Company description

Sky Farm LIC (SFLIC) is a nonprofit, educational farm program operated by the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ). Our one acre space on top of the Standard Motors Building in Long Island City grows vegetables, herbs, bouquet flowers, native plants, perennials, and specialty crops on over 20,000 square feet of soil beds. We are a new organization, growing towards the goal of having both a diversified vegetable program as well as bees, a vermicomposter, a teaching kitchen, classroom and community spaces, and more.

SFLIC enjoys a unique staffing structure that encourages all members of the farm crew to pursue development in aspects of both agricultural and creative/educational pursuits. Every member of the farm crew is involved in educational programming to some capacity, their role being determined by their personal interests, talents, and capabilities as well as the farm and program’s needs. While managers play the heaviest role in the development of curriculum and programming as well as in execution, crew members also play vital roles including but not limited to teaching and assisting, developing new crafts and games, pitching class ideas, and more. SFLIC’s goal to create a safe, fun, and sustainable learning environment for the youth of New York City is fueled by the passion, creativity, and participation of the farm crew.

Job description

Description
We are seeking a highly motivated, responsible individual to join our team as a part time Farm Crew/Educational Assistant member. The Farm Crew member will work under the direction of our Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator role and Assistant Farm Manager/Assistant Educational Coordinator role, assisting in completing both farm and programming tasks. This includes but is not limited to greenhouse work, planting, harvesting, field work, assisting management with developing and conducting educational programming, and conducting small repairs. We are still in development going into our second season, so we are looking for someone who can work independently, and is excited by being a part of the team and learning alongside us. This position is a hybrid of both farm work and assisting in programming, so it’s vital to be flexible, capable of multitasking, and an excellent communicator! This position would be an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in the world of urban agriculture, so we’d like to encourage individuals of varying experience levels to apply!

Desired Skills/Qualifications
● Minimum 1 season agricultural experience cultivating produce on farms, urban farms, or equivalent experience
● Able to understand and execute crop plan including but not limited to seeding, planting, cultivating, and harvesting
● Can work quickly and independently to complete field work tasks and other farm and maintenance tasks
● Values food justice, sustainability, and holistic and inclusive farming and educational practices, supports and is excited by the mission of Sky Farm LIC and VBGCQ
● Quick learner who is excited by the opportunity to grow alongside our new farm, and is excited to be a valuable part of the opening team
● Small tools/repair skills a plus
● Able to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors while standing for long periods of time

Responsibilities
● Complete tasks as assigned by management in all aspects of farm and programming operations, including but not limited to bed preparation, cultivation, hand-weeding, harvesting and packing produce, conducting programming, etc.
● Operate small machinery and utilize hand tools consistent with rooftop farming.
● Assist with general farm infrastructure upkeep such as irrigation maintenance, tool servicing, etc.
● Assist with programming development and execution as assigned in areas such as new crafts, games, or activities. A highly flexible role suited to each individual and developed during hiring and onboarding
● Assist management and other staff in execution of programming including but not limited to field trips, farm tours, workshops, etc.
● Occasionally assist with farm events in evening / weekend hours, such as dinners, workshops, community gatherings etc.

Schedule
The part time Farm Crew/Educational Assistant position is a Seasonal role, from early April to late October/early November. The part time Farm Crew/Educational Assistant member is expected to be onsite anywhere from 5-20 hours during the growing season (April - November), with a ramp up and ramp down of hours in Spring and Fall, and many early mornings during peak season. Schedule and hours may vary from week-to-week.

Compensation
● $20-$21.50/hr, paid biweekly over the course of the season

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

March 01, 2025