Farm Production Lead (Farmer 2)

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Farm Production Lead to join our CWU Food/Farm team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a 9-month cyclic, campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role: This position supports the goals and initiatives of the Wildcat Farm. Job duties will be assigned based on needs of farm production schedules, projects, and maintenance tasks. Responsibilities for this position may range from farm production and compost maintenance to leading educational workshops. The Farm Production Lead will be responsible for supervision of student farm staff when the farm manager is not present. This position is additionally responsible for helping to maintain the Farms apiary and chicken coop.

This position directly impacts the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by creating and promoting a culture of welcoming and belonging. They practice inclusivity and engage the students they encounter with in meaningful work that fosters strong relationships, stewardship of resources, and the integration of different perspectives. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Farm Production:

Carrying out Farm production schedules and associated tasks (planting, harvesting, packing, composting), including but not limited to:

• Prepping rows for planting using broadfork, tilther, tractor + rototiller, and other handheld or power tools
• Applying compost and/or soil amendments in proper amounts
• Starting seeds and preparing crops to transplant according to planting schedules
• Direct seeding crops according to planting schedules
• Following and tracking crop rotation
• Performing pest and weed management tasks according to farm management plans
• Harvest, washing, and packing produce for delivery or distribution
• Delivering/distributing produce
• Carrying out compost pile maintenance, building new piles, and contributing to success of composting efforts
• Leading student staff and/or volunteers through tasks when needed
• Installing, maintaining, and implementing irrigation systems and irrigation plans
• Maintaining and operating equipment
• Assisting with maintaining records, logs, and documents according to farm management plans
• Training, supervising, and directing student employees and volunteers

Chicken & Bee Management:

• Carrying out maintenance with chicken coop and beehives
• Scheduling egg collection and delivery, and coordinating procedures
• Scheduling honey harvest and coordinating procedure
• Studying and researching needs of flocks and hives as needed
• Collaborating with local beekeepers to ensure hive success

Lead Duties

• Assign and check work and provides training. May provide feedback to supervisor to assist with work assignments and job performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Support:

• Leading educational workshops on farm, garden, and/or food related topics
• Providing support to students doing research or projects at the farm
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one season of working experience on a vegetable farm
• At least one season of experience leading students, volunteers and/or coworkers from various backgrounds and abilities in daily farm tasks
• Willingness to follow plans, ask questions, and collaborate with a team
• Ability to effectively prioritize and organize a wide range of tasks
• Willingness to adapt to or learn new skills, methods, and practices to complete assigned tasks
• Demonstrated knowledge of plants, soil science, food studies, or related field
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multiple seasons of working experience on a commercial vegetable farm
• Knowledge of driving vehicles with manual operation & using heavy equipment such as walk-behind or 4-wheel tractors
• Knowledge of composting processes and maintenance
• Knowledge of beekeeping and apiary management
• Willingness and ability to care for chickens and other livestock
• Demonstrated experience leading a group or team & leading students in an education-focused environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs
• Experience or interest in mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: This position is based on the range 37 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum monthly salary of $3,403 and maximum monthly salary of $4,517. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch) / WFSE Bargaining Unit 1 / 9-month cyclic / (for more detailed information regarding cyclic appointments click link: CWU Cyclic Leave

Working Conditions: This position may perform work in both an indoor office setting and an outdoor setting on a production Farm. At times, work may be performed in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/confined areas and may need to physically access work areas with the equipment and tools necessary for completion of the job. This often requires standing/crawling/bending/walking/climbing while carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with equipment or tools. Occasional overtime may be required, and shift work may be required. May need to drive a service vehicle in congested areas. Work may be performed indoors; in cool temperatures (30-50 degrees) while moving produces cold storage; in group/academic environments; in open farm space with possible hot/cold/noisy/muddy/wet conditions.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: July 24, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Kaitlyn Flesher

Title: Wildcat Farm Manager

Email: kaitlyn.flesher@cwu.edu

Phone: 509-963-1585

Website: cwu.edu

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

This position is part of a Washington Federation of State Employees Bargaining Unit I.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.