Company description

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social and environmental abundance through the research, education and demonstration of sustainable living practices. We lead by example and model alternative ways of living that build stronger communities, regenerate the environment and achieve economic prosperity. We offer a holistic, hands-on approach, focusing on cultivating healthy relationships with all that sustains us – our land, our farm, our community.

Building on Heartwood's past reputation and quality educational offerings, our educational center offers programs focused on sustainable living skills, training the next generation of social entrepreneurs, leaders, educators and change-agents. 

We offer a variety of programs on sustainable living skills in the areas of regenerative farming, culinary arts, natural building, eco-art and community resiliency. Using the farm and forest as a teaching platform, we offer pragmatic tools to bringing about the change we wish to see in the world. We serve all age groups, and people from all backgrounds, honoring and inviting diversity here at Heartwood.

Job description

This is a exempt, full-time, residential position

Work time may be flexible in order to cover weekends, events, workshops, intensives, or in the case of emergency. Hours per week are flexible according to season and weather conditions.

Focus: Heartwood is committed to bringing together leaders who will not only focus on their area of expertise but are also able to join a core group in building community. The Permaculture Director will be responsible for overseeing Permaculture educational programs, and implementing a Permaculture design over the property, while cultivating relationships of collaboration with others inside and outside the Institute.

Responsibilities Include:

• Organize, advertise and create educational programs through year
• Create curriculum spanning 1-day workshops, weekend workshops, week (or more) and residential programs
• Interface with the Culinary Director and Farm Manager to ensure gardens are producing what the kitchen(s) need
• Direct and supervise permaculture related projects, staff and students
• Provide activities for volunteers, students and other program participants to be engaged in as one part of the overall Permaculture program
• Coordinate, manage and develop permaculture enterprises, e.g. the farmer’s markets, nursery, and community based agriculture allotments, in close communication with Farm Manager and Culinary Lead
• Participate in Heartwood leadership and attend community and staff meetings
• Prepare and manage budgets and be accountable for any team related cash handling systems
• Work with the Farm Manager to create sustainable food production systems
• Contribute technical expertise and support other programs (Culinary, Farms, Arts, Maintenance, Hospitality) as needed
• Oversee Permaculture related web content on website
• Implement a comprehensive permaculture plan over 200 acres (including Food Systems, Water Systems, Facilities, Energy, etc. )
• Recruit students and apprentices
• Lead groups of apprentices in application of the permaculture plan
• Take the lead in organizing, marketing, teaching, and managing of permaculture courses, workshops, and intensives at Heartwood
• Assist Executive Director with relevant grants and other funding mechanisms
• Build relationships with other organizations, individuals, and institutions with whom Heartwood can collaborate

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• English proficiency
• Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) and extensive Permaculture experience
• Farming experience and knowledge, preferably 5+ years
• Advanced Permaculture design and implementation skills and training
• Leadership skills
• Organized and proactive personality
• Commitment to the values and ethics of Permaculture and Heartwood
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to lead and facilitate meetings
• Ability to work within an interdependent team structure
• Ability to prepare and manage budgets
• People management skills including conflict resolution and team-building
• Willingness to have a criminal background check
• Driver’s license and ability to drive
• Computer knowledge and skills

Strongly Desired:

• Experience living in a remote rural location
• Experience living in community
• Knowledge/ experience with alternative building, water and energy systems
• Plugged into the permaculture networks
• University graduate with relevant degree (permaculture, horticulture, agroecology, environmental science, etc.)
• Demonstrated teaching and/or environmental education experience
• Demonstrated experience managing crews of workers/volunteers/students
• Skills in using, maintaining and fixing tools and infrastructure
• Experience in grant writing

Compensation

• Salary is competitive and based on experience
• Housing is provided
• A comprehensive benefits package is provided
• Although we expect applicants to come to Heartwood with existing permaculture skills and qualifications, you will also have the opportunity to expand on your skills and knowledge while here.

Heartwood Institute is a nonprofit (501c3).  The person obtaining this position will answer to the Executive Director and will at times interface with the Board of Directors.

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline