ABOUT PROJECT EATS

Growing Urban Food Networks to Create Livable Futures
 
Social inequalities lead to health inequalities and ill-being in our communities.  They affect our access to fresh food, life expectancy, physical and mental well-being, quality of education, employment opportunities, income and share of public resources.  Our vision is a fair society where everyone is able to live healthy lives and thrive, regardless of income.

Project EATS occupies a unique space in the urban agricultural landscape of New York City. Our mission is to create community-based food systems that situate small-plot, high-yield urban farms in low-wealth communities and complements them with programs that support residents to help develop and sustain food systems that can enhance their lives and transform their communities.  Since 2009, we have developed and operated 20 farms in low-wealth communities throughout New York City. Currently we operate 5 ground-level and 2 rooftop soil-based farms that range in size from 3,000 square feet to approximately 2 acres.

Our farms and food production enterprise support a holistic programmatic ecosystem that advances our mission by improving access to economic opportunity, community cohesion and support, and wellness.

Our education and training pipeline cultivate a resident workforce capable of taking over the operation of the farms with minimal ongoing support from Project EATS.  Our after-school programming and classroom curricula deliver experiential learning projects and hands-on farm training for students at ‘low-resource’ schools with which we partner. Our workforce development training provides experience and skills for youth and adult community residents in farming, farm stand operations and sales, product production and procurement, and nutrition. 

Our Art, Food, Life Community Health program collaborates with community-based health providers through PE Farmacies which fill food prescriptions providers write as part of the treatment plans for their patients. Our Farmacies also provide workshops and coaching sessions that support patients’ efforts to achieve their health goals.

We also host community dinners and breakfasts, dialogues, workshops and other community-building work that support the vitalization of low-wealth communities into epicenters for art, food, and culture, experimentation and innovation that lead to more fair and equitable conditions in our communities and society.
 

PROJECT EATS 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”; and
• Determination: A belief that tenacity and willpower are necessary to create change that improves the way we live.

Project EATS seeks an experienced and inspired farmer to join its dynamic and growing team as a Seasonal Farm Crew Member who helps us establish our community-based farms as essential, sustainable, and financially viable operations. 

The Seasonal Farmer (Crew Member) reports directly to our Regional Farm Manager who is responsible for the management and daily operation of our farms in the North Region of the city consisting of the Bronx, Upper Manhattan north of 42nd Street and Queens.  The Seasonal Farmer supports the regional manager in the operation of our rooftop farm in the Bronx and our ground-level farm on Randall’s Island.  Their responsibilities include performing daily farm work and fulfilling responsibilities assigned and delegated by the Regional Farm Manager.

It is expected that the Seasonal Farmer will immediately:

• Get to know Project EATS farm operations – its history, culture, structure, and operations;
• Learn and use our intensive farming techniques and methods to perform work on our farms;
• Establish a strong working relationship with their manager built on a trust in their skills, performance, and a shared vision for the overall operation of the farms where they work;
• Increase and further develop your skills and expertise in farming;
• Achieve or exceed the goals and expectations of the work and responsibilities you are assigned.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Additionally, the Seasonal Farmer will:

Leadership

• Support and promote a work environment that values and rewards high performance, continuous learning, integrity, quality and impact through their work;
• Reflect Project EATS core values and beliefs in their work.

People Management

• Assist in leading and facilitating farm trainees and volunteers in performing their tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively with community residents and Project EATS partners about farm operations on sites you work.

Finance & Administration

• Maintain and submit receipts to the Regional Farm Manager as required.

Farm Operations

As a seasonal farmer, you will your primary responsibilities will be to accurately and effectively use Project EATS’ farming methods and techniques when performing your work and responsibilities which include:

On farm tasks, including:

• greenhouse and propagation area operations
• field operations, including:
  • hand transplanting and direct sowing
  • harvesting and processing vegetables
  • hand weeding and cultivation
  • general crop maintenance and bed preparation
• mowing, and other grounds maintenance responsibilities
• data entry and record keeping tasks
• performing one-time and special projects to develop and support farm operations and Project EATS community programming
• overseeing the work of volunteer groups in absence of a farm manager
• overseeing the timely and efficient work of farm trainees in absence of a farm manager

Farm Stand Operations, Distribution and Sales support as required by Regional Farm Manager,  including:

• making food deliveries and transporting materials in our commercial vans, including distribution of samples and sales support with local partners;
• overseeing farm stand operations and management, including:
  • farm stand set up and operations
  • driving sales in customer interfacing arenas
  • managing inventory and product displays
  • cash and electronic sales platform set-up and data entry

Project EATS Community Events and Special Projects:

• When assigned, seasonal staff may assist in the set-up, operations and logistical support for Project EATS special events, including community service and fundraising events;
• Seasonal farmers may take on special projects that support PE operations when approved by Regional Manager.

Finances & Administration

• Maintain and submit receipts to the Regional Farm Manager for all purchases you make
• Use T-Sheets to record your hours for the days you work

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 1 or more seasons of vegetable farming;
• Fundamental agricultural skills and a desire to learn;
• Basic knowledge and use of 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 with a decreasing workload in the shoulder seasons;
• Able to work and make responsible and effective decisions without direct supervision;
• Able and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions;
• Perform all tasks in accordance with the specifications of your manager;
• Perform repetitive, routine tasks while meeting PE quality standards;
• Participate in PE non-farm programs as needed;
• Comfort and experience working with large and diverse groups of people a must;
• A valid driver’s license, experience and comfortability driving and operating a commercial van in NYC.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate should be:

• Enthusiastic about their work and achieving highest quality and standards;
• Seek opportunities to develop and improve their skills and experience;
• Self-starter who works accurately, quickly, efficiently and thrive on getting things done;
• Willing to learn methodology from experienced farming professionals. Not strictly adherent to their internal ideology.
• Committed stewards of their sites and go the extra mile when its needed to ensure they meet PE standards
• Comfortable with making adjustments on the fly and making the most of the resources at hand.

Project EATS is growing. As our organization continues to expand, you will have opportunities to join Project EATS year-round staff if your performance achieves or exceeds the goals and expectations your manager sets for your work.