New Roots Farm & Garden Specialist

Description

Job Overview: The New Roots Farm & Garden Specialist manages the day-to-day activities of IRC’s community gardens and New Roots Farm. The Specialist works with gardeners, farmers, volunteers, and community members to implement appropriate educational and support programming, and to ensure that New Roots’ managed garden sites are effectively stewarded.

Job Duties

Major Responsibilities:

Site Management & Participant Training

• Manage day-to-day operations of IRC’s farm and community gardens including soil fertility management, seedling production and distribution, maintenance of community areas, and harvesting. Ensure that sites are safe, productive, attractive, and operate according to New Roots values and policies.
• Manage the operation and maintenance of farm systems such as irrigation and fencing. Coordinate services of landscape maintenance contractor and arrange for maintenance and repair of equipment and physical assets as needed.  Ensure that IRC vehicles are properly maintained.
• Manage activities of volunteers and interns, including recruiting and organizing workdays. Lead volunteers in maintaining common areas at the sites including minor infrastructure repairs, implementing weed control, and beautification projects. Supervise program interns to support outreach to clients, the development and delivery of workshops, and upkeep of program sites.
• Assist in developing effective, community-driven educational activities for participants including community gardeners and micro producers on topics such as farming and gardening skills, health and wellness, leadership development, and business and marketing skills.
• Provide technical assistance to micro producer farmers as needed including assistance with developing and coordinating crop plans, ordering supplies and materials, food safety and produce handling, and advising on potential markets for produce.

Program Management

• Implement Garden Application process including in-person and digital methods, multilingual support, and record-keeping.
• Implement evaluation and tracking systems for program participants, including End-of-Season and Household Food Insecurity Assessment surveys, data input and analysis.
• Support development and implementation of food secure resettlement resources in coordination with community partners and IRC staff, including nutrition, cooking, and grocery store orientations in multiple languages.
• Coordinate regular and seasonal meetings and volunteer activities for participants and track attendance for grant reporting.
• Provide input on existing grant reports, contribute ideas and information to new grant proposals, and assist in writing small proposals as requested.
• Attend occasional public events on behalf of the IRC.
• Contribute to team strategy and decision making.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills Required

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree, preferably in Community or International Development, Food Systems, Agriculture, Environmental Education, Public Health, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2+ years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of sustainable and organic production and agriculture small business development.
• Experience with irrigation, farm equipment, and carpentry skills a plus.
• Experience in teaching, adult education, or ESL instruction a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft office programs (Word, Outlook, Excel), data entry and analysis, digital communications, and social media.
• Strong organizational skills, motivation, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Commitment to racial equity and food justice.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population a plus.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area

Work Schedule

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Will require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Additional Info

Please apply online only at rescue.org/careers or https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11838?c=rescue