Who We Are
Youth. Food. Community. Three important issues that intersect in one place: The Food Project. Here, we believe that food is a unique vehicle for creating personal and social change. Nothing else ties us so intimately to each other and the planet we share, affecting our health, the climate, culture, and poverty and privilege around the globe. If we — young and old from all walks of life — can unite to change the food system, we can change the world. From our urban and suburban farms to our community education programs, we aim to do just that by bringing together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build local and sustainable food systems.
Since 1991, The Food Project has built a national model of engaging young people in personal and social change through sustainable agriculture. Each year, we work with more than 120 teenagers and nearly 2,000 volunteers to farm on 70 acres in eastern Massachusetts in the towns and cities of Wenham, Lincoln, Boston, and Lynn. We consider our hallmark to be our focus on identifying and transforming a new generation of leaders by placing teens in unusually responsible roles, with deeply meaningful work. In addition, we help others grow their own food and provide training resources based on all we have learned.
What We Seek
The Food Project is seeking two (2) Farm Workers for the 2023 growing season, from mid May through late August ideally. Specific start and end dates can be coordinated around the needs of the farm and the applicant’s needs. Applicants for this position should have high energy for and interest in sustainable agriculture and youth development, as well as a commitment to teamwork. They should also have creative energy for making a difference in the world and a passion for the vision of The Food Project.
The Farm Worker will work on The Food Project’s 31-acre farm in Lincoln, MA, growing and distributing produce through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and Farmers’ Markets in Boston, and to local hunger relief organizations.
Core Responsibility:
Farm Work
- Assisting Lincoln farm crew to accomplish all manner of farm tasks, with quality and efficiency, including composting, bed preparation, mulching, planting, cultivation, and harvest, and site maintenance.
- Assisting Lincoln farm crew to implement and troubleshoot new farm practices.
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Youth Engagement
- Seed Crew: During July and August, assist Lincoln farm crew to lead farm work with youth in The Food Project’s Seed Crew, an intensive six-week summer job for teenagers.
- Root Crew Summer: During July and August, assist Lincoln farm crew with Root Crew, our more experienced youth, to harvest, washup, and complete more advanced farm tasks.
Organizational Health
- Participate in weekly 1:1 supervisory and Lincoln Ag team meetings
- Feedback Participation: Real Talk, circle process, etc.
Qualifications
This position is ideal for an individual who is interested in both sustainable agriculture and youth engagement. It is well-suited for someone who is ready to be part of an agriculture team. Our farms are run in partnership with youth and community members, therefore a candidate must have a passion for teaching and leading others, particularly young people.
Experience working in diverse settings are strongly preferred.
- Able to performance labor intensive agricultural tasks
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and energy for engaging with other people
- Dependable, responsible, flexible and open to learning
- Ability to work a 40-hour schedule: Monday - Friday
- 18+ years of age
- Enthusiasm for working with teenagers
- Team-oriented with a good sense of humor; able to work independently
- CPR and First Aid certified or willingness to be trained
- Able to pass a CORI/SORI background check
Location & Schedule
This is a full time, seasonal position from May 1st- September 8th, 2023, with a fluctuating Tuesday through Saturday/ Monday through Friday work week.
Compensation
The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour.
Application Process
Please send resume and cover letter via email to: [email protected]. In the subject line, write your name and the position for which you are applying with the region, eg: “Jordan Smith – Lincoln Farm Worker.”
We will review all submissions, identify viable candidates, and contact ONLY those individuals selected to continue in the application process (phone screening, interview with staff, interview with youth). Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
The Food Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to creating an inclusive organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for this position.