Apprentice Instructor

Job Description

Join and contribute to a dynamic and evolving program at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum!

We support a new pipeline of food system leaders through on-the-job mentorship and instruction. This full-time, year-round position demonstrates market farming from seed to plate with a diverse cohort of beginning farmers. This role is located in Chaska, MN.

Our collaborative team builds a network of experts in food growing, career development, and community health while producing top-quality produce on farms for defined markets. Team members adapt effectively to change, communicate to build trust, and positively contribute to the broader impact of sustainable agriculture.

About Us

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Duties & Responsibilities

40% Apprenticeship Course Instruction
Demonstrate excellence in teaching by delivering an established nine-month curriculum in sustainable horticulture with hands-on labs, interactive lectures, consistent feedback, and graded assignments.
Help students reach their goals with technical skill development.
30% Trainee Supervision and Support
Supervise trainees and communicate needs to Farm at the Arb Team.
Coordinate on-the-job training leads to create an inclusive, educational, and productive environment at workday sites.
Track payroll and budgets. Work with Farm Education Manager and community partners to recruit students for program participation and find jobs in local agriculture post-graduation.
20% Farm at the Arb Apprentice Vegetable Garden
Lead operations of a student-run vegetable garden at the Farm at the Arb.
Lead staff, volunteers, and students to maintain the greenhouse, production farm, and hoop houses for sales goals with defined markets.
10% Farm at the Arb Team
Work as part of the food production team to ensure all aspects of programming and production are running as efficiently as possible.
Assist with yearly staff onboarding and other activities as needed.
Demonstrate best practices to support and represent Farm at the Arb as requested.

Physical Demands

This is a farm setting. Staff must be able to work on foot all day in all weather conditions performing manual labor. There will be frequent lifting, standing, walking, bending, farm tool usage, machinery operation as well as speaking to the public, staff and program participants.

Staff is required to lift, push, and pull items up to 50 lbs. Staff are expected to work in multiple locations.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

BA/BS in horticulture, agricultural science, ecological sciences, education, or a related field with at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
Minimum two years of documented experience teaching adults in a classroom setting.
Minimum two years of documented experience in horticulture/agriculture production.
Successful experience teaching students from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds.
Successful experience creating an experiential learning environment.
Demonstrated experience of greenhouse production and management.
Demonstrated experience using basic construction and maintenance tools.
Documented experience record keeping and data management
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in biological or agricultural sciences
Familiarity with creative methods for engaging students in learning and participation.
Documented experience creating and working from a crop plan.
Experience in apiary, composting, season extension, aquaponic/hydroponic production and/or high tunnel growing.

Additional Information

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $23.00 – $26.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Application Instructions

How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.