Farm Engagement Coordinator

The Farm Engagement Coordinator (FEC) will be responsible for the implementation of educational and community engagement offerings for Urban Harvest STL and Rung for Women members including workshops, volunteer activities, and Rung member engagement events. The FEC will act as the volunteer coordinator for Urban Harvest STL’s 6 farm sites, and lead volunteers in their farm work at the Rung for Women farm. When not engaged in other work, the FEC will work with the Farm Manager and Rung Farmer on appropriate farming tasks. The Farm Engagement Coordinator is directly accountable to the Rung Farm Manager with strong collaboration expected with Farm Managers and the Director of Urban Agriculture, and the Farm Trainer and the Director of Education.

Responsibilities

Education and Community Engagement:

• Implement workshop series to engage Rung members and UHSTL program Alumni in continuing education on urban agriculture
• Ensure all contractually required education and engagement activities are completed in accordance with the Rung MOU including Monthly Wellness tips, Brightspace course, and collaborative events with Rung Wellness team
• Supervise Rung members, Farmers In Training workers, Apprentices, and regular and periodic volunteers as necessary on daily farm tasks
• Model and foster a cooperative, enthusiastic, and hands-on work environment 
• Coordinate with the Farm Trainer on the intersection of workshops and urban farming education programs

Volunteer Management:

• Utilize the United Way STL Volunteer platform to manage the overall UHSTL volunteer program.
• Communicate with individual volunteers and volunteer groups as necessary
• Manage the Rung for Women volunteer schedule and work in partnership with the Rung for Women Volunteer Coordinator to utilize Rung volunteers and volunteer groups on the farm 
• Orient and lead Rung for Women farm volunteers during their volunteer shifts, under the direction of the Farm Manager

Farming: 

• Utilize organic no-till farming methods such as cover cropping, composting/vermicomposting, and crop rotation under the direction of the Farm Manager
• Properly harvest and handle produce according to the food safety guidelines 
• Address pest and disease management using organic methods 
• Cultivate seedlings in the greenhouse 
• Nurture edible and pollinator-attracting plants in a variety of settings including greenhouse, farm rows, raised beds, a food forest, and planters 
• Ensure that farm site, greenhouse, and storage areas are maintained and well-kept 
• Complete assigned weekly chicken care tasks 

Collaborative and Independent Work:

• Work collaboratively with the Rung farm team to ensure the farm is thriving.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Rung farm staff to establish weekly priorities, task assignments, harvest strategies, volunteer tasks, farm observations, staff insights, etc.
• Engage in independent work, carrying out the farm tasks that are mapped out at the beginning of each week.
• Participate in recurring meetings with the Urban Harvest STL staff, Rung farm team, and Rung for Women staff 
• Participate in member-facing activities with the Rung for Women Wellness Team, such as Wellness Week and workshops 

Other duties:

• Manage administrative tasks associated with volunteer and community engagement offerings, including but limited to creating flyers, communicating with workshop participants and volunteers, tracking attendance, etc.
• Assist with annual budgeting activities to estimate costs of education and community engagement activities
• Tabling/Working at Earth Day (April), TG Pride or MATI (Sept), Raise the Roof (Oct) and other events as needed
• Follow weekly work log and record details of fieldwork accomplished
• Keep accurate records of harvest, donation, and distribution  
• Maintain inventory of seeds and other supplies 

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing education programs; facilitation of volunteers; and/or coordination of food donation programs preferred.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills; a passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs 
• One full season of organic vegetable farming or gardening experience is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people and stakeholders.
• An action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and adaptable personality that excels in a dynamic and innovative environment.
• Degree in a relevant field or combination of experience and training resulting in equivalent knowledge and skills.
• A passion for urban agriculture, health, and community development.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Google Drive, and databases.
• Willingness to work in year-round St. Louis outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be willing to use a personal computer and cell phone.

To apply, please complete our online application below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEIlKSBICyNwEKj6XOPGza4UuxSW2L3V5-woH5CUR5aQp6lg/viewform?usp=header