CTE Horticulture Program Operator

JOB SUMMARY AND DUTIES

SUMMARY
If you are considering a new job, work environment or career opportunities you should look at Mercer County Community College. MCCC is a publicly supported college that is open to all and dedicated to student success. In order to support that mission Mercer seeks to attract, retain, and support a skilled diverse workforce which is our most valuable resource. We thrive on and are proud of our diversity and open access. Our students and employees find the College large enough for a multitude of offerings yet small enough to keep the “Community” feel for all. The College consists of two campuses, the James Kerney Campus (JKC) in the capital city of Trenton, NJ and a larger 292-acre suburban campus just six miles north of Trenton.

As part of the comprehensive and valuable benefits package the College offers credit course tuition waivers for employees, spouses and dependents. This allows for employees and their families to take advantage of earning a higher education degree without the high cost. The College offers students 69 Degree Program Options and 35 Credit Certificates from which to choose.

JOB DUTIES
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. Please note that assigned tasks and responsibilities on both campuses is required for all MCCC positions.

• Serve as a liaison between MCCC and external partners, including local urban agriculture organizations, community groups, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration to strengthen the program’s impact.
• Provide technical guidance in selecting and organizing tools and equipment for controlled environment agriculture, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with the technology and resources used in modern urban farming.
• Support the growth and implementation of MCCC’s horticulture programming, including the Urban Agriculture initiative.
• Enhance MCCC’s commitment to sustainable urban agriculture, community engagement, and workforce development in the region.
• Offer tailored academic support, mentorship, and career coaching to assist students navigate program requirements and certification processes.
• Collaborate with industry partners to identify emerging trends and ensure the curriculum aligns with workforce demands, preparing students for high-quality employment opportunities.
• Coordinate internships, job fairs, and other career readiness initiatives to connect students with potential employers and build meaningful professional networks

• Develop micro-credential programs by integrating current courses and upcoming offerings to meet urban agriculture industry needs. This includes Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Community Gardening, Urban Planting, Controlled Environment Agriculture in Urban Settings, and Urban Ecology.
• Responsible for designing a dynamic curriculum that integrates existing courses with new offerings in areas such as Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Community Gardening, Urban Planning and Planting, Controlled Environment Agriculture in Urban Settings, and Urban Ecology
• Work closely with MCCC faculty to incorporate courses within the A.A.S. or A.S. curriculum as a foundation for the proposed micro-credentials.
• Integrate practical, applied learning modules to increase student employability and ensure curriculum aligns with current urban agriculture standards.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders, gathering their input to ensure program content reflects industry standards and prepares students for job opportunities in sustainable food systems, urban agriculture, and related fields.
• Facilitate regular communication and engagement to keep curriculum and resources aligned with workforce trends and community needs.
• Provide expert guidance on tools, techniques, and spatial placement of equipment for indoor and outdoor agriculture environments, including hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming systems, and high-density agriculture.
• Collaborate with faculty and partners to create an efficient, safe indoor agriculture-learning environment that simulates industry conditions.
• Offer input on spatial planning, controlled environment agriculture techniques, and equipment placement to optimize the learning environment and support student engagement.
• Develop and implement innovative alternative farming practices for urban environments, including container farming, vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and urban tree production, to maximize food and resource sustainability in limited spaces.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Urban Planning, or equivalent field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two to four (2 – 4) years of experience in urban agriculture, urban planning, indoor and outdoor agriculture, or related fields.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional design, or workforce training is preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Urban Planning, or equivalent field from an accredited institution.
• Five to ten (5 – 10) years of experience in urban agriculture, urban planning, indoor and outdoor agriculture, or related fields.

• Competency in computer skills, Microsoft Office, and presentation technology.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience building partnerships and engaging stakeholders.
• The ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Ability to represent the College in professional or community activities.
• Familiarity with CTE Horticulture program requirements.
• Knowledge of controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, and other indoor and outdoor agriculture techniques.

CORE COMPETENCIES

CORE COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.

Customer Focus: Making customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive customer relationships.

Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.

Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.

Diversity & Inclusion: Working with situations involving different cultures/languages and responding to the ambiguity of unexpected/unfamiliar approaches.

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Mercer County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Mercer County Community College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons.