Farm-to-Table; Ranch Manager Position

Company Description:

Coulee Connections is a private school that provides students with emotional, social skills training within a unique experiential educational system. We partner with over 20 area school districts, who refer special-education students (K-12) in need of developing and building their student-ready and learner skills.  Our 23-acre Cedar Creek Ranch in Cataract, Wisconsin, serves as the backdrop for students to explore nature and integrate the science of life into hands-on activities, while also meeting educational standards and fostering a balanced connection with the natural world. 

Our school team utilizes an innovative, holistic, experiential approach to engage students in partnering with us on our life-affirming, collective-learning journey.  The farm-to-table program works within our larger collective educational team that includes academic content in math, language arts, STEM, Body and Brain activities, outdoor wilderness/adventure, and recreational programming.  To learn more about our Mission, visit our website: www.couleeconnections.com

Position Summary:

We are looking for a person who is deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and food justice and is energized by leading others on an experiential farm-to-table growth journey.  This position requires an ability to lead and manage key aspects of our agricultural and animal management teams & processes, lead educational classes, family engagement activities, and coordinate programs offered to our public-school partners. The ability to bring creativity to the planning and coordination of farm-to-table student engagement with other program areas is a must.   Our farm-to-table program includes a wide range of vegetable production, (greenhouse/outdoor gardens), for fresh use as well as preserving methods such as canning, dehydration, and vacuum freezing.  Animal management and products from chickens, pigs, bees, sheep and alpacas.  We plan student engagement across the continuum of farm-to-table process including planning, preparation, management, harvest & processing, sustainability, learning kitchen, product use and nutrition.  This position requires enthusiasm for people, efficiency in organization, patience, willingness to delegate, and a sense of humor!   

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Grow lots of nutritious and delicious food and plants, sustainably.

Ranch Operations Management: 50%

• Plan, develop, and facilitate “novice-friendly” farm-to-table programming, including team management, planning, scheduling, supply purchasing, staff and intern coordination, and daily program leadership and curriculum development.
• Supervise completion of physical ranch work; manage the ranch support team with agriculture/animal management, property maintenance.
• Manage/monitor expenditure of supplies in partnership with Director.
• Schedule weekend ranch attendants to manage agricultural and animal care.

Education & Community Engagement: 40%

• Develop, coordinate & manage educational farm-to-table initiatives at Cedar Creek Ranch and La Crosse facilities. Responsibilities include developing curriculum, collaborating with educational team partners, preparing activities, purchasing supplies, and developing/utilizing educational materials.
• Design and deliver farm-to-table programs for the 6-week summer school program.
• Plan, Coordinate, and execute family engagement seasonal festivals and events and develop community-based events that enhance farm to table activities such as guest chef series.
• Plan and coordinate programs offered to our public-school partners.
• Track program metrics for organizational evaluation and development purposes and prepare regular reports on program performance.

Collaborative Organizational Stewardship: 10%

• Uphold staff expectations
• Participate in site stewardship including house cleaning chores.
• Participate in Cedar Creek Ranch – “CCR’s” annual “all hands-on-deck” activities & events.
• Participate in staff development and work equity efforts.
• Represent Coulee Connections at community meetings and partner network events.

Professional Qualifications:

• 2 -3 years of experience coordinating/implementing farm-to-table or related agricultural, food or nutrition education programming.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage teams, engage program participants, and collaborate effectively with staff, community partners, and external instructors.
• Must exhibit a positive, and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Comfortable working/teaching outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, and light precipitation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while remaining flexible, organized, and calm under pressure.
• Strong analytical mind, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and manage concurrent projects and initiatives.
• CPR and First Aid Certification – will provide training.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check required upon hire.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, preferably in Education, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 2 years of professional education experience, including curriculum development and program delivery to groups of diverse ages and sizes.
• Experience teaching in non-traditional environments, such as farms, camps, nature centers, is strongly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Must have the strength, stamina, mobility, and environmental tolerance to work on your feet for extended periods, walk long distances, bend, stoop, crouch, and climb and lift heavy objects 40+ lbs. in varied and at times demanding weather conditions.

Compensation: This is a full-time salaried position, 40+ hour/week, some evening & weekend hours.  Starting annual wage range is $48,000 - $55,000 (commensurate with experience). Benefit package includes Medical Insurance, 401k retirement plan, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Basic Life & AD&D Insurance, Accident; Cancer; Major Illness Insurance; Vision, paid PTO.