Urban Farm Associate

Job Title: Urban Farm Assistant

Department: Community Impact

Reports To: Program Manager, Urban Farm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, PT/15

About Us & Our Mission: The mission of Golden Harvest Food Bank is to transform lives by feeding our hungry neighbors today and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We exist simply because people in our community struggle with meeting a basic human need - having enough to eat. Founded in 1982, Golden Harvest Food Bank works to create a safety net of partner agencies, programs, and direct services to meet the needs of our neighbors who struggle with hunger across our 25-county service area. With a network of over 350 partner agencies and programs, we can get nutritious meals directly into the hands of those in need within their communities. 

Our Values:

Faith: Our Christian faith motivates us to live out Jesus' teachings, feeding the hungry in our communities and uniting with people of every creed in a movement of compassion, service, and positive change. 

Health: We prioritize the well-being of each person, aiming to offer safe, nourishing food to those we serve, recognizing that healthy lives depend on healthy food, environments, and communities, as part of our efforts to break the cycle of poverty and hunger. 

Service: With kindness, openness, and joyful generosity, we address the unique needs of each individual without judgment, fostering a spirit of compassion and sensitivity. We listen to the story and needs of each person so that they know they are seen, heard and valued in a world where they may often feel invisible. 

People: Respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person, we approach all with justice, equity, and understanding, honoring the lives, ideas, and concerns of those we serve, valuing donors' gifts, and cherishing volunteers while ensuring positive and impactful experiences in support of our cause. 

Community: Collaborating with individual community members, partner agencies, businesses, and local government, we strive to change our community through openness, cooperation, and transparency, united by our shared mission of feeding the hungry. 

Reasons to work at Golden Harvest

-It's more than a job, it's a mission. 

-Competitive wages and benefits 

-Twenty paid holidays 

-Faith-based organization 

-Paid time off & flextime 

-Making an enormous difference

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 Summary

The Urban Farm Assistant supports the daily operations of Golden Harvest's Urban Farm, helping to cultivate fresh produce for distribution through the Food Bank's programs, partners, and The Master's Table. This role blends hands-on farming work with a passion for food justice, sustainability, and community service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

-Assist in all phases of farm production: soil preparation, planting, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.

-Maintain the overall appearance, health, and productivity of crops in alignment with organic and sustainable practices.

-Support composting and soil health initiatives on-site.

-Operate hand tools, basic equipment, and small machinery safely and efficiently.

-Assist with the packing and distribution of produce to Golden Harvest programs, partner agencies, and food-insecure communities.

-Maintain the cleanliness and organization of farm areas, the greenhouse, the wash/pack station, and equipment.

-Engage with volunteers, community groups, and youth participants to help create a welcoming and educational farm environment.

-Help track farm output, harvest logs, and other records for impact reporting.

-Participate in community farm events, tours, and seasonal workshops as needed.

-Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

-No supervisory responsibilities.

-May lead volunteer groups and participate in volunteer-driven events.

Skills & Qualifications

-Prior experience in farming, raised bed gardening, or landscaping.

-Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physical labor in all weather conditions.

-Interest in sustainable agriculture, food systems, or urban development.

-Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

-Comfortable interacting with volunteers, youth, and community members.

-Commitment to Golden Harvest Food Bank's mission of alleviating hunger through community engagement and compassion.

-Willingness to perform physically demanding, outdoor work in all weather conditions.

-Strong teamwork and communication skills; ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.

-Self-motivated, adaptable, and detail-oriented.

-Availability to work Monday through Friday, further availability to work as needed. An occasional Saturday may be required.

Education and/or Experience

-A high school diploma or equivalent is required; some college education is preferred.

-Coursework in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field is a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

-Must have a valid driver's license.

-Master Gardner Certification, recognized by a University Cooperative Extension Office, is a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

-Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

-Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods.

-Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

-Noise level low to moderate

-Typically works in an office setting.