About Us

Founded in 2009 by artist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS is a living installation of neighborhood-based, small-plot, high-yield farms that use urban agriculture, partnerships, and social enterprise to sustainably grow and equitably distribute fresh, local, organically-grown food in communities across New York City. Project EATS transforms vacant lots and rooftops into viable farms supporting farm stands, pantries, prepared food, and community programs in neighborhoods disproportionately experiencing inequitable food access and diet-related illness across the City. Communities deserve to grow their own food right where they live–Art that feeds.

About the Role

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.  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.

PE operates a small network of farms, with sites located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Two farms are rooftop operations.

What You’ll Do

Work with farm managers to effectively carry out and achieve the goals of PE’s 2022 farm operations plan for sustainably growing food at each farm that meet the standards and goals set for crop yields, quality, and crop loss. 

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

• Greenhouse and propagation
• Field operations, including:
• hand transplanting and direct sowing
• harvesting and processing vegetables
• hand weeding and cultivation
• general crop maintenance and bed preparation
• Data entry and record keeping
• Grounds maintenance
• Deliver crops to PE sales locations and customers
• Assist in engaging and cultivating customers at PE’s sales locations
• Assist and monitor work of volunteers
• Assist and facilitate, as necessary, resident programs

• Saturday chores will be assigned on a rotating basis

Who You Are

• A self-motivator who is action-orientation and demonstrates foresight
• A person of sound judgment and unquestionable integrity
• A good communicator with well-rounded interpersonal skills
• A lover of learning who displays proactivity to develop and improve skills/experience
• A “go the extra mile” person who desires to meet and/or exceed PE standards
• Adaptable and highly organized, having a plan but also having the ability to adjust on the fly and maximize available resources

What You Have

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 seasons or more of soil vegetable farming; rooftop farming experience is a plus
• Availability from late-March through Thanksgiving, Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm
• Availability and willingness to work weekends for chores (Saturdays on a rotating basis), markets and/or events
• 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 lift 50 lbs. safely and repeatedly
• Experience in supporting and supervising trainees and volunteers
• 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

What’ll You Get

• $16-$20 an hour, dependent on experience
• Three (3) paid mental health days
• Access to surplus produce when available

At PE we believe ART is what we imagine and create, that shapes how we live. FOOD is the sustenance we need to live.  LIFE is how we use, value, and share what we create to survive and thrive. Project EATS - in its design, work, and relationships - operates from the interweaving of these key aspects of being.

Through our Enterprise Program we work with residents and other neighborhood stakeholders to create a network of community-based small plot, high-yield farms that naturally grow and distribute fresh produce for locals and non-locals. Our small-scale manufacturing operations produce food- based and agricultural products. These enterprises provide youth and adult residents with skills, experience, employment, and careers, and support aspiring entrepreneurs. Through our Community Programs we provide a range of activities and opportunities that includes the integration and creation of art as a mode of communication, action, and reflection in which individuals and groups of residents engage. We also provide food and wellness-oriented workshops, community meals, events, and “food-as-medicine” programs to support people’s efforts to live healthier lives.

We Value & Believe in:

• Resourcefulness: People can use the resources they have to create the resources they need.
• Understanding: Consideration, thoughtfulness, and tolerance are essential to catalyzing and supporting the process of change.
• Creativity: Imagination, new ways of seeing, and fresh ideas lead to new possibilities, strategies and opportunities that turn “can’t” into “can.”
• Determination: Tenacity and willpower are necessary to create change that improves lives.