Land Steward

About Us

Moonwater Farm is a small collective of teachers, makers, and urban agriculturalists situated on a 1/3 acre lot in the Richland Farms area of Compton, CA. We are a land based learning center interworking food, nature, craft, and solidarity in ways that honor biocultural heritage and traditional agricultural arts. Using a regenerative model, the farm offers a variety of living systems to explore including aquaponics, food forest, apiary, row crops, composting, and livestock. We are building our capacity to provide relevant and meaningful programming to Compton, South Los Angeles, and greater Long Beach youth and families. Moonwater Farm is a beloved shared green space offering produce, events, workshops, extended learning opportunities, paid internships, and part-time employment. We collaborate with many grass roots organizations to strengthen these ideas and multiply services.

Position Overview

Moonwater Farm is seeking a dedicated land steward to join the Moonwater Collective who will collaboratively manage the planning, maintenance and monitoring of the land at Moonwater Farm. The land steward also conducts field visits, interacts with the public and acts as an ambassador for the farm at events both on and off the farm. The farm requires a candidate who has a passion for food and environmental justice and is organized, pro-active, a public speaker, and can both manage land and be an impactful educator.

The Moonwater Collective is a small team and, when needed, all members of the team are expected to pitch in for certain projects and events. Traditional ecological knowledge honored.

Job Responsibilities:

• Land management: Maintain and monitor property, including paths, gardens, pond, aquaponics, livestock system, and food forest
• Design and create habitats for native plants and animals
• Create annual crop plan for three season growing – include calendar and nursery activities
• Compost management – vermiculture, bokashi, hot compost methods
• Monitor tree health, prune seasonally as required
• Education and outreach: Plan and lead public workshops, school field trips and other educational programming on variety of land stewardship topics
• Volunteer management: Manage and train volunteers, interns, and College Corps members
• Invasive species control: Control invasive species including crab grass, sticky willy, poke berry, jimson weed
• Property infrastructure: Maintain gates, signage, tool upkeep, and irrigation
• Chipper/shredder: operate for mulch making
• Trash removal: Remove trash and debris from the property
• Assist in the development of in-person/virtual programs, which include brainstorming ideas with families, community organizations, and teachers in designing and implementing these experiences.
• Assist with program logistics such as developing and preparing program materials, cleaning/repairing equipment, videotaping programs, developing social media posts, flyer promotion, and reviewing program materials.
• Communicate via phone, e-mail, and in person with participating parties.
• Generate a list of materials and supplies with accompanying purchase requests for in-person meetings/training sessions.
• Represent Moonwater Farm at meetings and events; maintain working relationships with other urban agriculture professionals and environmental and recreational organizations.
• Support Moonwater Farm staff, prepare program reports and timelines, participate in strategic discussions and evaluation of programs and policy.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in plant science or a similar field of study and 2+ years of field experience
• Some experience in teaching and leading workshops
• Experience with plant and animal species, operating equipment
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective cross-cultural communication, strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and mediation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Google Workspace.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and readiness to work in all weather conditions outdoors.
• First aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application, and other related licenses or certifications