RiseBoro's mission is to unleash the potential of communities to thrive, no matter the odds. Through our unique model of holistic community revitalization, we work to eradicate the conditions that foster generational poverty within historically marginalized communities by offering services designed to connect, uplift, and support. While a history of redlining, followed by rapid gentrification has contributed to unhealthy, poor, ghettoized neighborhoods, we believe that by bringing a food and economic justice lens to our work, we can contribute to greater health, wealth, and empowerment in historically marginalized and oppressed communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Farm Manager and Educator, the Urban Farming Associate will work closely with the Farm Manager and Educator at Bushwick Grows Community Farm. The Urban Farming Associate will be key in supporting the program with both hands-on farm tasks and maintaining organizational systems needed to run the farms social justice-centered educational programming. The Urban Farming Associate will also play a significant role in community engagement by serving as a point person for relationship building. They will conduct farm tours and orientations, support community events, communicate with volunteers, and manage the farms monthly virtual newsletter. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

Farm Care

• Practice sustainable farming practices i.e., greenhouse care, watering/seeding schedules, and chicken care involving feeding, cleaning, and collecting eggs
• Assist with overall organizing and upkeep of farm spaces including, paths, composting systems, recycling, and trash areas
• Maintain upkeep of the shed by organizing tools, sheds, farm materials, herbs, seeds, feed, pots, etc.
• Support with Farm season opening and closing activities as well as regular volunteer days
• Support the creation and installation of bilingual (Spanish and English) communications materials

Program Support

• Create and maintain an organizational system for tool inventory, harvesting logs, and volunteer lists
• Co-create and design newsletter content with farm highlights and announcements for volunteers
• Conduct online and in-person farm purchases when needed
• Create and distribute engaging communications materials like flyers and calendars to promote community events
• Maintain consistent communication with Farm Manager and Educator on tasks and progress
• Assist with community workshop prep, cooking demos or and community activities
• Greet and orient members of the public, visiting groups, and volunteers of all ages to the space
• Support the Farm Manager in holding a respectful, safe, and just space for community members of all ages
• Occasional facilitation and workshop instruction for the Summer Youth Employment Program and other areas of youth programming
• Other farm care or administrative program duties as assigned by the Farm Manager and Educator

COMPETENCIES

• Basic farming skills and the ability to perform hands-on farming or chicken care are required
• Interest in learning more about sustainable urban farming and food systems/food justice framework is required; prior knowledge is preferred
• Conversational English/Spanish speaker required; fluency preferred
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain relationships
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team
• A highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude
• Good organizational skills and the ability to problem-solve
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs. and stand for an extended period i.e. 4-5 hours
• Flexibility with work availability is required, i.e. early morning and weekends as needed
• Ability to work in all safe weather conditions is required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and/or Google equivalent
• Basic graphic design skills or an interest in learning the skills are preferred
• Experience working in community-centered spaces preferred
• Experience working with youth and delivering educational content is preferred
• Familiarity with the Bushwick, NY area is preferred
• Commitment to RiseBoros mission, vision, and values
• Ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities
• Commitment to supporting communities who have experienced systemic oppression and/or bias (i.e., people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice-involved persons, etc.)

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred with active participation in a community group or organization as a plus
• A minimum of one (1) year of farming or gardening preferred
• Drivers license preferred
• A First Aid and CPR certification is a plus
• NYC Food Protection Certificate a plus