New Roots Farm Specialist

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the US. Since opening its doors, the IRC in Sacramento has assisted more than 15,000 refuges, asylees, survivors of human trafficking, and other vulnerable populations across Sacramento and has had a crucial impact on the development of vibrant and thriving communities in which they live. IRC’s New Roots program is designed to assist refugees to improve their food security by reestablishing their ties to the land, celebrating their heritage, and nourishing themselves and their neighbors by planting strong roots in their new communities. Through community gardening, nutrition education, and school gardens and education, New Roots provides refugees and their families with the tools and training they need to grow healthy and affordable food and become self-sufficient. Across a network stretching from New York to Oakland, refugees are revitalizing urban spaces, sharing their farming know-how with their new neighbors, and providing healthy, fresh food to their families and communities.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Through the New Roots Program, IRC provides refugees and immigrants with the opportunity to become more food secure through gardening and nutrition education. IRC provides community gardens for refugee families to garden and works in local elementary schools with a high proportion of refugee and immigrant children to teach nutrition and garden based lessons. The goal of New Roots programming is to provide families and students with the tools and resources they need to become more food secure. The Farm Specialist is primarily responsible for providing hands-on maintenance of New Roots’ Kuchenu Farm, community gardens and school gardens and assisting the Farm Coordinator as needed. This is a full-time position and reports to the New Roots Program Manager but works closely with both the Farm Coordinator and the Garden Coordinator and may work at sites in Sacramento County including Arden Arcade, Carmichael and Elk Grove.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

- Maintaining the Kuchenu Farm in good condition by weeding, mowing grass as needed, using weed eater, and keeping walkways clear. - Maintaining the community gardens in good condition by weeding, mowing grass as needed, using weed eater, and keeping walkways clear. - Collecting any litter on the gardens to keep it in good, presentable condition. - Maintaining the school gardens in good condition by periodically checking on the weeds, irrigation system and pest issues and bringing issues to the attention of the Program Manager - Making small repairs in the water system in the gardens as needed in coordination with the Farm Coordinator - Maintaining the IRC demonstration plots in each garden by weeding, watering, applying mulch, and harvesting. - Working with the farmers to support their plots as needed. - Trimming fruit trees and ensuring they are being watered where applicable. - Working with volunteers and interns to complete any of the above projects, as coordinated with rest of New Roots team and Volunteer Coordinator - Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team. - Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency. - Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

- No specific education is required for this position however the candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of direct experience performing similar duties which may include: previous work in a garden, or on a farm or experience maintaining parks or other landscaping experience, etc.… Students working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture or Environmental Sciences, Community Development, Communications, or related field or who have recently completed a degree are also welcome to apply; - Demonstrated understanding of gardening skills and community garden operations; demonstrated experience maintaining and repairing farm and garden equipment is desirable - Strong organizational skills including: multi-tasking, prioritizing, planning, and effective time management - Strong communication skills, ability to communicate with limited-English speakers and community partners; - Fluency in written and spoken English, with bilingual ability strongly preferred in one of our client’s languages including Dari, Pashto, Russian or Ukrainian - Ability to safely lift light loads (35 lbs.) and physically demonstrate use of garden techniques and tools

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: New Roots Program Manager Position directly supervises: N/A

Indirect Reporting: N/A

Internal: New Roots Education and Outreach Specialist and New Roots Farm Coordinator

External: New Roots garden program participants and elementary school students and teachers

Working Environment:

This position is based in the Sacramento, CA and will work mostly in the community at local schools and community gardens.

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.

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 struggles.

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