Farm and Community Engagement Apprentice

ADP, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is seeking a Farm and Community Engagement Apprentice to support the PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park in East Norriton and surrounding areas. This seasonal/full-time/apprentice role offers hands-on experience across diversified agricultural production, from greenhouse propagation to harvest and records management, with an emphasis on inclusivity and education.

The position includes 37.5 hours/week March–November and about 7.5 hours/week

Qualifications

• Experience with sustainable farming/gardening.
• Experience with volunteer and/or community engagement work
• Knowledge of food justice issues and local food community a plus

Responsibilities

• Support Farm Manager and Field Manager in assessing daily needs of the farm.
• Assist in execution of daily farm tasks including greenhouse propagation, bed prep, harvesting, transplanting/seeding, weeding, trellising, pruning, pest & disease management.
• Work closely with the Farm Manager and Field Manager to coordinate and lead all volunteer workdays on the farm and orchard.
• Support Field Manager with ensuring Farm Records are filled out and up to date including Harvest records, Pest & Management Records, Planting dates, etc.
• In collaboration with other Farm and Community Engagement Assistant, responsible for site maintenance including mowing, trash pick-up/take out, cleaning/sanitization, water refills, hand wash refills, etc.
• Communicate with Farm Manager and/or Field Manager when materials/supplies are low, and an order needs to be placed.
• Work closely with all staff to help execute our weekly harvest & pack day to ensure all produce is processed, packed and recorded correctly.
• Supports Farm Education Manager and/or Farm Education Coordinator with any on-site programming needs and provides off-site “Food As Medicine” programming support as needed
• Participate in regular team and department meetings, both on and off site
• Ensure that all activities are inclusive and welcoming to people of various backgrounds, skill levels and capabilities.

Job description

Farm and Community Engagement Apprentice

Seasonal Philadelphia, PA, US

Position Overview:

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society(PHS)plays an essential role in the vitality of the Philadelphia region by creating healthier living environments, increasing access to fresh food, growing economic opportunity, and building deeper social connections between people. PHS Healthy Neighborhoodsteam delivers this impact through comprehensive greening and engagement initiatives in more than 250 neighborhoods. The PHS Community Farmat Norristown Farm Park is located in East Norriton. Featuring 3 acres of production land and orchard, greenhouse, pavilion and community garden beds, the PHS Community Farm is an educational and production hub meant to support gardeners and growers across the region.

The Farm Apprenticeis an integral member of the farm team, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of diversified agricultural production. This role is designed for an individual eager to enhance their knowledge of sustainable farming practices. The Farm Apprentice works closely with the Farm Manager, Field Manager, and Farm and Orchard Specialist to execute daily tasks, lead volunteers, maintain accurate records, and ensure the farm remains a productive and welcoming space for all.

This position is eligible to participate in Pasa’s Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship, a registered apprenticeship program that provides a guided path to becoming a farm manager or starting your own farm. Through this program, the apprentice will complete 2,784 hours of on-the-job training over 18 months, plus 216 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices receive educational guidance throughout their apprenticeship.

Position Type:
Full-time, Seasonal (March-November); Part-time (December-March) This position is full-time at 37.5 hours/week from march to November, and part time at approximately 7.5 hours/week from December to March. There is potential to return for another season based on performance and mutual interest.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support Farm Manager and Field Manager in assessing daily needs of the farm
• Assist in execution of daily farm tasks including greenhouse propagation, bed prep, harvesting, transplanting/seeding, weeding, trellising, pruning, pest & disease management, etc.
• Work closely with the Farm Manager and Field Manager to coordinate and lead all volunteer workdays on the farm and orchard.
• Support Field Manager with ensuring Farm Records are filled out and up to date including Harvest records, Pest & Management Records, Planting dates, etc.
• In collaboration with other Farm and Community Engagement Assistant, responsible for site maintenance including mowing, trash pick-up/take out, cleaning/sanitization, water refills, hand wash refills, etc. Communicate with Farm Manager and/or Field Manager when materials/supplies are low, and an order needs to be placed.
• Work closely with all staff to help execute our weekly harvest & pack day to ensure all produce is processed, packed and recorded correctly.
• Supports Farm Education Manager and/or Farm Education Coordinator with any on-site programming needs and provides off-site “Food As Medicine” programming support as needed
• Participate in regular team and department meetings, both on and off site
• Ensure that all activities are inclusive and welcoming to people of various backgrounds, skill levels and capabilities.

Qualifications/Specification:

• Minimum degree required: N/A
• Years of experience: At least one year of experience in organic vegetable production.
• Licenses/Certifications: N/A
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required for Success:

• Experience with sustainable farming/gardening.
• Experience with volunteer and/or community engagement work
• Experience with and/or knowledge of food justice issues and the local food community a plus
• Ability to keep oneself organized and be proactive
• Strong communication skills and team-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Ability to follow direction, as well as comfortable with receiving regular feedback and able to quickly adapt to changes for a variety of tasks.
• Well-organized, positive and flexible in handling challenging situations or uncertainty
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., bend, move quickly and work outside in all weather conditions

Physical Demands:

• Ability to move, load, or unload 50lbs comfortably.
• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions.
• Ability to be on feet 7.5 hours a day.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively under variable conditions including early mornings, some weekends, and evenings in all weather conditions.

Flower Show Requirements: Hours preparing for the show and the duration of the show may not follow your regular work schedule. Your Flower Show schedule will depend upon your regular position or your temporary position supporting the Flower Show. You may be required to stand for long periods of time, do extensive walking, and lift up to 25 pounds.

EEO NOTICE:
At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.