Food & Agriculture Assistant

Under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Coordinator, the Food and Agriculture Assistant will support day-to-day farm operations and site maintenance of New Roots Garden (Queens), and facilitate training activities, community engagement, and support production and garden projects. This position will work with staff, interns, garden members, volunteers, and community members to increase production and information exchange at the farm and garden sites. This position is currently a seasonal part-time position with the potential for extension.

Major Responsibilities:

- Contribute to overall site maintenance: weeding, watering, filling up water tanks, picking up trash, organizing tool shed + greenhouse. - Expand current growing areas, create planting schedules, and maintain shared/public areas. - Coordinate work-day activities with community members and support volunteers on site. - Continue seed saving for successions and the garden’s seed library. - Examine and produce solutions for pest management. - Assist with harvest and distribution through farm stand shelf. - Provide support to community members to implement crop planning, site maintenance, and community outreach efforts. - Conduct community outreach for all program initiatives. - Develop and maintain community partnerships in Queens. - Support colleagues in tracking quantifiable measurements to assess project effectiveness. - Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture/urban farming projects is required. - A strong passion for and knowledge of food and farming issues - Physical ability to carry out gardening and farm-related activities required. - Demonstrated experience in community organizing and engagement, particularly with disadvantaged communities, preferred. - Experience working in a diverse and non-traditional setting with a diverse client base. - Background in training or community organizing preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications. - Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment. - Able to contribute both independently and as a key team member. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Language Skills:

- Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability a plus, preferably in Filipino, Bengali, Spanish.

Preferred experience & skills:

- Ability to work independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels. - Ability to manage and work through change proactively and positively.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Working Environment: Work primarily in the field at the urban farm and garden. The ideal candidate would be based near the community garden or within easy commuting distance. Ability to travel via public transportation. Access to car is a plus.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement****: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity****: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer****: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health.

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