Global Roots Farm Aide

Lutheran Family Services; Lexington (NE); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Lutheran Family Services seeks a Global Roots Farm Aide to assist the refugee urban farming program. You will help farmers grow cultural foods and perform daily chores, including watering, cleaning, planting, and seed picking, under the guidance of the Program Manager.

The role requires in-field work, light maintenance, and collaboration with community partners to deliver nutrition training and outreach to families and rural schools. Flexible scheduling may include evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 2-3 years experience in agriculture or related fields.
• Valid driver's license and proof of liability insurance and ability to drive for agency business.
• Bilingual in English and another language preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support farmers in growing cultural foods and daily chores.
• Operate and maintain work area and equipment safely.
• Assist with planting, weeding, mulching, and harvesting.
• Assist with light construction, plumbing, and repairs.
• Engage with community partners to provide nutrition and health training.
• Train families on processed foods and obesity prevention.
• Attend staff meetings and supervision sessions.
• Ensure data tracking follows program requirements.

Skills

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Travel to farms

Task execution

Integrity

Attendance

Mission alignment

Inclusion

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Experience in agriculture or related fields

Job description

• The Global Roots Farm Aide will work closely with the Program Manager to support farmers with LFS' refugee urban farming program to grow their cultural foods and conduct daily chores, including watering, cleaning, planting & picking seeds. Other chores as guided by the Program Manager

Job Type

Temporary, Part-Time (20-30 Hours)

Position Summary

• The Global Roots Farm Aide will work closely with the Program Manager to support farmers with LFS' refugee urban farming program to grow their cultural foods and conduct daily chores, including watering, cleaning, planting & picking seeds. Other chores as guided by the Program Manager

Job Duties

• Ensure the work area and equipment are in safe and reliable working order.
• Assist farmers in planting, weeding, mulching, and harvesting.
• Assist staff with light construction, plumbing, and miscellaneous repairs.
• Role model teamwork and excellent guest service while interacting with the public in a friendly and engaging manner.
• Learn how to operate a pick-up truck and other necessary equipment.
• Daily farm chores, including watering, watering plants, cleaning, picking up seeds, and extension of garden houses.
• Greenhouse work, including soil prep, planting, thinning, and watering.
• Provide and coordinate nutrition and health training and workshops in coordination with community partners.
• Connect with rural schools and provide training to families around processed food use, prevent chronic illness, and lower obesity risks.
• Use production techniques that can improve upon the existing practices of participants.
• Understand rules of nutrition and food safety for personal family consumption.
• Increase knowledge in safety practices such as food handling, soil, and operating equipment.
• Ensure data tracking follows the program requirements.
• Complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings for supervision, team building, and program planning.
• Participate in regular supervision sessions to discuss strategy and improve where needed.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to travel to farm sites and use farm machinery.
• Ability to conduct tasks as assigned.
• Ability to act with integrity & professionalism.
• Regular and predictable attendance and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, and values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be an inclusive and accessible workplace.

Position Competencies

• Helping
• Empathy
• Organizing
• Self-Monitoring

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous two to three years' experience in agriculture, farming, community gardens, or other related areas.
• Bilingual in English and another language preferred (desired languages mirror the languages spoken by our client populations, including but not limited to Spanish, Karen, Pashto, Dari, Burmese, Somali, Arabic, Kurdish, etc.).
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver's license, proof of liability insurance, and ability to drive for agency business.

Physical Requirements

• In the field work environment during the summer season
• Ability to complete outdoor farm work in the elements.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet client needs (as directed).

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.