UFCO Farm Operations Assistant

POSITION: Farm Operations Assistant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                REPORTS TO: Urban Farm Manager                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      STATUS: Part-time, Non-Exempt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           DIRECT REPORTS: None

PROJECT SUMMARY: 

Urban Farms of Central Ohio, an initiative of Mid-Ohio Foodbank, transforms vacant sites in underserved neighborhoods into thriving farms that provide communities with increased access to fresh produce, jobs and job training, and opportunities for civic engagement.Currently, UFCO has successfully launched and now operates one five-acre site, Clarfield Farm, and is currently developing a second site, Wheatland Farm. The farm sites use intensive, organic growing practices, and high-tunnels for season extension to grow high-quality produce for a variety of beneficiaries and/or market buyers. The farm sites also benefit the communities in which they're located in by being a space for education, job readiness training, and civic engagement.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Farm Assistant will support all aspects of maintaining small, diversified urban farms. Working closely with the Farm Manager and Site Lead, the Farm Assistant will be focused on assisting with field production and harvesting, washing, and packing vegetables. Additionally, this position will be responsible for performing field and high-tunnel tasks and activities that support the operations.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Participate in field and high-tunnel activities including seeding, transplanting, preparing beds, seedling care, laying irrigation, fertilizing, weeding, cultivating, and maintaining the production space.
• Participate in harvesting to fulfill orders, plus the washing and packing of produce, and distribution to various stakeholders and buyers.
• Assist in overall site maintenance including mowing and weed whacking perimeters.
• Operate hand-tools and other farm equipment such as a walk behind and ride on tractors.
• Perform necessary record keeping duties of on farm activities.
• Assist in outreach with the local community to build relationships and foster engagement.
• Assist in leading volunteer groups, youth, and interns while on the farm.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Certifications:  High School diploma or equivalent required. Valid driver's license required. 

Experience:  Minimum of one season of sustainable vegetable production experience required.

Knowledge:  Knowledge in basic sustainable, organic vegetable production methods and practices is required. Experience leading groups and managing other people, including individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Skills/Competencies:  Must have a strong work ethic, be focused and observant, and work compatibly in a fast paced environment. Ability to work quickly and efficiently both independently and with the team while maintaining quality of work. Punctuality, preparedness, and flexibility are a must. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills required. Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft programs is desirable. Some experience with customer service, public outreach, and/or community-building work is desirable.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Working Conditions:  This position is based in an urban farm setting and requires a person to work outside in all weather conditions performing manual labor. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting required. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Daily physical field work includes greenhouse seeding, planting, row-covering, fertilizing, weeding, harvesting, washing, and packing of produce. 40 hour per work week is projected. Frequent local travel required. Must have reliable transportation.

ADA:  The above statements cover what are generally believed to the principal and essential function of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Current Openings for UFCO Farm Operations Assistant Jobs at Mid-Ohio Food Collective