Company description

The Needham Community Farm (NCF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization comprising a very active volunteer Board of Directors, Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, and a part-time Development Director. NCF’s mission is to deepen its community's connection to nature, our food system, and each other. We focus on three intertwined program areas: 1) Increasing access to healthy produce for those in our community who experience food insecurity; 2.) Providing farm-based educational opportunities for learning about sustainable growing and nutrition; and 3) Building community through volunteerism.

Job description

The Assistant Farm Mgrr will be responsible for assisting in the management and operations of all aspects of farm operations and programming including leading youth and adults in educational programming and volunteer days on the farm. This position reports to the Farm Manager.

This is a seasonal position, starting part-time in January, 2024 with full-time hours from April through October, shifting back to part time for November and December. This is an hourly position, paid at $17.00 - $19.00 per hour. Position requires some Monday and Wednesday evening availability during the spring and early summer. This position will work Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday as required by farm needs.

Assist in all aspects of farm management and operations

The Assistant Manager will partner with the Farm Manager to intensively grow vegetables for 30-35 share CSA and food donation programs using sustainable and organic methods. The farm is currently farming on 1.3 acres with a small high tunnel and shared use of an offsite greenhouse. An additional 2+ acres is available for expansion

• Participate in all aspects of farm operations including horticultural operations and farm maintenance including independently completing tasks including: greenhouse work, transplanting, direct seeding, weeding, pest and disease management, and crop status assessment.

Coordinate food donation programs

The Assistant Manager will dedicate one day a week to managing and distributing produce through our food donation programs.

• Set up and staff 2 weekly Mobile Markets at Needham Housing Authority locations
• Work with staff at Needham Community Council to provide fresh produce for the food pantry

Lead volunteers in harvest and other farm work

In collaboration with the Farm Manager, the Assistant Manager will lead youth and adult volunteers in harvest, weeding, transplanting, seeding, and other farm projects

• Demonstrate and oversee volunteer work while creating a collaborative learning environment
• Track volunteer hours on site and maintain electronic records

Support education programs as needed

• Work closely with seasonal interns
• Fill in as necessary to teach adult and/or family gardening class with adults and young children
• Occasionally co-lead camp or field trip programming for youth

Support NCF organizational operations as needed

The Assistant Manager will provide administrative and organizational support as needed and directed by the Farm Manager and Board of Directors. The Needham Community Farm is a small organization, where all roles do a little bit of everything.

• Attend monthly board meetings
• Collect and input data related to programming and farm operations
• Oversee volunteer waiver compliance
• Contribute to fundraising events, grant writing, etc. as needed

REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of organic farming practices with at least 1 full season of farming experience, 2+ preferred
• Strong communication skills with diverse populations
• Reliable personal transportation to multiple locations in Needham
• Access to computer for limited remote administrative work
• Must pass CORI/SORI background check
• Experience in youth development and/or volunteer management preferred
• Customer service or similar experience preferred

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline