salary:

Minimum $19.00 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications

This hourly position will pay $19/hr for 24 hours per week (0.6FTE)

Additional Information:

This position will be filled on a limited-term basis (March-Nov 2024) with the possibility of renewal pending success.
A background in agriculture or equipment operation is preferred but not required for success in this role. An intensive training period will take place during March 2024 during which time, this worker will visit Extension Milwaukee County Urban Agriculture sites to gain familiarity with technical and community aspects of the program before the peak of field season. Core competencies to be acquired or further developed during the training period include: (1) familiarization with program sites, (2) practice operating tractors and other equipment, (3) the establishment of relationships with program growers and key organizational partners.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

How to Apply:

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background.
Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will rely on written application materials to determine who may advance to interviews.

Contact:

Martin Ventura
[email protected]
414-488-7720
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Agricultural Equipment Opr I(FP001)

Department(s):

A47-EXTENSION/ANRCD/COMM/CFS/COMM FOOD S

Employment Class:

University Staff-Fixed Term

Job Number:

292396-CJ

 
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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