New Roots Farm & Garden Specialist

Job Description

Job Overview:

The New Roots Farm and Garden Specialist will work to enhance and build the New Roots program's capacity to provide food security initiatives and small-scale urban gardening and farming opportunities for refugee families. The Specialist will assist with gardener and farmer participant recruitment, placement, and communication, and liaison with program partners. This position is responsible for the oversight of physical resources, infrastructure, and the facilitation of resource access for gardeners and farmers at New Roots community garden sites and the Literacy Garden. The position will assist in coordinating farmer’s activities and participation pertaining to retail markets, technical assistance and training on organic and sustainable agricultural production, small scale production techniques, and agricultural production methods, record keeping and business practices. The Specialist will also participate in data tracking and evaluations for the gardening and farm program, and will cultivate relationships with partners, donors, and volunteers to support program growth. This position reports to the New Roots Program Coordinator.

Major Responsibilities:

Farm and Garden Site Coordination & Infrastructure Maintenance

· Maintain farming and gardening equipment, including tools, irrigation systems, washing station, and post-harvest and handling equipment, including working with New Roots Program Coordinator to purchase and replace tools and equipment as needed and tracking inventory.

· Support the development of additional community gardens in under-resourced communities in Tucson.

· Participate in total farm planning with other New Roots staff and farm training participants.

· Implement farm and food safety plans and GAP Compliance; and coordinate with farmers to implement harvesting and post-harvest handling activities.

· Collaborate in land development and preparation including soil remediation, infrastructure development and installation, and farm layout planning.

· Coordinate crop and market planning with New Roots farmers to make independent sales.

· Coordinate harvesting, packing, post-harvest handling activities with farmers on-site, delivery systems, and tracking.

· Monitor soil fertility, including soil testing, addition of soil amendments, and tracking tillage and crop rotations.

· General garden maintenance.

Participant Communication & Training and Technical Assistance

· Coordinate with New Roots Tucson staff to deliver production trainings, workshops, and regular field walks for program participants at garden and farm sites.

· Providing technical assistance and training on crop planning and assist in crop selection, bed layout and land preparation.

· Distribute gardening and farming resources, including seeds, seedlings, and soil amendments.

Program Monitoring

· Assist in data collection and tracking efforts, including case notes for key services provided to community gardeners and farmers, and assessment and evaluation of program activities.

· Keep accurate case files and participant records for all Farm Training Program and Community Garden Program clients.

· Record farmers production data, including farm planting plans and harvest data for farmers market and retail sales.

· Monitor and record skill acquisition with New Roots farmers.

· Provide gardener and farmer orientations to new and returning participants.

Community Relations and Resource Acquisition/Development

· Develop and maintain strong community partner relations, establish coordination meetings and conduct follow up as necessary.

· Represent New Roots in the larger community including attending outreach events, participating in planning and executing events and volunteer days.

· Identify and supervise volunteers including groups and individuals.

Additional Responsibilities

· Assist in working with volunteers and interns as necessary.

· Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team.

· Supporting outreach and recruitment for New Roots programs, assisting in recruiting and managing volunteers to support programming.

· Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the organization.

· Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

· Minimum of 1+ year related work experience.

· Undergraduate degree, preferably in Community or International Development, Food Systems, Agriculture, Environmental Education, Public Health, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

· Demonstrated understanding of local foods system and small-scale sustainable agricultural methods.

· Demonstrated multi-cultural experience.

· Fluency in written and spoken English; ability to communicate with limited English speakers.

· Motivated, flexible, and able to work independently.

· Strong organizational skills including: multi-tasking, prioritizing, planning, and effective time management.

· Ability to safely lift approximately 30 pounds.

· Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation.

· Availability on Saturdays, early mornings, and occasional evenings.

Working Environment:

· Outdoors work in all weather conditions.

· May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Benefits: We offer our employees phenomenal benefits such as paid parental leave, generous time off, and excellent medical, dental, and vision options.

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 candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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.

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