New Roots Farm Garden Specialist

This job posting was opened on 4/02/25. Please note that we will be prioritizing candidates who are current IRC (and recently employed by IRC) staff before other applicants. If necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.

Job Overview: The New Roots Farm & Garden Specialist coordinates the day-to-day activities of IRC’s community garden and farm sites. The Specialist works with gardeners, farmers, volunteers, and community members to implement appropriate, informative, and supportive programming, and to ensure that New Roots’ managed garden sites are effectively stewarded. 

Major Responsibilities:

Garden & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Coordinate day-to-day operations of IRC’s farm and community gardens including soil fertility management, seedling production and distribution, maintenance of community areas, and harvesting/post-harvest handling. Ensure that sites are safe, productive, attractive, and operate according to New Roots values and policies.
• Coordinate the operation and maintenance of farm infrastructure such as irrigation and fencing. Coordinate services of landscape maintenance contractors and arrange for maintenance and repair of equipment and physical assets as needed.  Ensure that IRC vehicles are properly maintained.
• Work with Manager of Food and Agriculture Programs to purchase and acquire donations of tools, supplies, and equipment and distribute these to gardeners and garden sites.
• Assist with planning and developing new garden sites as needed.

Gardener Support, Volunteer & Community Outreach

• Assist in developing and coordinating effective, community-driven informative activities for program participants including topics such as farming and gardening skills, health and wellness, leadership development, and business and marketing skills.
• Coordinate meetings and activities for New Roots participants, including leading event-related communications, promotion, and attendance tracking for grant reporting.
• Lead activities of volunteers including coordinating and publicizing garden workdays. Lead volunteers in maintaining common areas at the sites including minor infrastructure repairs, implementing weed control, and beautification projects.
• Attend occasional public outreach events on behalf of the IRC.

Program Administration & Monitoring

• Implement annual garden application and enrollment process including in-person and digital methods, multilingual support, and record-keeping.
• Implement data collection and tracking efforts including case notes for key services, annual participant surveys, Household Food Insecurity Assessment Surveys
• Collaborate with interns and AmeriCorps members to support their program contributions.
• Provide input on existing grant reports, supply ideas and information to new grant proposals, and assist in writing small proposals as requested.
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a team member.

Job Requirements:

• 2 years of related experience (may include work, undergraduate education, or trades experience)
• Proficient in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population a plus.
• Experience with, or curiosity about, sustainable, and organic farming/gardening.
• Experience with irrigation, farm equipment, and carpentry skills or a desire to learn these skills.
• Proficient in, or prepared to learn, Microsoft office programs (Word, Outlook, Excel), data entry and analysis, digital communications, and social media.
• Shown success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Dedication to racial equity and food justice.
• Strong organizational skills, motivation, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Valid driver’s license. Access to a reliable personal vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area is strongly preferred. 

Working Environment: 

• A combination of standard office environment and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Will require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• Must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 lbs.
• Position requires ability to use farm and garden equipment, machines, and tools.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
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Salary : $5 - $143