Urban Farm Coordinator - Worcester, MA
Farm Fresh RI
Open Position: Urban Farm Coordinator
New Lands Farm, a project of Lutheran Social Services (LSS), seeks an Urban Farm Coordinator to support an exciting new project that engages recently resettled refugees in growing food for their families and the community in Worcester, MA. LSS is a non-profit, refugee resettlement organization that provides refugees with the support and guidance needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency, community integration and a better future.
About the position
The Urban Farm Coordinator will help manage our Educational Agriculture Training Center (EAT Center), which is a small urban incubator farm in the Main South area of Worcester, MA. The EAT Center is a partnership between LSS, Worcester Regional Environmental Council, Worcester Common Ground, and the Worcester Mayor’s Office. The project vision is to train urban, new American farmers how to grow and market organic produce cultivated on previously vacant lots throughout the city. We are operating one site so far, and look forward to developing a second soon. The position is 15 hours per week, $12.50 per hour, and runs for 25 weeks beginning in April.
Responsibilities:
The Urban Farm Coordinator will support the New Lands Farm Program Specialist and urban farmers in the following ways:
Ø Overall coordination of 1/8 acre urban farm site for supplies, maintenance, and infrastructure developments/ improvements
Ø Organize farmers for trainings and classes on organic agriculture and marketing
Ø Mentor three farmers in planting, seeding and production
Ø Oversee harvest and post harvest handling with farmers
Ø Assist in technical assistance and other farmers concerns
Ø Complete bi-weekly one-on-one visits with farmers with written notes
Ø Complete monthly site assessments
Ø Aid in researching and establishing a second urban farm site as time allows
Ø Document the farmers experience and season through photos and postings for website and facebook
Qualifications:
Ø Demonstrate background in growing and selling organic produce
Ø Experience growing food in an urban environment is preferred
Ø 1-2 years experience working for similar program/farm or degree in agriculture a plus
Ø Experience teaching is a plus
Ø Comfortable working with people of diverse backgrounds and different English levels
Ø Valid drivers license and clean driving record, personal vehicle preferred
Ø Strong record keeping, organization and computer skills
Ø Team player who can work independently as needed
Ø Creative problem solver
Ø Construction and mechanical skills are a plus
If interested, please forward your resume and cover letter to Agricultural Program Specialist Ashley Carter at aca...@lssne.org. Please visit our website for more information: www.lssne.org/newlandsfarm.
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Shemariah Blum-Evitts
Asst. Program Manager, Services for New Americans
Program Coordinator, New Lands Farm
Lutheran Social Services
593 Main Street
West Springfield, MA 01089
413 787 0725 x422 phone
413 262 3978 cell
413 480 0010 fax