Part Time Farm Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Position Title : Farm Assistant

Reports to : Farm Manager & Food Access Program Manager

Worksite : Farm at Kelly Miller, Fort Stanton Urban Farm, Farmers Markets FLSA Status : Part-time, Hourly (Non-exempt)

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION :

Dreaming Out Loud creates economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized community members through building a healthy, equitable food system.

Dreaming Out Loud rebuilds urban, community-based food systems through social enterprise, helps to increase access to healthy food and improve community health, develops low-income entrepreneurs and cooperatives, and trains at-risk adult residents for sustainable, family-supporting wages.

POSITION SUMMARY :

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc. (DOL) seeks a hardworking, independent individual with some farming or gardening experience as well as demonstrated passion for food access, community organizing, and urban agriculture to assist with managing all aspects of the Farm at Kelly Miller, Fort Stanton Urban Farm, and DOL’s Farmers Markets.

DOL’s urban agriculture projects are innovative, community-based initiatives in partnership with the District Department of Parks and Recreation, and community based and nonprofit partners.

Each Farm is a community-based center of agricultural learning, which includes workshops and classes, as well as farm-to school and STEAM integration with Kelly Miller Middle School, Martha’s Table, and others.

Sustainable, organic farming and collaborative food system infrastructure will increase access to healthy food, strengthen residents' ability to improve community food security, provide infrastructure and training to support low income entrepreneurs, and create neighborhood-based employment opportunities.

The Farm Assistant will assist with all production related work during the growing season. The Farm Assistant will report to the Farm Manager and the Food Access Program Manager.

Farm Assistants are expected to work with Farm Coordinators, other Farm Assistants, community members, volunteers, and other farmers.

These tasks include, but are not limited to, bed-prep, seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, pest management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and equipment maintenance.

In addition to farm tasks, Farm Assistants will also assist at DOL’s Farmers Markets. Tasks include, but are not limited to, setup and break-down of DOL markets, customer service, receiving and organizing produce, tracking inventory, data collection, point-of-sale operation, and general maintenance tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate will be able to work in various weather conditions, will work well in groups and independently, and will take initiative on the farm once they learn the ropes.

They will also have strong communication skills and be proficient with the computer and be able to communicate via email and slack.

They will also be open to increasing their skills in sustainable agriculture through on farm experience and off site training.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

Assist with all production on the farm, including bed prep, soil amendment, seeding, transplanting, weeding, watering, harvesting, pest management and composting.

Assist with weekly harvest, packaging and distribution.

Assist with volunteer management including scheduling workdays and other duties as assigned.

Work with volunteers, volunteer groups, and school groups.

Work with farm partners to coordinate events and activities.

Assist with all event related activities, including planning, preparation, setup, and breakdown.

Assist with setup / breakdown for workshops.

Assist with outreach for all volunteer and community events.

Attend community events, conferences and workshops throughout the year.

Assist with CSA and Markets as needed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

0-2 years of experience farming or gardening.

Integrated Pest Management experience is a plus.

Ability to distinguish between production crops and other types of plants. Computer skills and experience with database entry.

Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Ability to work in various weather conditions.

Ability to work with volunteer groups and lead farm tours.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Work some evenings and weekends.

Volunteer experience and / or AmeriCorps service is a plus.

Experience in carpentry, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement is

a plus.

Driver’s license a plus.

Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems.

Compensation

$20 / hr

Part-Time

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT :

DOL provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

In addition to federal law requirements, DOL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.