Added Value Farms is a youth-led urban farming and food justice non-profit 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.

Position Overview:

The Seasonal Educator will work with the Education Manager to develop and implement the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), Added Value’s flagship youth farm apprenticeship program. They will lead the 15+ teen apprentices by supervising regular work sessions on both farms, delivering workshops on food justice issues, and training apprentices in farm skills. The Seasonal Educator is responsible for creating a fun, educational, empowering, and community-centered atmosphere. They will provide additional mentorship and support as needed. The Seasonal Educator will also be called on to assist with the weekly youth-run farm stand, community outreach, and other farm activities.
 

Spring/Fall Schedule:  19 hrs/week: Tues/Thurs, 12:30-7:30pm; Sat, 9am-2pm

Summer Schedule:   35 hrs/week: Tues, 9am-5pm; Wed-Sat, 8am-4pm

Compensation:   $15/hour

Duration:   March - November 2017

Responsibilities:

• Work alongside teen apprentices on a variety of farm tasks including weeding, watering, planting, harvesting
• Plan and implement food justice workshops, teambuilding activities, etc.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to apprentices
• Develop and implement a curriculum to build leadership skills in returning apprentices
• Support the youth-run farm stand, general farm operation, and large farm events
• Update social media (Facebook, Instagram, blog) with YEP, farm, and market updates
• Participate in staff meetings and strategic planning for the organization as a whole
• Other related tasks as necessary

Qualifications:

• Experience working in youth development with high school-aged youth
• Familiarity with environmental / food justice movement
• Urban farming experience preferred
• Good public speaking skills and positive attitude
• Flexible, attentive to detail, able to take initiative
• Can work independently and problem-solve
• Able to lift 20 pounds, work outdoors, and in inclement weather