Incubator Farm at Clemson University Farm Mentor Position Description Lowcountry Local First (LLF) is a non-profit organization whose

mission is to advocate the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support of our local independent businesses and farmers. LLFs Eat Local Initiative is our sustainable agricultural initiative designed to grow and support local food systems by connecting local farms, producers, and apprentices to the local restaurants, institutions, and people with a hunger for farm fresh food and goods. The Eat Local Initiative includes the Incubator Farm, which is a partnership between Lowcountry Local First and Clemson University. The Incubator farm, located at the Clemson Experimental Farm in Charleston, SC, is comprised of ten acres of divided farm plots leased to beginning farmers in need of incubation as well as a one acre learning plot. ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES This position of Farm Mentor is to oversee the operation, support and facilitation of the incubated farm plots and one-acre learning plots at the Incubator Farm. The position is under the direct supervision of Clemson Farm Manager, Hal Hanvey of Clemson University for technical decisions and under the direct supervision of Director of Sustainable Agriculture, Nikki Seibert of Lowcountry Local First for programmatic decisions. The Farm Mentor provides coordination, operation, and support on-site at the Incubator Farm. Coordination includes maintaining adequate communication between incubated farmers, Clemson farm staff, Lowcountry Local First Staff, apprentices, and groups working on the learning plot. Operation includes training/monitoring incubated farmers on farm policies, equipment, tools, hours, access, and limitations. Support includes assisting the incubated farmers in their planning and preparing of fields, equipment, and facilities for successful farm businesses. It also means working with apprentices and agricultural groups to plan, plant, and harvest the learning plot. Primary responsibilities include: 1. Manage the Incubator Farm and Equipment:

Work with Clemson Farm Manager and farmers to coordinate onsite farm services, including land preparation and the use/management

irrigation, tillage equipment, cooling / storage, and other farm supplies and equipment; Assist farmers with proper maintenance of equipment and facilities, including tractors, other tillage equipment, and irrigation; Assist farmers to understand roles and expectations for farm-sites; facilitate ongoing compliance with guidelines such as access, cleanliness, use of equipment and facilities; Serve as a liaison among all parties and effectively communicate relevant information and concerns to Clemson, staff, farmers and apprentices; Manage learning plot planning, implementation, work-schedule and tours.

2. Provide Technical Assistance to Project Participants:

Assist production activities at farm-sites used by project participants; Provide pest management assistance to farmers/apprentices in collaboration with other staff and partners; monitor pest management activities; Assist with implementation of seasonal training program activities; Demonstrate various production techniques for field demonstrations and evaluations; Provide technical assistance to farmers/apprentices on production and post harvest handling of crops; Assist farmers to keep production records, complete acreage reports, and determine crop yields; Help to coordinate farmer meetings, and encourage farmer participation in seasonal workshops, conferences, and farm visits/field trips;

3. Manage the Incubator Farm Program:

Facilitate ongoing projects that fit into the ongoing Growing New Farmers Incubator Program and provide educational and outreach benefits to farms and communities in the Lowcountry of South Carolina; Oversee production, outreach and education efforts and delegation of activities to other members of the Incubator Farm team (staff, farmers, apprentices and interns); Work with the incubated farmers and farm apprentice program as their work and interests relate to Incubator Farm.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Prior farming and personnel management experience required. BS in Crop Science, Soil Science or Horticulture, or related experience preferred. Familiarity with Lowcountry climate and growing seasons a plus. REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Experience in sustainable and organic production that may include horticultural crops, grains, cover crops, and green houses as all are components on the Incubator Farm. Being a strong communicator as the Incubator Farm hosts tours, workshops, meetings and community programs, is a must. Also must have the ability to work with diverse audiences including farmers, community leaders, youth, researchers, extension personnel, students and others. A self- starter who enjoys tackling the challenges of both production agriculture and informal teaching is required. Ability to prioritize tasks is necessary, while considering input from multiple participants and availability of labor and equipment. Management experience is required for organizing and supervising numerous individuals and enterprises. EOE: Women and minorities encouraged to apply. COMPENSATION: The LLF Incubator Farm Manager will receive a monthly stipend and access to two acres and shared equipment for their own farm enterprise. CONTACT INFO: Applicants need submit an incubator farmer application and resume to agdirector@lowcountrylocalfirst.org with Incubator Farm Manager in the subject line. For more information, please contact: agdirector@lowcountrylocalfirst.org