Agricultural Technician

About Us

The Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) is the hub for research and innovation at The Island School in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas. As part of an organization devoted to research, education, and conservation, CEI seeks to create a connection between people and the environment as a path toward a more sustainable future. The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute is internationally recognized for its environmental research and education programmes, facilitated by outstanding access to a range of tropical habitats.

Job Summary

The sustainable agriculture portfolio of The Island School includes a 22-acre edible landscape inclusive of a fruit orchard, rotational pigs and free-range hens, plant nursery, raised beds, and aerobic composting site. You should be comfortable working in challenging field conditions, have a passion for permaculture and regenerative agriculture and a love of teaching students of all ages. You must be willing to stretch beyond a traditional job description as you live and work closely with the local community and students ages 3 to PhD-level enrolled in programs at The Island School.

The Agricultural Technician will work in a team environment with an Agricultural Manager and other educators throughout The Island School. You will report directly to the Agricultural Manager to ensure efficient production of regenerative agriculture systems. You should be excited about working at a non-traditional academic institution that believes in integrating education of every level into applied research.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with sustainable agriculture systems, and general permaculture landscaping of The Island School campus and DCMS
• Assist with daily operations of the sustainable agriculture systems, and Aquaponics systems when required
• Daily feeding and animal husbandry of rotational livestock and upkeep of rotational pastures
• Harvesting of produce and livestock products for consumption using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP)
• Sorting and processing of food and green waste for composting and feeding of livestock
• Mulching of green waste for composting, land restoration and designated walkways
• Preparing campus spaces for organic vegetable production or fruit tree cultivation
• Propagation of plant material and maintenance of seedling and plant nursery
• Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems
• Execution of assigned duties from the Director of Research & Innovation, Agricultural Manager and Research Scientist
• Assistance with providing farm-based material for educational programming

Other Duties

Staff with additional specialist skills that may benefit other parts of the organization will be expected to assist activities in these areas and compensated accordingly, for example:

Additional duties will be tailored to your qualifications/experience and accounted for in your compensation package, based on an assessment by your manager.

Please note that this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties and  responsibilities may change at any time, with the needs of the organization.

Skills and Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education – high school diploma or equivalent. Permaculture Design Certification or agriculture certificate preferred
• Experience - 1-3 years of experience in farming, horticulture, landscaping, and/or animal husbandry
• Communication Skills – must be fluent in verbal and written communication
• Computer Skills – Google Suite, MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint
• Other - Must be able to lift 50-lbs. Must be able to operate or willing to learn to operate a tractor, wood chipper, chainsaw, lawn mower and/or weed whacker.
• Adaptability – Able to survive and thrive in a small and tight-knit community located in a remote part of The Bahamas
• Commitment to organizational mission – this position requires commitment to the wider mission and values of The Island School

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary (details as appropriate)
• On-campus meals and individual medical insurance (and/or other details as appropriate for job opening)
• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service (if appropriate)
• Professional development opportunities

Schedule

This is a part time position that we are looking to fill immediately. The Island School operates year round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically (40 hours/week), however, evening and weekend work will be required. Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on site for extended periods. The successful candidate should expect, and desire, to work a variable and mission driven schedule.

Application

We are a Bahamian equal opportunity employer. Applicants should submit electronically in PDF format through our BambooHR Hiring Portal: https://ceis.bamboohr.com/careers.

• Letter of application that states career interests, why you would like to work for the Cape Eleuthera Institute at The Island School and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position
• Current curriculum vitae
• Three references (to include name, address, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicant's work