What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Assistant - Organic Farm position at Dartmouth College?
Position Purpose
Supports daily operations and programs at the Dartmouth Organic Farm. Leads organic vegetable and flower production in fields and greenhouses; coordinates harvest, delivery, and customer needs; trains and works alongside student interns and volunteers; and maintains the site’s landscape, equipment, and infrastructure. Contributes to maple sugaring, beekeeping, and orchard care. Works with Assistant Director for Experiential Education to develop and deliver educational, recreational, and community programming aligned with the Sustainability Office mission, including class engagement, orientation trips, events, and research use. Manages space rentals and event logistics (reservations, communications, setup, invoicing). Provides support for Sustainability Office communications, student programming, events, and administrative duties; contributes to Sustainability program development and strategic planning.
Description
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp
Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or a related field.
- Food and agriculture experience, including organic vegetable production and harvest.
- Knowledge of farm implements and machinery; willingness to troubleshoot.
- Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and people in a fast-paced, innovative team.
- Experience training and orienting volunteers at varied skill levels.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license; eligible to be a Dartmouth Approved Driver.
- Knowledge of basic first aid.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Dartmouth Sustainability Office student programs, initiatives, and events.
- Experience implementing sustainability, campus initiatives, and/or environmental projects.
Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Celia Johnson, Campus Services Recruiter
Department Contact Phone Number
Celia.G.Johnson@dartmouth.edu
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title
Rosi Kerr, Director of Sustainability
Department Contact's Phone Number
Rosi.Kerr@dartmouth.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy
Additional Instructions
Key Accountabilities
Description
Farm Operations
- Plan and execute organic vegetable and cut-flower production (seeding, transplanting, irrigation, pest management, harvest, delivery).
- Hire, train, schedule, and lead student employees and volunteers; advise the student farm club.
- Maintain grounds, equipment, and facilities; perform basic repairs.
- Support maple sugaring, beekeeping, and orchard maintenance.
Percentage Of Time
50
Description
Events and Site Use
- Serve as primary contact for farm space use by students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
- Manage event reservations, email inquiries, site setup, and invoicing for all space use.
- Promote farm programs and resources for teaching, research, and community building.
Percentage Of Time
10
Description
General Office Responsibilities
- Support Sustainability Office communications and events (inbox/phones, space and catering bookings, supplies).
- Contribute content for social media and the bi-monthly newsletter.
- Create tools and programs that engage diverse user groups; offer ideas that advance Dartmouth’s sustainability leadership.
Percentage Of Time
15
Description
Program Support
- Develop and enhance experiential learning programs (e.g., immersion trips, local food initiatives).
- Build learning tools, program plans, partnerships, and funding strategies; implement new programs.
- Leverage the Organic Farm as a teaching and research site (e.g., using organic recertification as a learning opportunity).
- Demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and cultural awareness through actions and communications.
Percentage Of Time
15
Description
Culture and Employee Belonging
We are actively striving to make Campus Services a desired place to work in the Upper Valley, a place where people feel welcomed, where they can be their authentic selves, be heard, and feel accepted. We want this culture to be felt by those who receive our services. The way we treat one another should be the same way we treat our customers.
- Demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.
- Participates in division wide CEB initiatives and training, including promotion of the 7 Principles (Empathy, Fairness, Dependability, Inclusivity, Consideration, Vulnerability and Respect)
- Collaborates, when appropriate, on other CEB-related initiatives within the division and College
Percentage Of Time
10
-
Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.