FIELD TO FOOD BANK COORDINATOR

SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position’s primary responsibility is the management of the Thurston County Food Bank’s (TCFB) collaborative project with the Olympia Kiwanis Club, the Olympia Kiwanis Food Bank Gardens (OKFBG).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Write and execute the annual farm plan for successful diversified vegetable production to meet produce needs of TCFB clients.
• Manage the year-long vegetable production of 3 acres on 3 sites in Olympia’s urban and peri-urban areas.
• Monitor the three OKFBG garden sites, preparing monthly, weekly, and daily schedule and work plans for staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Ensure farm supplies are regularly stocked.
• Schedule repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and machinery.
• Reduce pests and disease through crop rotation, organic management practices, and record-keeping.

• Create and monitor program outputs on a regular basis to ensure program deliverables, including volunteer hours, harvest logs, and reports.
• Regular collaboration with the Olympia Kiwanis Club and TCFB Supervisor on administrative tasks including budget tracking.
• Assist with grant-writing and fundraising activities.

• Assist with recruitment, training, and management of garden staff.

• Recruit, schedule, train, assign tasks, and support volunteers, academic interns, and apprentices.
• Maintain OKFBG and TCFB culture of neighbor helping neighbor, understand and demonstrate respective Missions and Values.
• Train and orient project staff and volunteers on Federal, State, and local program standards, job requirements, philosophy and mission of the program, and on coordination with other available community resources.
• Coordinate with other agencies to expand program access and improve outcomes.
• Maintain a positive impact on the community via ongoing relationship with Olympia Kiwanis Club (includes membership and attending 6 meetings per year).
• Maintain positive relationships with program stakeholders including landowners.

• Serve as an active Food Bank staff member, including participation in meetings, training, fundraising efforts, and other planned activities.
• Maintain shared growers’ vehicle.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of organic diversified vegetable production in the Pacific Northwest.
• Knowledge and experience in season extension and succession planning.
• Highly skilled in vegetable production techniques including propagation, planting, weed management, and harvesting.
• Knowledge of small scale farm equipment and tools including how to approach small machine maintenance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 years diversified vegetable production field experience.
• Experience leading field work among agricultural workers.
• Passion for agriculture as it relates to food security and food access.
• Computer literacy including use of Microsoft Suite and Google Drive.
• Washington State Driver’s License and reliable transportation to be used on the job.
• Food Handler’s permit or ability to obtain one within 30 days.
• Possess or obtain a First Aid card in one of the following programs: American Red Cross, Labor & Industries, or another County-approved program.
  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One year diversified vegetable production management.
• Experience managing farmworkers and/or volunteers as a Crew Lead.
• Two years community development work.
• Experience working for a non-profit.
• Grant writing and/or fundraising experience.
• Experience with Canva and Constant Contact.

Salary & Benefits: $23.78 – $25.24/hour starting wage (d.o.e.), $23.78 – $28.97 full salary range (svc yr based), 40 hours/week. Employee benefits include employer-paid medical coverage, vision, and dental for employees and begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage for spouses, partners, and dependents is also available. Paid time off, matching retirement contributions.

Work Location: This position will report to our Tumwater Warehouse Distribution Center located at 2260 Mottman Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512.

The Thurston County Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek to provide equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under the law. People of color and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to cultivating a diverse workforce that serves and reflects our community.

Salary : $24 - $25