Employment / Horticulture Assistant
SUMMARY
The Horticulture Assistant will serve as an assistant to the Shepherds College (SC) Lead Horticulture Instructor, working with individuals or groups of students in order to enhance learning in the horticulture specialty major.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Horticulture Assistant
- Assists students in preparing for instruction
- Begins class on time by following class routine as determined by the instructor
- Supports classroom and laboratory instruction methods and procedures
- Co-teaches lesson components as determined by the classroom instructor
- Supports students with learning activities and organizational skills
- Manages classroom and laboratory disruptions
- Facilitates the work of students in small groups; works one-on-one with selected students
- Observes and records student behavior
- Works closely with other faculty and staff members to ensure program success
- Transports students to field experience placements
- Under the direction of the Lead Horticulture Instructor, oversees greenhouse sales and grounds projects
Interactions
- Works effectively with team members
- Maintains positive and supportive relationships with students and staff
- Treats each student with respect and dignity
- Communicates in a courteous and professional manner
- Actively participates in trainings and meetings
- Consistently demonstrates Christ-likeness in actions and words
- Represents Shepherds College well in managing on-site and off-site horticultural marketing opportunities
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in an educational setting as an instructor, tutor, or classroom assistant
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred
- Willingness and experience in working in both outdoor and indoor horticultural environments
- Experience in the safe operation of horticultural machinery, equipment, and structures
- Basic understanding of taxonomic language
- An associate degree or higher is preferred
- A degree or certification related to horticulture or plant-based sciences is preferred
- Two or more years of professional experience working in a landscape and produce garden is preferred
- Willingness to incorporate teaching methods and procedures of the lead instructor
- Effective communicator, including verbal and written communication, customer service skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Possess a high level of professionalism, including the ability to maintain confidentiality
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) or Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or related Agricultural Sciences from four-year college or university; and/or two or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver's license.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed above satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee must complete a TB skin test and a physical exam that certifies freedom from communicable disease within 90 days prior to beginning employment. Medical documentation of TB skin test results and physical exam must be submitted to the Human Resources Department prior to beginning employment.
ALIGNMENT WITH OUR MISSION
Employee shall commit to the mission of Shepherds College, which is to educate and train students with intellectual and developmental disabilities by equipping them to reach Appropriate Independence TM (Ai) through the development of vocational, social, and life skills while inspiring a lasting awareness of God’s plan for their lives. Employee shall have a deep understanding of Ai and its guiding principles, as Ai is the foundation of our education and training programs here at Shepherds College.
ALIGNMENT WITH OUR CULTURE
Employee must be in alignment and in agreement with the eight key behaviors that shape our culture here at Shepherds College: 1) Model Christ-Likeness - Point others to Jesus through our actions and words; 2) Be Creative - Practice strategic innovation; 3) Pursue Excellence – Whatever it is, make it better; 4) Maximize Strengths - Cultivate the value and potential of every individual; 5) Promote Professionalism – Present the best you, always; 6) Work Together – Collaborate to fulfill our mission; 7) Embrace Accountability – Own the process and the outcome; 8) Experience Gratitude – Recognize and affirm the good.
ALIGNMENT WITH OUR FAITH
Employee must be in full alignment and agreement with the Shepherds College Statement of Faith and Biblical Responsibilities of Shepherds Staff. Employee must be part of a faith community that is aligned with traditional protestant Christian faith.
REASONING ABILITY
Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Must be able to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Become a vital part of the Shepherds College mission!