Sustainability Farm Manager and Volunteer Coordinator (Year-Round)

This is a position that responds to Interlochens commitment to campus-wide sustainable practices and strategic sustainability planning and implementation. The main focus is leading school initiatives related to overseeing agricultural growing spaces on site, managing a weekly, seasonal volunteer shift, supporting sustainability education and implementation, and supporting department projects, needs, and goals. The Farm Manager and Volunteer Coordinator will oversee expansion of sustainability practices and programming, coordinate planning and execution of ICAs 2028 Sustainability Plan, and elevate ICAs presence as a regional example of integrated sustainability education. The Farm Manager and Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the Sustainability Director and department staff as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage farm site activities, functions, events, and upkeep
• Independently coordinate volunteer shifts and outreach
• Provide guided site tours covering diverse topics in agriculture and ecology
• Create and present original educational content to primary stakeholders about regenerative agriculture, sustainability topics, and food security
• Participate in learning and professional development opportunities as applicable
• Provide educational support for all educational programming occurring at the Greenhouse and Pavilion, including teaching independently during IAA, IAC, and NMC course offerings
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms about ICAs Sustainability Department work
• Support planning and implementation of ICAs 2028 Sustainability Plan
• Advise local partners on advancement of their own sustainability and agriculture goals
• Strategically coordinate community partnerships with local and regional organizations to advance ICAs presence and connections in sustainability, education, agriculture, and food access
• Keep accurate records of harvest amounts, pest pressure, crop rotation, volunteer hours, and seed stock
• Maintain Certified Naturally Grown certification for ICA cultivation spaces
• Supervise summer interns during fast-paced summer programming
• Oversee, organize, and manage community service student Greenhouse Assistant shifts
• Support ICAs CSA program offering
• Present ICAs sustainability initiatives, as applicable, at conferences and opportunities
• Seeks the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
• Complies with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances
• Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all ICA stakeholders and the community
• Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth
• Performs other duties as assigned and relevant to department projects, goals, and needs

Keyword: Sustainability Farm Manager and Volunteer Coordinator (Year-Round)
Required Experience:

• BA in Environmental Studies, Earth Science, Ecology, Agricultural Science, or a related field; Master Gardener, farm, or equivalent experience required
• Understanding of sustainability topics, practices, and institution-wide planning
• Staff and project management skills
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Knowledge of soil health, soil fertility, and pest pressure, with the ability to respond to observed issues
• Experience with organic farming and/or regenerative agriculture at any scale
• Experience managing budgets, records, and project workflows
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to effectively engage with volunteers, students, parents, donors, children, and the local community
• Experience educating and/or presenting to any age group preferred
• Previous experience managing volunteers and multiple visitors, students, or tours preferred
• Experience managing and analyzing diverse datasets preferred

Application Materials Required:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

From: Interlochen Center for the Arts