University Staff
Description
Envision yourself in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that has a deep commitment to position our graduates for success in their professional and personal lives. Visualize applying your energy and skills for an organization that respects and cares about its employees enough to offer some of the best benefits of the industry while encouraging every team member to grow, collaborate, and provide input on how to consistently make the workplace a place people love to work. Imagine working at a college that welcomes everyone students, faculty, staff, and community members regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or traditions. If what was just described is what you look for in a workplace, welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)!
UCCS Dining and Hospitality Services is currently seeking applications for the Farm Manager position. The UCCS Farm Manager will supervise, oversee, and coordinate all UCCS Farm program activities and operations. The Farm Manager is responsible for the health, care and maintenance of plants, flowers, trees, bees, and chickens in a controlled environment where the growth and availability of produce is scheduled to coincide with the buying public. The Farm Manager leads the day-to-day operations and helps expand the Farm business opportunities while adhering to organic gardening and greenhouse standards. The Farm Manager educates students, visitors, and the public in organic farming and greenhouse methods. The Farm Manager must enjoy hands-on growing activities and have expertise in all aspects of crop production. Must be committed to student employment and professional development opportunities for students.
Who We Are:
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 9,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. We have a strong focus in fueling student success by creating, using, and maintaining a multitude of different offices and programs. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing our students to have success in the future, and we understand that every single employee on our campus has a significant effect on that focus. Find more information about working at UCCS here:
The city, which was recently ranked as the number nine Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song America the Beautiful and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the states best recreation opportunities. Find out more about living in Colorado Springs through the Visit Colorado Springs page:
Job Duties:
Utilization of the UCCS Farm in engagement meeting the educational mission of UCCS.
Collaboration with the Auxiliary Services group as well as the UCCS campus on efforts to design and develop interactive educational and promotional programs.
Manage and oversee the planting, cultivation and harvesting of vegetables, flowers, and trees.
Interview, hire, train, coach, and evaluate student employees.
Interview, accept, train, and schedule volunteers.
Develop and maintain employee expectation manual and volunteer guidelines.
Maintain Farm operations within the operational budget.
Manage all aspects of crop production including schedule and supervision of all phases of the design, propagation, planting, and maintenance of plants.
Keep day-to-day records of operations and prepare schedules for staff.
Purchase supplies.
Determine propagation, potting, fertilizing, watering schedules.
In collaboration with food service needs, decide what plants to produce.
Calculate costs and decide wholesale pricing.
Deploy organic pest and disease management strategies.
Maintain environmental controls.
Inventory control.
Ensure upkeep of equipment and facilities.
Maintain machines and equipment necessary for the planting, cultivation, and distribution of greenhouse crops.
Upgrade and improve growing practices to include vertical farming.
Manages and directs in-person inquiries, phone calls, mail, and other documents.
Ensures the timely submission of leave records and time sheets for employees.
Processes incoming mail and monitors e-mail as required.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Job Competencies:
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Must have the ability to work with a variety of constituents in a professional manner and be able to respond to a variety of requests from a variety of sources effectively and in a pleasant manner.
Knowledge of organic farming best practices.
Must be self-sufficient and willing to juggle multiple assignments.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively within own unit and with other administrative and academic units.
Demonstrated high commitment to service excellence, diversity, and equity.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations in a multi-cultural environment that is committed to diversity and equality in education.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Work Location: On-Site
This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What We Offer:
Salary Range: Generally starting at $49,428 $65,904 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers excellent benefits, some of which include:
Medical insurance, with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee
Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
Generous paid vacation and sick time accruals (14.67 hours of vacation and 10 hours of sick accrued per month, prorated if Part Time)
Mandatory retirement plans. Employees contribute 5% of their annual compensation. CU doubles that and contributes 10%
Tuition Assistant Benefit available to you or a dependent
Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment
Off Campus Housing Resources
This position is dependent on the availability of auxiliary revenues funding.
Tentative Search Timeline:
Priority will be given to applications submitted by October 23rd, 2023. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the week of October 30th, 2023.
The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of November 6th, 2023.
The potential employee start date is November 13th, 2023.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check.
UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in ecological horticulture or related field.
Minimum of 4 years of supervisory experience in food or plant production. Apprenticeships will qualify.
Expertise with hydroponics/aquaponics including drip, ebbandflow, and NFT systems as well as lighting configurations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a higher education environment.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move. Employees are required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and have fine motor skills including reaching, handling, and fingering. Must have good depth perception, color vision and field of vision. Tasting and smelling within normal range. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 20 lbs and constantly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. In this position employees will have exposure to extreme cold and extreme heat.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.
Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.
Special Instructions to Applicants
: Applications submitted by 10/23/2023 will receive full consideration. However, this position is open until filled. Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 31211). Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information.
If you have technical difficulties with your application, please contact the CU Careers help desk at 303-860-4200 #5 or cucareershelp@cu.edu. Job related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position.
Application Materials Required
: Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Application Materials Instructions
: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. Must include date ranges to include month and year (mm/yyyy) and whether the position was full time or part time. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications. When submitting the materials, check the Job Specific Attachments box next to each document in order for the search committee members to see your materials.
Job Category
: Facilities/Labor,Trades & Crafts
Primary Location
: Colorado Springs
Department
: C0001 – Colorado Springs Campus – 40253 – VCSA-AUX-DINING & HOSPITALITY
Schedule
: Full Time
Posting Date
: Oct 4, 2023
Unposting Date
: Ongoing
Posting Contact Name
: Josh Hedrick
Posting Contact Email
: jchedric2@uccs.edu
Position Number
: 00415397