Farm Assistant - Temp

TSNE MissionWorks; New London (CT); On-site; USD 22,041 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

TSNE MissionWorks' FRESH New London is seeking an assistant to the Farm and Project Manager to support the eight garden sites. Daily tasks include seeding, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and youth crew activities.

This is a temporary position with a focus on hands-on farming and community engagement, requiring reliability and a proactive attitude. You will help manage site operations, maintain a watering schedule, connect with CSA members, and assist at FRESH events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of participation of 1 full year with FRESH.
• Familiarity with organic growing methods is helpful, but some training will be provided.
• Passion for gardening, food preparation and/or local food systems.
• Ability to work independently, while being mindful of FRESH’s larger organizational work.
• Understanding of racial and social justice principles and how to apply them in FRESH settings.
• High level of independence and accountability.
• Must display a passion for food justice & social change and be willing and able to express that motivation in the context of practical farm activities.
• Positive attitude and energy.
• Interest in developing interpersonal relationships.
• Qualities of self-motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation.
• Valid Driver’s License and Successful Driver’s License Check, preferred if over 18.
• Willing and able to drive pick-up truck, preferred if over 18.
• Successful CORI/SORI background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Farmer and Project Manager in the daily operation of FRESH's multiple garden sites and new urban farm in New London, such as transplanting, watering, weeding, and managing pests at multiple sites with limited supervision.
• Record and report on the progress of each task to the Farm and Project Manager.
• Maintain a watering schedule on multiple properties.
• Work with high school-aged young people to harvest, weigh, wash, and properly store vegetables, set up for CSA pickup, and interface with community gardeners and CSA members who may have questions about the food and growing processes.
• Other team-based tasks will involve building raised beds, planting seedlings, moving soil, and working at FRESH events such as plant sales, workshops, fundraisers, etc.
• May be asked to operate FRESH vehicle if 18 years or older.

Skills

Farm tasks

Independence

Organization

Driver's license

Job description

Overview

FRESH New London (freshnewlondon.org) builds momentum for food system change through local agriculture and youth empowerment. We use food to connect to the community, encourage leadership, inspire stewardship and incite change. FRESH is a fiscally sponsored organzation of Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) (tsne.org).

FRESH Core ValuesEnvironmental StewardshipHealth and WellnessRacial and Social JusticeOur Community: Our Culture, Our People, Our Place, Our PowerYoung People and the FutureSense of Humor and Fun!

Responsibilities

FRESH New London connects New London residents across age, race, ethnicity, income, religion and gender in order to reclaim land in New London to grow food with and for the community, inspire residents to grow food in the urban environment and model environmentally sustainable, culturally appropriate and affordable growing practices. We currently grow food on 8 locations in New London, ranging from a small 3x6 snack beds to the developing Cottage Street Farm. We are looking for someone to assist the Farm and Project Manager to manage these sites. This work includes daily farm work like seeding, watering, weeding, harvesting as well as support work for the youth crew and connecting communities programs.

This is a temporary position.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Farmer and Project Manager in the daily operation of FRESH's multiple garden sites and new urban farm in New London, such as transplanting, watering, weeding, and managing pests at multiple sites with limited supervision.
• Record and report on the progress of each task to the Farm and Project Manager.
• Maintain a watering schedule on multiple properties.
• Work with high school-aged young people to harvest, weigh, wash, and properly store vegetables, set up for CSA pickup, and interface with community gardeners and CSA members who may have questions about the food and growing processes.
• Other team-based tasks will involve building raised beds, planting seedlings, moving soil, and working at FRESH events such as plant sales, workshops, fundraisers, etc.
• May be asked to operate FRESH vehicle if 18 years or older.

Qualifications

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Minimum of participation of 1 full year with FRESH;
• Familiarity with organic growing methods is helpful, but some training will be provided;
• Passion for gardening, food preparation and/or local food systems;
• Ability to work independently, while being mindful of FRESH’s larger organizational work;
• Understanding of racial and social justice principles and how to apply them in FRESH settings;
• High level of independence and accountability;
• Must display a passion for food justice & social change and be willing and able to express that motivation in the context of practical farm activities;
• Positive attitude and energy.
• A growing interest in agricultural skills or community food security;
• Organized and able to complete work assignments in a timely manner;
• Ability to work independently with regular check in about tasks; ask questions when needed;
• Interest in developing interpersonal relationships;
• Working knowledge of FRESH Urban Farm and FRESH Programs;
• Interest in youth leadership and youth development;
• Strong drive to learn and practice good communication; work with team and community members respectfully and with patience;
• Interest in working with diverse populations - different ages and various economic, social and political backgrounds;
• Qualities of self-motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation.
• Valid Driver’s License and Successful Driver’s License Check, preferred if over 18;
• Willing and able to drive pick-up truck, preferred if over 18;
• Successful CORI/SORI background check.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Extended Sitting: The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, particularly in front of a computer screen.
• Lifting and Moving: The role may involve lifting and moving materials or equipment, occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Farm Work: Duties include working on a farm and performing tasks outdoors in various weather conditions throughout all seasons.
• Weekend/Evening Availability: The position requires flexibility to work on weekends and evenings.
• Repetitive Tasks: The employee may be required to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Flexibility: The role requires flexibility with scheduling to meet the needs of the organization.
• Proximity to New London: Living in or near New London is essential to maintain garden sites.
• Physical Movement: The position requires reaching, traversing, sitting (often for extended periods), occasionally climbing or descending, and adjusting position to move objects or perform tasks.
• Moderate Noise: The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
• Low Risk of Injury: The job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards, with a relatively low likelihood of personal injury.

Compensation and Benefits

Location:Work will be primarily performed at FRESH New London, CT. Work is not eligible for 100% remote work.

Schedule: Flexible. Must be available for all Crew Program hours Tuesday through Saturday, often with the addition of nights, weekends, and/or Monday work. The ability to meet schedule changes is required.

Compensation:The starting salary for this position is $17.16 - $17.16/hr.

Benefits: This position isnot eligible for benefits.

TSNE/FRESHstrives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

TSNE/FRESHprohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/FRESHcelebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/FRESH's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.