Student - Agroecology Fellow

The Agroecology Fellow at Ursinus College is a Sustainability Fellow responsible for promoting environmentalism and sustainability. This role involves participating in a 1-credit course, engaging in campus sustainability events, and working on the campus farm and food forest during the summer. Agroecology Fellows will develop skills in leadership and critical thinking while managing agricultural tasks and volunteers. The position requires residency on campus and is not remote.
Description:

Sustainability Fellows are ambassadors of environmentalism and sustainability to the Ursinus community. Fellows are passionate about work that makes a positive impact on the planet and our communities, as well as their own personal growth and professional development. Through this position, Fellows will develop critical thinking and leadership skills that will assist you in whatever you choose to do after your time at Ursinus.

Like all Sustainability Fellows, Agroecology Fellows are expected to participate in a weekly 1-credit course, taught by the Director of Sustainability, participate in First Year Move-In, Sustainable Move-Out, and Office of Sustainability events and projects throughout the semester. Additionally, Fellows meet with the Director of Sustainability one-on-one at least twice a month to discuss project implementation and provide feedback. Fellows who complete all requirements of their position are eligible to receive a stipend for the fall and spring semester, as well as a green cord for graduation. All Fellowships are two semesters long. The Agroecology Fellowship runs from January-December, or the length of one calendar year. This unique structure allows for the Fellowship to correspond with the growing cycle, as well as one of the most important components of the Agroecology Fellowship - all Agroecology Fellows must reside on campus (or within commuting distance) during the summer of their Fellowship. During this time, Agroecology Fellows will plant, manage, and harvest food and native plant species at the campus farm and the Food Forest. Fellows receive a monetary stipend to cover living expenses during this time, as well as free on-campus housing.

Responsibilities:

Agroecology Fellows, guided by the Director of Sustainability, and Faculty from the Environmental Studies Department will plan, plant, manage, harvest, and winterize various aspects of the campus farm and food forest. Fellows will gain experience doing tasks such as soil sampling and nutrient analysis, tilling, weeding, creating a planting plan, undergoing food safety training, selling produce, educating members of the campus, and keeping inventory, among other duties. Agroecology Fellows are also responsible for managing volunteers, who come on several scheduled volunteer or stewardship dates each semester. These groups include members of Greek organizations, athletic teams, first-year students, ENV100 students, and others.

In addition to the benefits and responsibilities mentioned above, Agroecology Fellows often receive opportunities to coordinate volunteer events among campus groups, interact with alums, and have been interviewed for Ursinus Magazine and The Grizzly in the past. Students interested in the Food Studies Minor can use the Agroecology Fellowship for their applied learning experience.

Requirements:
• Current full-time student at Ursinus College
• Available to work on campus through the summer
• Comfortable working on land around tree nuts, bees, potentially irritating plants.
• Enrolling in a 1-credit Spring Semester and 1-credit Fall Semester Sustainability Fellows Course
• Basic agricultural experience is a plus (weeding, planting, etc.)
• Willingness to learn from and collaborate with others
• Interest in organic, natural, or agro-ecological methods of food production
• A current first-year student, sophomore, or junior
• Willing to work outdoors and lift moderately weighted items
• 2.5 GPA
• Available to volunteer during Orientation Week, the week of graduation, and Earth Week in the Spring
• Familiarity with commonly used computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Zoom

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Ursinus EEO Statement

Ursinus is an EEO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.