Deep Springs Seeks Capable Farmer For Its Essential Ranch and Farm Program.

The Farmer supports and assists the Ranch & Farm Manager in operation of the College’s agricultural programs, maintaining the production of 150 acres of hay as well as the necessary infrastructure and diesel equipment.

Like similar roles at other farms and ranches, the Deep Springs Farmer will supervise a small team (~3-5 people) to carry out their responsibilities. Unlike similar roles, the team is entirely composed of students from the College who work at least 20 hours per week, many beginning with no prior agricultural experience. Helping to train these students to be successful and diligent workers is one of the responsibilities of the farmer.

The Farmer will be successful through careful maintenance of equipment and efficient operation of the farm at the direction of the Ranch Manager. Their impact on the college will be measured by their operational success and demonstrated ability to train, manage, and mentor students, to increase their capability to take on responsibility consistent with the goals of the College and the Ranch.

This position is a rare and rewarding way to work with motivated and bright students in the College’s essential farm program. Although no longer officially certified organic, the farm's long-term goals are rooted in stewardship and improvement of the land.

Successful applicants for this position will not necessarily have extensive experience in haymaking or ranching: we welcome any candidate who can accomplish the delegated responsibilities, including those whose primary experience is in row crops and horticulture.

This position may be a great opportunity for a farmer early in their career seeking to build experience managing a ranch’s hay operation. The position may also be a great fit for an experienced farmer looking to share their knowledge with eager learners.

The Farmer must have the experience and skills necessary to independently carry out all responsibilities listed below:

Operate, maintain, and repair trucks, tractors, and implements
Operate, maintain, and repair pumps, plumbing, irrigation lines, and sprinklers
Assist in training assigned student laborers
Assist in infrastructure repair and maintenance of the Ranch, Farm, and College
Perform all tasks in accordance with the College’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program and responsibly work to enhance that program
Other duties as assigned by the Ranch Manager
Participate in the Deep Springs community outside of the farm operations, as described in the Staff Personnel Policy.

The Farmer is appointed by the President of Deep Springs and is directly responsible to the Ranch and Farm Manager.

BENEFITS

The Farmer position offers the following outstanding benefits:

On-site housing
Paid utilities
Meals provided
Health, vision, and dental insurance
Above-average PTO allowance
8% 401k matching

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Deep Springs College is a private, nonsectarian, fully accredited two-year college program for academically-gifted young people, located on a small cattle-and- alfalfa ranch in a beautiful, remote area of the White Mountains on the California-Nevada border. 26-30 students attend. Deep Springs was recently profiled on 60 minutes.

The program combines rigorous academic coursework with 20-25 hours of physical labor each week. Students milk cows, wash dishes, assist in the office, cook, clean, make hay, and tend to cattle, horses and gardens.

All members of the Deep Springs community—the students, faculty, staff, president, and resident families—live on-site and take part in fostering and developing community life, at the same time respecting each others' need for privacy. Room and board is provided for all employees as part of a robust benefits package.

Deep Springs is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

The college is located in California's Eastern Sierra region on Highway 168, 26 miles east of Big Pine, California, 11 miles from the Nevada state line. Death Valley National Park and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest are directly adjacent to the College, and Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, the Buttermilks, and Mammoth and are all within a few hours’ drive. Los Angeles is a 5-hour drive away, Las Vegas is 4 hours; the San Francisco Bay Area is 7-8 hours depending on the season.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For additional information, visit www.deepsprings.edu. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to staffsearch@deepsprings.edu

Deep Springs College

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