Youth Farm Field Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Youth Farm Field Coordinator

RESPONSIBLE TO: Youth Farm Supervisor

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt, Agricultural Employee

SALARY: $21/hour

HOURS PER WEEK: 40 hrs/wk with a 1-month temporary reduction in work hours approx. 12/15-1/15

BENEFITS: Eligible for health, vision, and dental insurance the first of the month following 30 days of employment with other benefits eligibility after a 90-day mutual introductory period is completed.

ABOUT THE YOUTH FARM: FOOD For Lane County’s Youth Farm is a 5-acre urban educational farm where we work with community to increase food security and offer skill-building opportunities to people of all ages, including volunteers of all ages, a youth farm crew of teens, and other seasonal job trainees. Staff and youth run an on-site and an off-site produce stand from June – October and a 180-member Community Supported Agriculture program, providing organic vegetables to the local community. FOOD For Lane County (FFLC) distributes about half of the youth farm grown produce through a network of partner agencies to our community’s most vulnerable households.

PRIMARY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Grow with staff and volunteers over 35 different kinds of produce on a 6-acre site, including assisting with greenhouse management, tractor and other power equipment operation, Irrigation, crop cultivation and soil preparation, transplanting, trellising, weed control, organic pest management and harvesting

· Lead and train volunteers, youth farmers, job trainees and other seasonal staff in the field to accomplish all farm tasks and create a positive, rewarding experience

· Ensure a safe environment for staff and volunteers adhering to safety and health regulations.

· Manage harvests, including weekly harvest plant, coordinating all seasonal staff and volunteers to harvest and prepare produce for markets, wholesale accounts, CSA and FFLC

· Coordinate grounds keeping, including mowing, weed wacking, and pathway maintenance.

· Upkeep power equipment, including regular maintenance

· Manage orchard, including pruning, thinning and irrigation

· Assist with revenue generating activities, including produce stand and plant sales

· Actively demonstrate FFLC’s values of compassion, collaboration, and inclusion

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum three years of experience growing organic produce in a commercial setting

· Experience leading others in completing farming tasks

· Experience with operating tractors as well as maintaining power equipment

· Construction and basic carpentry skills

· Physical strength, endurance and stamina for manual labor, ability to lift 50lbs.

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently when necessary

· Ability to stay organized, follow written and verbal instructions and complete tasks on time

· Available on Tuesday-Saturdays with occasional weekend work

· Valid Oregon drivers’ license and clean driving record

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is done primarily outdoors in all-weather with some exposure to exhaust from farm equipment, fumes from gas used to operate equipment, dust and dirt.

Physical labor includes frequent standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching and walking to perform gardening tasks, and operate various gardening equipment

NOTE: Job descriptions are not intended to be and should not be construed as exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs.

Reasonable Accommodations: Food for Lane County, complies with federal, state, and local laws regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources, HR@foodforlanecounty.org

FFLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, diverse ability, or any other characteristic protected under local, state or federal law.