At NYRP we believe that nature is a fundamental human right. Operating since 1995, NYRP currently stewards 80 acres of city parkland and operates 52 community gardens, with more than 20,000 square feet of food production space, throughout the five boroughs. For the last 10 years, NYRP has leveraged its experience and expertise in order to help community-based organizations (schools, non-profits, urban farms, etc.) build and/or renovate garden spaces that are tailored to their unique needs through its Gardens For The City (GFTC) program. Currently, GFTC works on approximately 20 partner gardens each year, the vast majority of which are urban agriculture focused.

Department: Engagement and Programming

Reports to: Deputy Director of Urban Agriculture

Salary: $24.00/hr

Start Date: May 2, 2023

End Date:   November 11, 2023

Schedule: Tues-Sat, 9am-5pm (some evenings and additional weekend work required)

Reporting Location: Northern Manhattan Sherman Creek Center Field Office (3725 10th Ave., New York, NY 10034)

Classification: Seasonal, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Position Summary 

NYRP’s Urban Agriculture Program support a range of urban growers—including community gardeners, teachers, and urban farmers—in its broad network. NYRP is seeking a Seasonal Urban Agriculture Coordinator, reporting to the Deputy Director of Urban Agriculture, to operate as boots on the ground for the program in 2023. This is a dynamic position; the Coordinator will serve as an educator, a researcher and problem solver, and asa builder and garden maintainer. They will support a range of program activities, including training sessions large and small, a public workshop series, and materials distribution campaigns (i.e., a city-wide Plant Giveaway). They will also help to maintain the Urban Ag Demonstration Garden, a small but spirited space in Upper Manhattan. The position offers a unique chance to get to know NYC’s urban agriculture and food justice movements, while empowering communities across the five boroughs.   

To be successful in this role, a candidate must have strong communication skills, some background in education or public speaking, and familiarity with gardening / farming. The work is relationship-centered and hands-on, so the Coordinator should be eager to get their hands dirty and to build meaningful connections to constituents. The dispersed nature of the program means that the Coordinator many be called on to work independently, and will likely balance multiple projects at once. Candidates need to be skilled time managers and excited about the chance to spread themselves across growing spaces and throughout the five boroughs. The Coordinator will often be called on to deliver materials and supplies to various garden sites using NYRP vehicles (including larger commercial vehicles), so a valid and clean driver’s license is an absolute must. 

Principal Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Provide guidance and hands-on support for a range of urban agriculture topics, including garden planning, planting, basic garden maintenance (weeding, watering), production infrastructure, pest/disease management, season extension, soil health, and more. 

• Assist with the delivery of gardening materials and supplies to GFTC partners and NYRP gardeners across the city 
• Support the development and implementation of trainings and workshops for audiences large and small 
• Maintain excellent communication with the Deputy Director of Urban Agriculture and the Urban Agriculture Manager, as well as partners and other program constituents. 
• Document the work as it happens by taking photos and contributing to internal record-keeping systems 
• Help to steward a very small number of demonstration and experimentation beds in NYRP gardens 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Prior experience working in food justice, community gardening, agriculture, and/or horticulture  
• Background in education, especially environmental or experiential education, and/or group facilitation and public speaking  
• Direct experience with underrepresented BIPOC communities (personal, lived experience or professional, work experience) 

• A valid and Clean NY state driver’s license (mandatory) 
• Able to lift 40 lbs; embraces the physical nature of this work 
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions 
• Excellent communication skills (bilingual English/Spanish preferred) 
• Flexible team player, capable of both working independently and collaborating with colleagues 

• Organized, enthusiastic, and a resourceful problem-solver who is eager to learn 
• COVID vaccination is required to be considered for the position