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8 Dec 2022

Full-Time Seasonal Farmer

Project EATS – Posted by PEadmin New York, New York, United States

Project EATS logo

Job Description

ABOUT THE POSITION 

Project EATS (PE) seeks experienced seasonal farmers to join its dynamic and growing team.  Through your work you will use organic, high-yield farming methods to establish financially viable small plot farms in communities that need fresh, healthy, nutritious food.   

You will assist in developing and supporting a skilled and dedicated team of farm volunteers and resident workforce farmers.  You will also assist in the installation of new PE farm operations in new locations and participate in community farm activities that strengthen resident ties, use, and support of their community-based farms.

Seasonal farmers will work at our various sites during the season.  In 2023, PE will operate 5 farms that are located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Randall’s Island with two farms on rooftop locations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Work with farm site leaders and other seasonal farmers to effectively carry out and achieve the goals of PE’s 2023 farm operations plan to sustainably grow food at each farm that meets the standards and KPIs set for crop yields, quality, and crop loss.  

Daily Farm Operations

You will be responsible for incorporating and using PE’s farming methods and techniques for: 

  • Greenhouse propagation
  • Field operations, including, but not limited to:
    • hand transplanting and direct sowing
    • hand weeding and cultivation
    • general crop maintenance and bed preparation and rotation
    • pest management
    • harvesting and processing vegetables
  • Grounds and infrastructure maintenance, including irrigation oversight and equipment maintenance
  • Delivery of crops to PE sales locations and customers (limited but may be needed on occasion) 
  • Data entry and reporting
  • Engaging community and customers at PE’s sales locations as needed, including workforce development training, community programming support

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you may be asked and expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your supervisor. 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications.  As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that much of the following matches your experience:

  • Two or more seasons of soil vegetable farming; rooftop, orchard/fruit and hydroponic  farming experience is a plus
  • Knowledge and experience using small farming tools and techniques 
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently up to 50-60 hours a week during the height of the summer growing season 
  • Effective and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions 
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time (up to 10 hours)
  • Ability to lift or move heavy items, up to 50 pounds
  • Comfort and experience working with large and diverse groups of people 
  • A valid driver’s license, experience and comfort operating a commercial van in NYC 

MANDATORY PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS 

  • A team player that is committed to PE’s mission
  • Self-motivated with a bias towards action
  • Willingness to go the extra mile when needed
  • Sound judgment and integrity
  • Comfortable with ambiguity
  • Passion for continuous learning

ABOUT PROJECT EATS

Growing Urban Food Networks to Create Livable Futures

Project EATS (PE) occupies a unique space in the urban agricultural landscape of New York City.  Founded in 2009 by artist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS seeks to catalyze and support residents and infrastructure of low-wealth urban communities to increase their own ability to create conditions that transform their neighborhoods into vital hubs for health and wellbeing.  PE believes that increased self-determination and resiliency in these communities will enhance their economic power and food sovereignty.

The PE model features small-plot, community-based and operated, high-yield farms – both ground-level and rooftop.  Using sustainable, primarily hand-grown, farming methods, and employing seeding, succession planning, and carbon waste reuse, PE works to maximize crop yields and provide the community with ease of access to healthy, ultra-local ‘income appropriate’ food.  PE also operates community farm stands, food pantries, and food Farmacies, to increase resident access to and consumption of nutritious food, and offers an array of workforce development, employment, and learning opportunities for community members.  The use of art in PE programs increases the use of imagination, creativity, commitment, and determination as tools for reshaping social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions in communities that support their ability to thrive and enhance their visions of what’s possible.

For skilled and experienced farmers, Project EATS provides you with opportunities to use and expand your skills, experience, and passion for farming in a city where you can actively engage with a range of diverse communities, social activities, the arts, and culture. 

PROJECT EATS VALUES

Project EATS’ work is anchored by the following five values:

  • Resourcefulness:  A belief that people can use whatever resources they have to create the resources they need, and thus shape the social, economic, and cultural conditions that support their well-being
  • Understanding:  A belief that consideration, thoughtfulness, and tolerance are essential to catalyzing and supporting the process of change
  • Creativity:  A belief that imagination, new ways of seeing, and fresh ideas lead to new possibilities, strategies, and opportunities that turn “can’t” into “can”
  • Determination: A belief that tenacity and willpower are necessary to create change that improves the way we live; and 
  • Commitment:  A belief that reason, enthusiasm, responsibility, and dedication are necessary to create equity where inequity exists.

How to Apply

  • Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Project EATS where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. 
  • To apply for this position, please forward a resume, as well as a substantive cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications via e-mail to: [email protected]. NO CALLS PLEASE.

Job Categories: Farming. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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