The Poco Farm Team is looking for a full-time Garden and Orchard Steward to care for the garden, orchard and pastures.  Poco Farm’s mission is to create a culture of ecological inquiry that reconnects all humans to the wholeness of life on our planet, in the community and within ourselves. To help grow this vision, we’re looking for a loving, skillful and collaborative steward who is deeply passionate about building community, reconnecting children with nature and feeding delicious regenerative food to folks experiencing food insecurity. Their responsibility will be working with Poco’s mentor team, Ojai USD and HELP of Ojai to plan and implement the growing of organic produce with children, their mentors and volunteers (100% of this produce is either eaten on-farm by children or donated to Ojai USD, HELP of Ojai and other local orgs who distribute free food to families experiencing food insecurity). This steward will work with two co-directors/co-founders, five learning mentors (who also help in the garden), adult volunteers and occasionally directly with children and families. While the farm is cared for by the entire Poco Team and community of learners, this position will play a pivotal role in completing daily tasks and is ultimately responsible for all the plants on the farm. The bulk of the day-to-day work includes irrigating, weeding, greenhouse work, delegating tasks appropriate for learners and volunteers, harvesting and delivering produce, pest management, seasonal tasks like pruning and composting, etc. 

The right person for this work has solid experience (3+ years in a paid position) working as a garden/orchard steward and/or similar position(s), caring for fruit trees, row crops, berries and preferably small livestock and pastures. They feel very comfortable leading a group of individuals with varying experience; love collaborating with other community caretakers, children and their families; teach with inquiry and fascination; are skilled, efficient and organized in their crop planning, system design, maintenance, scheduling, troubleshoot creatively and ask for help often; are happy doing full days of physical work; and communicate honestly and efficiently. Bilinguality in English and Spanish is highly preferred, interest in regenerative techniques is a requirement, healthy relationship with ego is nice, no-till gardening and rotational grazing management experience would be glorious.

Applications due August 9th, position begins as soon as possible (pending fingerprinting and TB clearance requirements for OUSD).

Time Commitment: 30-40 hrs/wk, must be available for two weekly team meetings and two afternoons a week to lead volunteers, and occasional weekend days for special events.

Compensation: $30/hr, health benefits, sick pay and vacation pay, 401k available. 

To apply please email your cover letter and resume to info@pocofarm.com. 

Your cover letter should include the following: 

• your connection to the mission of Poco Farm

• short description of your most recent garden/orchard management experience 

• examples of your experience working with community, organizational and collaboration skills 

• your experience with regenerative practices and animal integration 

• any other skills that you feel will contribute to the mission of the farm