Aquaponics - Greenhouse Manager
Ideal qualifications include
Passion for sustainable environmental and agricultural principals, self-managing and disciplined, strong work ethic, intelligence and a willingness to learn and continue studying. Specific qualifications of value include greenhouse experience and/or crop management (and/or any aquaculture or hydroponic experience), strong mechanical skills, physical strength and health.
On the Job training
Laughing Duck Farms will fully train in all aspects of systems, theory and practice of aquaponics, controlled environment management, crop management, and equipment design and maintenance (as well as business management and marketing strategies if interested).
Job Description:
Overview
Maintain and improve greenhouse environment, aquaculture, hydroponics, crop health, and systems. Study, research and develop new technologies.
Greenhouse
Observe, log and manage greenhouse systems and environment for optimal crop conditions and overall efficiency. R&D improvements
Aquaculture
Observe, log and manage aquaculture systems and environment for optimal fish health and nutrient balance (for hydroponics). Responsibilities include testing, harvesting, equipment maintenance, R&D improvements.
Hydroponics
Observe, log and manage hydroponic systems, nutrient qualities and delivery for optimal crop health. Responsibilities include testing, equipment maintenance, R&D and improvements, and crop management (see below).
Crop
Observe, log and manage crop health. Responsibilities include testing, improving and developing new methods, continuous adjustment for changing conditions through monitoring and experience, pest management (IPM), and maintaining crop quality and productivity.
Compost
Develop the nascent compost program to produce premium, marketable garden compost from fish waste and crop waste products. Manage and maintain program.
Grounds and Facilities
Oversee the maintenance of Laughing Duck Farm’s grounds and facilities.
Staff Interaction and Outreach
Education and information exchange with production supervisor and staff. Regular meetings with owner for updates, progress reports, strategic planning, and data analysis, and R&D reporting and planning. Responsibilities will include conducting tours and workshops in sustainable agriculture.
Compensation
Will depend greatly on qualifications, but will include a profit sharing and/or ownership interest in Laughing Duck Farm. Housing with private room is available.
Please submit resume and cover letter to:
Laughing Duck Farm
792 NYS Route 22
Westport, NY 12993
or
info@laughingduckfarm.com |
Paid Internship Opportunity
Help Manage Sustainable Aquaponics
Business Near Lake Champlain
General Information
Laughing Duck Farm is a year-round aquaponics greenhouse currently specializing in naturally grown petite herbs and greens as well as live tilapia (fish) for regional chefs. We have a uniquely designed, closed-loop greenhouse system that uses fish farming to provide organic nutrient to hydroponic vegetable production, which in turn filters the water for the fish culture. Our products are used by some of the best chefs in the world.
Located on (and powered by) the beautiful Boquet River Falls in Westport, New York, we are one of the most unique, well-designed and commercially successful aquaponics projects in existence. Our primary goal is to prove the viability of sustainable, year-round food production with zero waste and entirely renewable inputs and share our experience and knowledge with others. Our heat comes from solar hot water collectors backed up by a wood boiler coupled to insulated storage tanks and 14,000 gallons of fish culture.
Laughing Duck Farm’s greenhouse is an intensive, small-footprint growing environment that combines organic growing practices with state-of-the-industry greenhouse, hydroponic and aquaculture control technology. Our compact cellular design is an ideal model for local sustainable growing that can provide protein and vegetables to any community. For more specific information, please visit our website at LaughingDuckFarm.com.
Details about Internship/Apprenticeship
Laughing Duck Farm is currently seeking interns/apprentices to help the owner manage the greenhouse and its hydroponics and aquaculture growing systems, including seeding, harvesting, and packaging, Ultimately we are interested in finding or training a skilled manager/partner with a passion for what we are doing - someone who will take on key responsibilities and help push the frontiers of dense sustainable food growing technology.
Work Experience/SkillsDesired
Growing, greenhouse, and/or mechanical experience are a plus. Good work ethic and commitment to sustainable agriculture are essential.
Minimum Length/Stay
Open, but preference for longer term.
Stipend
$100/week with a private room in the house and shared meals, cooking and chores. Full employment possible.
Contact
Don McCormick, Owner. don@laughingduckfarm.com |
