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Senior Director of Horticulture and Agriculture Technology

Bidwell Training Center
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SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Horticulture and Agriculture Technology manages and supports both the internal and external programming of Bidwell Training Center’s Horticulture Technology Program and the Drew Mathieson Greenhouse (DMG). Additionally, the Senior Director seeks to form strategic partnerships with industry specific organizations.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Essential duties and responsibilities include, and are not strictly limited to, the following:

 

Horticulture Technology Program Administration Responsibilities:

  • Supervises the Horticulture Technology Program faculty and support staff.

  • Appraises the job performance of direct reports and promptly addresses performance deficiencies in collaboration with the Executive Director and Human Resources.

  • Ensures proper classroom management and oversight by program faculty.

  • Prepares and distributes student progress reports.

  • Enforces Bidwell Training Center policies and procedures as defined in the academic catalog.

  • Counsels students who are exhibiting poor academic performance or classroom behavior. Works to achieve a positive resolution. Consults with Student Services when necessary.

  • Responsible for a consistent application of school policy and procedure.

  • Ensures graduation and employment outcomes meet or exceed established internal organizational benchmarks.

  • Arranges offsite tours, guest speakers, and workshops.

  • Analyzes data from questionnaires, interviews, and group discussions to evaluate curricula, teaching methods, and community participation in the program.

  • Collaborates with leadership team to ensure program integrity and consistent adherence to regulatory guidelines and organizational goals.

  • Remains current on state post-secondary education regulations and industry standards.

  • Ensures the functionality and safety of the program’s classroom and laboratory environment.

  • Recruits for, and actively participates on, the program’s Advisory Committee. Collaborates with committee members on the content and direction of the program. Ensures that a minimum of two Advisory Committee meetings occur annually.

  • Collaborates with business, civic, and other organizations to facilitate relationships, form strategic partnerships, and develop curricula to meet the needs and interest of students and the community.

  • Updates curricula as needed.

  • Arranges schedules of classes and teaching staff.

  • Carries a partial course load for classroom or laboratory instruction to students.

  • Participates in the interviewing and selection of staff members. Provides and oversees training for instructors.

  • Prepares the annual budget and determines the allocation of funds for supplies, equipment, and facilities.

  • Participates in professional development activities.

Instructor Functions:

  • Develops class work and instruction in accordance with curricula, syllabi, outline, course text, accreditation and industry standards.  Prepares and delivers lesson plans for all courses.

  • Provides a safe working environment for students to ensure proper use of chemicals, materials and equipment.   Develops, implements, and fosters effective and responsible safe laboratory practices.   Monitors and maintains records for all safety procedures and equipment.   Guards against the performance of any unauthorized experiments and activities.  Documents all incidences as required.

  • Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies including chemicals, glassware, kits, and SDS sheets.  Properly and safely stores chemicals, materials, and equipment.   Maintains accurate records of inventory (chemicals, materials and equipment), technical documentation and instructional equipment.

  • Stays abreast of technological advancements industry wide and incorporates new information into curricula as appropriate.

  • Maintains accurate and timely student records of performance, evaluation, and attendance for each class taught.

  • Evaluates student progress. Provides feedback to students and other faculty and staff in a timely manner.    As needed, develops and implements student improvement plans.

  • Assists students in achieving educational and career goals.

  • Maintains a professional instructor-student relationship, including:

    • establishing and maintaining positive student interactions;

    • restricting classroom time to relevant, subject-related information;

    • ensuring nondiscriminatory, fair and equal treatment of all students;

    • being prepared for each class and beginning each class on time as scheduled;

    • responding to student questions in a calm, clear and concise fashion;

    • providing a non-threatening environment conducive to learning and positive self-esteem.

  • As necessary, transports students to field trips or other offsite events using corporate vehicle.

 

DMG Administration Responsibilities:

  • Works closely with the Executive Director of Bidwell Training Center on the development of a larger vision for the DMG.

  • Supervises the Greenhouse Facilities Manager.

  • Together with the Director of Greenhouse Operations and Greenhouse staff, implements the design and execution of operational and educational strategies.

  • Leads the departmental strategic planning process for growth and sustainability of the DMG.

  • Manages existing and emerging community partnerships; cultivates new community partnerships.

  • Exhibits understanding and internalization of company values:  influence, respect, listen, shape and embrace.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has direct supervisory responsibility over the Director of Greenhouse Operations, the Horticulture Technology Technician Training Program instructors and support staff. 

 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree required (PhD preferred) in agriculture, horticulture, food science, agronomy, non-profit management, agricultural education, or related disciplines.

  • Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, and implementing projects and educational (academic and community based) programs.

  • 3 years of progressive experience within the horticulture industry, and a minimum of 2 years experience in training or adult education.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum and manage program budgets.

  • A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

  • A valid U.S. driver’s license, an insurable driving record and the ability to drive a 12-15 passenger van.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in individual and group settings and ability to work effectively with advisory boards, committees, community representatives, and funding partners.

  • Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to a variety of groups and individuals including staff and students; to lead and delegate staff members; to participate effectively in professional teams; and to meet the needs of internal and external customers.

 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Leadership:

  • Expert orientation – understands the relevant industry from multiple perspectives and anticipates changes and opportunities. Facilitates necessary institutional changes to realign the organization as needed. 

  • Solution focused – identifies relevant information and helps transform this information into individual and organizational knowledge and learning.   Anticipates and solves problems and takes advantage of opportunities.

Communication:

  • Persuasive – persuades employees to own the goals of the organization so that everyone is working in the same direction.

  • Collaborator – values and promotes collaboration as a major tool to accomplish objectives.   Builds and maintains relationships internally and externally.

Business Acumen:

  • Accountability – demonstrated ability to manage the day-to-day activity and ensure an efficient operation. 

  • Systemic thinking – capable of organizing issues into component and logically connected parts.  Ensures organizational quality and stability through development and implementation of standards and controls, systems and procedures, and regular evaluation.

  • Market orientation – proven record of maintaining and expanding services to meet the needs of the relevant constituency.

  • Emphasis on quality service – proven success in providing high quality services to clients/community.

  • Diagnostic skills – capable of continuously identifying and analyzing internal and external strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

  • Conflict resolution – proven ability to establish sound protocols for conflict resolution and to enforce adherence to those protocols.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a worker to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The worker must possess the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the worker is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The worker is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and stoop or kneel. The worker is required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer screen, reading, and preparing and analyzing documents.  Light to moderate lifting may be required. Regular, predictable attendance is required.

 

The physical demands for working in the greenhouse include the ability to perform activities that require considerable physicality. Typical activities would include movements such as lifting, bending, reaching, walking, pushing, and pulling carts, and handling and sorting of materials. The worker must be able to lift 10-20 pounds repetitively and up to 50 pounds periodically. The worker must be able to adjust to hot and humid conditions in the greenhouse and various weather conditions outside. Additionally, the worker must be able to tolerate exposure to common chemicals or airborne agents, beneficials, bees, insects, and other microorganisms. 

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

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Submit a resume and cover letting to resumes@manchesterbidwell.org to be considered.

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EOE

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