Mobile Urban Farmer: Hydroponics & Garden Tech

Monday; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Tools provided

Job summary

OurFarm DC in Washington, DC is seeking a Technical Urban Farmer to keep our growing infrastructure running across partner sites. This hands-on, mobile role includes installing hydroponic systems and raised beds, performing routine maintenance, and supporting our Covenant House container farm.

The position is part-time with potential to move to full-time as we scale. You will travel between DC and Prince George’s County, operate independently, and contribute to our food justice mission.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel between sites in DC and Prince George’s County (personal vehicle preferred; mileage reimbursed)
• Hands-on experience in hydroponic systems, commercial or community gardening, irrigation installation, greenhouse operations, or comparable technical trades
• Comfort with basic plumbing, low-voltage electrical, and common hand and power tools
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, work on ladders, and perform outdoor work in varying weather
• Strong self-management: reliably executing a route of site visits without daily supervision
• Clear written communication for site reports and partner interactions

Responsibilities

• Install OurFarm’s hydroponic Grow Wall system at new partner sites, including assembly, plumbing, electrical hookup, lighting, and initial system commissioning
• Build and install outdoor raised bed gardens at partner sites, including site prep, bed construction, soil filling, and planting
• Design and install drip irrigation systems for outdoor beds, including timer setup, line routing, emitter placement, and pressure testing
• Orient partner site staff on basic system operation following installation
• Perform scheduled maintenance visits to indoor hydroponic and outdoor raised bed installations across the partner network
• Monitor and adjust water quality, nutrient levels, pH, and EC for hydroponic systems; flush and refill reservoirs as needed
• Inspect and service pumps, timers, lights, sensors, and plumbing; replace worn components and troubleshoot system issues
• Maintain outdoor beds through the growing season: irrigation checks, weeding, pest and disease scouting, pruning, and season transitions
• Document each site visit (work performed, system readings, issues flagged, parts used) in OurFarm’s maintenance tracking system
• Provide technical maintenance for the hydroponic container farm at Covenant House Greater Washington, including HVAC, lighting, fertigation, and control systems
• Diagnose and repair system faults; coordinate with vendors or specialized contractors when issues exceed scope
• Track consumables and supplies, and flag reorders to the Executive Director in advance of stockouts

Skills

Driver's license

Hydroponics experience

Irrigation installation

Greenhouse operations

Self-management

Site reporting

Job description

OurFarm DC in Washington, DC is seeking a Technical Urban Farmer to keep our growing infrastructure running across partner sites. This hands-on, mobile role includes installing hydroponic systems and raised beds, performing routine maintenance, and supporting our Covenant House container farm.

The position is part-time with potential to move to full-time as we scale. You will travel between DC and Prince George’s County, operate independently, and contribute to our food justice mission.