Company description

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, cultural events and environmental exploration. As the dedicated steward of Randall’s Island Park, the Alliance sustains, maintains, develops and programs the Park to support the wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

Job description

Randall's Island Park Alliance, Inc.
Job Opening Notice
Posting Dates: 01/03/25 – Until Filled

Job: Seasonal Urban Farmer & Educator (1)
Department: Urban Farm
Job Type: Full-Time; Seasonal; 40 hours per week; weekends required; overtime when required; Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $24.20/hour (First Year)
Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, free parking on site, etc.
Duration: March 10 – November 22, 2025
Work Location: Randall's Island Park, New York, NY 10035

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Seasonal Urban Farmer & Educator will support the Randall’s Island Park Alliance’s Urban Farm by implementing sustainable growing practices and facilitating programming on RIPA’s one-acre educational farm. The Seasonal Urban Farmer will report to the Urban Farm Manager and the Director of Environmental Programming as well as work closely in the field and take occasional direction from the Urban Farm Lead and Farm Coordinator. In addition to the team, the Seasonal Urban Farmer & Educator will work with summer youth employees, volunteers, and other RIPA departments to maintain the physical space of the farm. The Seasonal Urban Farmer & Educator will be required to work on-site, primarily outdoors, and consistently one weekend day per week.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work collaboratively with the Urban Farm team to maintain the farm; tasks include but are not limited to seed sowing, transplanting, trellising, pruning, watering, harvesting, soil cultivation, mulching, composting, integrated pest management, landscaping, and irrigation needs.
• Prepare and co-lead K-12 Edible Education school field trips and summer camp groups.
• Assist with all programming activities held on the Urban Farm; implement existing curriculum and activities, create new program materials as needed, physically prepare the site for programs, and co-facilitate activities with year-round farm staff.
• Work with farmers, summer youth employees, and occasional volunteers to harvest, wash, pack, and distribute produce to a nearby food pantry.
• Collaborate with the Urban Farm team to identify volunteer projects and co-facilitate weekly volunteer days in a safe and educational environment.
• Maintain records of harvest yields, disease, pest control, visits, and educational efforts.
• Work independently during weekend open hours; set up welcome table and signage, encourage visitors to engage in self-guided farm activities, answer questions, assist Public Programs team with on-site set up for farm-based programs (ex. Boogie Down Books, Fun on the Farm).
• Assist other departments when needed. Tasks may include supporting island-wide events, facilitating corporate volunteer projects, assisting Communications department with social media content, and assisting other teams with large projects or farm-based programs.
• Welcome all guests by answering questions and giving tours to elected officials, donors, media coverage, staff members from across the organization, community members, park patrons etc.
• Ensure all equipment is secure and well-maintained.
• Perform all other general tasks as assigned.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Familiar with organic and sustainable farm practices.
• Strong gardening skills and familiarity working with gardening tools.• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labor; must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate and advocate for RIPA's mission.
• Ability to collaborate and create positive working relationships.
• Good planning, organizational, and time management skills as well as strong attention to detail.
• Experience with children's programming.
• Comfort with digital task management tools.
• Motivated and punctual, able to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with educational children's programming, teaching, and/or working with youth.
• Availability for flexible scheduling, including weekends and overtime when needed.
• Ability to shift priorities and focus, as needed.


PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
• B.A. in Agriculture, Education, or Sustainability related field or 1+ years of experience working on educational farms and/or in urban agriculture.
• Experience implementing crop plans and maintaining farm records.
• Competence in using light power equipment.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness throughout the park.
• Fluent in Spanish.
• Valid Driver License (occasionally assist with food drop-offs and supply pick-ups off-Island).

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe in a diverse and an inclusive workspace and environment.
RIPA maintains confidentiality of all applications and therefore will never contact a present employer without prior consent from the applicant.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline