Etzel Sugar Grove Farm Coordinator

INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:  Etzel Sugar Grove Farm Coordinator

REPORTS TO:  Director of Land Stewardship

SUPERVISES:  Farm Staff

HOURS OF POSITION:  40+ Hours a week. Some evenings and weekends, as necessary.

STATUS:  Regular, Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, Marion, Iowa

DATE REVISED:  December 2025

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adheres to and actively assists in the development of Etzel Sugar Grove Farm's established goals, plans, and philosophies. Maintains organic certification and implements practices which are consistent with organic certification, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture.
• Plans and coordinates all growing and farming activities including, but not limited to, planting/growing, harvesting, crop sales,, etc. Works with ICNC’s farm staff to delegate and assign work in each of these areas.
• Participates in and supports agricultural education programs including, but not limited to, urban chickens, beekeeping, permaculture, and gardening.
• Prepares and distributes crops, ensuring profitability and integration into the broader supply chain.
• Raises and cares for organic chicken flock and egg production. Along with farm staff, tends to their daily needs, including egg harvesting, coop cleanliness, and slaughter.
• Maintains positive relationships with neighbors, volunteers, staff, and community members.
• Coordinates volunteers to effectively and efficiently complete tasks. Maintains a positive attitude and appropriate working relationship at all times with volunteers and others.
• Maintains all equipment in working order. Coordinates and performs regularly scheduled and preventative maintenance.
• Ensures security of all Sugar Grove property and facilities by performing visual security checks, dealing with difficult persons, and ensuring all ICNC property and belongings are accounted for.
• Maintains facilities in good working order and with a great appearance.
• Performs job in a safe manner at all times. Ensures those around him/her are practicing safe procedures. Adheres to and ensures all supervised employees follow safety procedures manual.
• Ensures compliance with all organization policies and procedures in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Maintains current knowledge of development in areas of responsibility. Participates in state, local, and national organizations, conferences, and workshops as appropriate.
• Other related assignments as necessary, such as supporting special events.
• Performs ecosystem maintenance, including conducting controlled burns, removal of invasive species, tree planting and clearing, and implementing general ecological improvement methods.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Belief in the Nature Center's mission and a healthy appreciation for the outdoors. Represents ICNC in the most positive manner with all people, both personally and professionally. Independent worker. Self-motivated. Ability to work with honey bees and all aspects of managing ICNC’s apiary (training to be provided, if not already possessed.) Ability to safely operate and maintain light and heavy machinery. Understanding of agriculture and farming practices. Ability to teach a variety of guests with varied demographics (age, ability, experience level, etc) Ability to accomplish tasks in all weather conditions.. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are necessary.

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Position involves working in an outdoor environment in varied weather conditions (67-100%) and frequent sitting and standing in an office setting (34-66%). Constant (67-100%) walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing, grasping, and finger dexterity. Frequent (34-66%) talking and listening to people in person or over the telephone. Viewing computer screens and other types of close visual work occasionally (10-33%). Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds frequently (10-33%). May frequently (34-66%) be required to travel off-site to complete duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required or a minimum of four years of direct agriculture experience in lieu of a degree. Must have a valid Iowa driver's license. Must be able to provide proof of coverage and maintain personal automobile insurance coverage, including liability. ICNC conducts pre-employment background screenings prior to hire. Decisions regarding prospective employment shall be made on an individual basis considering all of the circumstances. Prior criminal histories, convictions, or incarcerations do not automatically disqualify a candidate.

OPTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Direct knowledge and experience in beekeeping are preferred. Direct experience in an organic agriculture setting is preferred. Employee supervisory experience preferred.

COMPENSATION: Starting compensation range is $40,000-$45,000. Full package of benefits, including group medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, life insurance, accidental death & disability insurance, and flexible and trust-based time off policy. On-site housing at Etzel Sugar Grove Farm is available if desired, though not a requirement of the job.