Company description

ABOUT US

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle envisions a hunger free community. We feed our neighbors, teach self-sufficiency, grow healthy food, and cultivate innovative approaches to end hunger. As a member of Feeding America, the Food Shuttle distributes over 8 million pounds of food per year, 26% of which is fresh produce. From Senior Grocery Bags, Backpack Buddies and School Pantries; to Community Health Education and Mobile Markets; Catering and Culinary Job Training; and Community Gardening and a 14-Acre Farm; we go directly to the point of need to empower people and overcome the burden of hunger.

Job description

The Farm Engagement Coordinator provides a variety of assistance on the farm. Their primary focus will be on the experience volunteers have while donating their time to the Food Shuttle farm. In addition, they will be expected participate in managing and maintaining crops, livestock, equipment, and facilities. This position works closely with Farm staff, FRD staff and volunteers to ensure program goals are met. Farm Engagement Coordinator is based on the Farm but travel to the Malone Center and other locations in our service area is required as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with our volunteers which are very important to the farm. Able to articulate clear objectives; teach volunteers how to use equipment correctly and safely; demonstrate proper cultivation and harvest techniques; guide and assist any other tasks they may work on. Be encouraging, supportive and appreciative of all volunteers that come to the farm and share with them the values of supporting local and sustainable food systems in our community
• Assist in maintaining crop production and operations which includes transplant preparation; soil preparation; pest and weed management using organic practices; harvest and post-harvest handling using Good Agriculture Practices (GAP)
• Assist in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers to operate the Farm Stand
• Assist in completing accurate crop production records and planting schedules.
• Work with farm staff to continually improved farm productivity.
• Follow Farm Safety Guidelines and Safe Food Handling Guidelines.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and facilities, keep farm and all facilities clean, tidy, and organized.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Assist in tasks necessary to achieve specified production, revenue, and volunteer goals for the Farm. Ability to create and maintain interdepartmental collaboration to assist in reaching goals is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture preferred
• At least one year of farm experience, preferably on a diversified produce farm
• Ability to operate farm machinery preferred
• Confident public speaker with ability to engage large audiences on tours
• Ability to lead volunteer groups with varying levels of skill sets
• Very strong ability to multi-task and balance projects at various stages simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to solve problems or overcome issues quickly and creatively
• Proven ability to work steadily and independently with minimum supervision
• Ability to work positively with a team
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal business hours
• North Carolina Driving License and clean driving record (The person in this role will be operating Food Shuttle vehicles and farm equipment. Our insurance carrier has parameters for approving individuals to be insured. They require a “clean” driving record. That doesn’t exclude anyone who has ever had anything on their driving record. They go back 7 years. Something like a speeding ticket is not an issue but a DUI would be).

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Persuasive Communication: The ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that make an impact and persuade their intended audiences.
• Building Collaborative Relationships: The ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
• Customer Orientation: Flexibility

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment: Work is value, goal and deadline oriented with frequent interaction with volunteers. Light computer work is expected, with extended hours as needed. Frequent, potentially heavy physical work in the outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperatures can be anticipated. This position is based on the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Farm under the supervision of the Farm Production Manager.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

DIRECT REPORTS

None

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to build a team of individuals from diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline