Farmer

Title: Urban Farmer

Reports to: Operations Manager

Status: Non-Exempt

Summary:

This position is responsible for the successful operation and maintenance of NECIC Urban farm and related programs, including assisting with farm-specific non -production activities such as sales, NECIC Teaching Garden, and the North End Farmers Market. This position will work closely with the NELFI Coordinator to continue to help grow and maintain vendor and customer relations throughout all seasons.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1.     Oversees the farming process from seed to harvesting to kitchen delivery.

2.    Able to lead in high tunnel production, building beds, preparing the soil, tilling, planting, fertilizing, harvesting the crops, cleaning, general handiwork, composting needs, and other duties as assigned.

3.    Prepares products for aggregation & distribution this includes washing, packaging, and storing processes.

4.    Coordinate, maintain, and inventory for NECIC Urban Farm & Community Tool Shed.

5.    Works closely with the NELFI Team and Richland Gro-Op to help develop and/or maintain crop/marketing plans and goals.

6.    Works closely with the NELFI Coordinator/NELFI Consultant/Operations Manager to help ensure that all program and financial reporting to the Board of Directors and funders is submitted accurately and in a timely manner to the appropriate party.

7.    Works directly with the community, diverse populations, kids, restored citizens, and incarcerated individuals, helping with meetings, classes, or tours as needed.

8.    Develops professional skills through ongoing assignments, training, and other educational opportunities identified by management staff, consultants, or the Board of Directors.

9.    Represents the organization in events, conferences, etc.

10.  Assist with the setup and tear down North End Farmer’s Market.

11.   Overall maintenance of the farm (grass cutting, weeding, water maintenance, and repair)

12.  Help with marketing and promotion of the NECIC Urban Farm, including social media posting.

Required Experience and Skills:

·      Environmental/Farm/Garden education experience.

·      Knowledge of garden design and experience building garden structures and farm planning (crop planning, annual planting).

·      Propagation (seed ordering, planting material, propagation on farm, field preparation, soil management). 

·      Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·      Accurate data entry.

·      Excellent organizational skills.

·      Great attention to detail.

·      Comfortable working with diverse populations.

·      Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people and leading training.

·      Capable of performing unsupervised self-directed high-quality work, with excellent time management and/or work within a team environment to achieve objectives.

·      Ability to problem solve to develop best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

·      Access to reliable transportation.

·      Valid Driver’s License & Insurance

·      Able to operate farm equipment and perform physically demanding work.

·      Able to work in all weather conditions and work outside regularly.

·      Able to stand for long periods of time.

·      Able to bend and lift 50+ pounds.

·      Willingness to work weekends, early mornings, late evenings, and long summer hours.

·      Must have flexible availability.

·      Able to meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications: 

·      Excellent administrative and clerical skills. (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Office 365).

·      Knowledge of Mansfield Community, especially the North End of Mansfield.

·      Project Management experience.

The ideal candidate will also possess:

·      Interest in and passion for promoting a stronger economic landscape and improved quality of life for the North End and for program participants.

·      Knowledge of, or experience with ABCD and neighborhood development.

·      Business, agricultural degree or equivalent degree experience or related work history OR related experience.

This job and duties are subject to change based on NECIC’s plans, focus and needs.