Organic Gardens Volunteer

A Garden’s Volunteer works as a part of Heifer Ranch’s Ag Team to grow mixed vegetables using organic standards on a multi-acre garden plot for Heifer USA. Gardens volunteers operate as a part of a team to perform tasks related to propagation, transplanting, plant and soil health, and food-safe harvest procedures.

Position Title: Gardens Volunteer

Requirements:

·        Must be at least 18 years of age by starting date of volunteer service.

·        Must pass background check.

·        Must be fluent in the English language and possess excellent verbal & written skills.

·        Must complete required orientation & training and uphold all policies & procedures.

·        Ability to perform as an effective team member and work cooperatively & positively with a diverse group (gender, age, religion, ethnicity, etc.) of participants & co-workers.

·        Ability to follow procedures, expectations & rules, with or without direct supervision.

·        Willingness & ability to share housing (including room) with a diverse group of other Heifer Ranch volunteers and participate in the household community including housekeeping chores.

·        Must have good agility and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including the ability to frequently lift 50+ pounds, work leaned over or kneeling, stand on feet for long periods of time, and work outdoors in all types of weather (hot/humid summers and cold/wet winters). The work is hard, sometimes heavy, and frequently repetitive.

·        Previous gardening and/or horticultural experience desired.

·        A working knowledge of: organic vegetable crop production, cultivation, pest control, soil fertility, irrigations systems, safe operating skills of farm equipment and machinery, is preferred. 

Service Commitment: 3 to 11 months

What we provide:

·        Residential Housing – fully-furnished, climate-controlled, communal

·        Linens, towels, blankets and other bedding supplies

·        Household Supplies (cleaning products, toilet paper, laundry detergent, trash bags, etc.)

·        Living Stipend ($40 per day in residence)

·        Access to the Community Van (shared vehicle) for errands off-site

·        Training and hands-on experience

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40+ hours per week including evenings, weekends and holidays depending on scheduled programming. Volunteers receive 2 days off each week (or hours equivalent). Volunteers may make requests for additional time-off as needed. There is no limit on vacation days/year but time-off must be approved by a supervisor.

Supervised by: Horticulture Entrepreneur

1.      Garden Management - Erect trellis systems, manage row fabrics, turn on and switch irrigation (nights and weekends), pull up mulch and irrigation, etc. Understand the rules regulations to insure standards compliance while carrying out daily duties and labor functions associated with Heifer Ranch’s commercial style organic gardens.

2.      Weed Control - identify and control weeds utilizing a variety of non-chemical techniques.

3.      Harvesting - harvest vegetables, flowers and herbs on regularly scheduled basis. 

4.      Insect Control - scout gardens for insect presence and/or damage. Identify insects, develop and implement management plans utilizing a variety of biological, cultural and mechanical methodologies. This may include spraying, with a 50lb back-pack sprayer, organic certified pesticides for disease and insect management.

5.      Greenhouse Propagation – assist with plant propagation (seeding & transplanting), watering, and climate control.

6.      Soil Productivity - soil testing and applying organic amendments.

7.      Safely Operate Machinery, Tools, Equipment – properly and safely use operate a wide variety of typical hand and power garden tools, and vehicles.

8.      Willingness to Learn and Teach - Possess a clear understanding of & appreciation for the mission of Heifer International & of Heifer Learning Centers. Learn and be able to speak in front of groups about agriculture & Heifer’s work.

9.      Maintain a Positive Working Relationships - with co-workers and provide excellent customer service to Ranch guests. Excellent customer service skills including a friendly, ‘can-do’ attitude, people skills & patience.

Please email a copy of your updated resume to ian.peters@heifer.org as well as short written paragraph outlining your objectives.