About the Esalen Farm & Garden
The Esalen Farm & Garden has been providing fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables for the Esalen Institute Kitchen for over forty years. We believe in the transformative impact that sustainable agriculture can have on personal, social, and environmental health, and we support vibrant, community-oriented growers and leaders through our robust apprenticeship and volunteer programs. The Farm & Garden is part of the Esalen Institute, a workshop and retreat center in Big Sur with a population of roughly 150 staff and 150 workshop participants.
About the Position
The Farm Supervisor position has two principle and interrelated responsibilities: managing a three-acre, tractor scale fruit and vegetable farm; and teaching and co-leading the Farm & Garden’s 12-month Community Agriculture apprenticeship program (alongside the Esalen Garden Supervisor). The Farm Supervisor manages a crew comprised of Apprentices, month-long Work Scholars, and daylong volunteers. We are looking for a dynamic, experienced grower and educator who is passionate about the intersections of social justice, personal growth, and sustainable agriculture.
Principle Responsibilities
Farming
Daily management of a three-acre, year-round production farm
Supervision of crew (apprentices and daily volunteers) ranging from 2-8 people
Oversight of kitchen waste and compost operation
Collaboration with Esalen Kitchen to supply produce for an average of 300 people per day (Farm & Garden supplies approx. 50% all produce)
Development and implementation of long-term land stewardship practices
Assure routine maintenance of Farm equipment (tractor, truck, loader, cardboard shredder)
Invasive species mitigation and pest management
Education
Continued development and implementation of Community Agriculture apprenticeship core curriculum (soil science, basic botany, plant families, cover cropping, pest & disease management, etc.)
Hands-on education (irrigation, tractor skills and maintenance, hot compost management, etc.) of the four Farm & Garden apprentices in the field
Mentorship of and feedback to apprentices in their planning and implementation of lessons and community events
Context and logistical support for apprenticeship guest teachers
Administrative and Organizational
Participation in Farm & Garden staff meetings (weekly), Kitchen meetings (twice weekly), Esalen staff meetings (bi-monthly), and strategic planning meetings (semi-annually)
Collaboration with Farm & Garden and Esalen staff on special events (fundraisers, farm to table dinners, workshops, etc.)
Record keeping and accounting of crop production
Leadership role in daily Farm & Garden check-in circle
Participation in recruitment and selection of Farm & Garden apprentices
Required Experience, Skills, and Qualities
Minimum of three years working on a production farm or equivalent training
Formal experience as an educator within the field of sustainable agriculture
Thorough understanding of sustainable farming principles and practices, including soil health and fertility, irrigation systems, composting techniques, pest control, weed control, etc.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds
Ability to work smoothly with Esalen Kitchen to ensure prompt delivery of requested produce
Farm crew management and flexibility in working with a wide range of levels of experience and expertise
A demonstrated sense of farm aesthetics (nearly 17,000 visitors come to Esalen every year)
Commitment to creating and encouraging a safe working environment
Strong interest in personal growth and supporting others in their own growth and development
Physical Requirements
The Farm Supervisor position requires physical work on a daily basis. Applicants must be comfortable maneuvering on slopes and uneven ground, driving trucks, tractors, and front-end loaders, carrying and lifting up to 50 pounds, and using power tools and machinery. Many farm activities require repetitive bending and kneeling, and weather conditions range from hot and dry in the summer months to cold and wet in the winter. There is some exposure to dust, fumes, gas and chemicals.
Compensation
The wage range for this position depending on experience is $14.50 – $18/hour plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and paid time off. If living on Esalen property, a salary adjustment will be made for receiving furnished housing plus full service meals. Esalen provides staff with access to an extensive range of educational and community benefits, including movement classes, ongoing in-house programs, and discounts and scholarship for workshops, bodywork, and other Esalen services.
About Esalen
Established in 1962, Esalen is a leading center for exploring and realizing human potential through experience, education, and research. We work toward the realization of a more humane and all-embracing world, seeking answers to questions unlikely to be explored by traditional universities and religions. We sponsor pioneering initiatives and offer personal, spiritual, and social transformation programs for residents, interns, and workshop participants. To learn more about our history, browse our program and workshop offerings, or download the current catalog, please visit our web site at www.esalen.org.
How to apply
To Apply: submit resume, including cover letter, detailing your qualifications, experience, and interest by email to jobs@esalen.org.
Application Deadline: January 7, 2016.
Preferred Start Date: February 15, 2016