Added Value Farms is a youth-led urban farming and compost operation in Red Hook, Brooklyn. We create opportunities for teens to expand their knowledge base, develop their leadership skills, and positively engage with each other, their community, and the environment.

We operate two urban farms and a community composting program in partnership with other local organizations and city agencies. The Red Hook Community Farm (2.75 acres) focuses on education and production, while the NYCHA farm (1 acre) focuses on community engagement. Our programs include a teen farm apprenticeship, a weekly farmers market, a CSA, and a school visit program.

Since our founding in 2001, we have mentored scores of youth, provided hundreds of elementary students with educational programs, and worked with thousands of volunteers to farm and compost in the city. Together we strive to transform vacant lands into vibrant urban farms, improve access to healthy, affordable produce, and nurture a new generation of green leaders.

Job Title: NYCHA Farm Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Type: Part Time, Seasonal

Schedule: 28 hours/week; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

Compensation: $20/hour

Duration: Starting ASAP - December 2016

Position Overview:

The NYCHA Farm Manager is responsible for the NYCHA farm site, located in the Red Hook Houses West New York City Housing Authority development. The NYCHA Farm Manager will work closely with a team of 12 young adults through our partnership with Green City Force to maintain the farm, while offering extensive community outreach and programming. The farmer will also provide support to the main farm, occasionally working with our teen farm apprentices as well as volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Manage farm site, greenhouse, storage areas;
• Support training and ongoing supervision of 12 Green City Force corps members;
• Implement crop plan including seeding/planting/harvesting schedules with corps members involved in all aspects;
• Recruit and supervise volunteers; maintain regular open farm hours for community members;
• Organize planning, harvesting, and marketing activities for weekly farm stand;
• Plan cooking demonstrations, tastings, and other activities to promote healthy eating of farm produce;
• Work with teen farm apprentices and volunteers on the main farm on various farm tasks;
• Support site visits from funders, elected officials, peer programs, and others;
• Maintain crop tallies and other record-keeping.

Qualifications:

• 2-3 years in intensive, small-scale, high-yield vegetable production;
• Expertise in organic vegetable growing methods, and soil and compost management techniques;
• Demonstrated experience working with youth and adults;
• Experience in the safe operation and general maintenance of farm tools and machinery;
• Ability to execute an annual crop plan and maintaining farm records;
• Experience in the operation of farm stands or markets;
• Outgoing, personable, able to effectively engage with community members;
• Entrepreneurial with an ability to succeed with modest infrastructure.