Be part of building great futures with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South was formed through a dynamic merger of local Club organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Our approach to driving systematic change is to address issues that negatively impact youth head-on, talking early and often about the importance of overcoming peer-pressure and breaking free from generational cycles of opportunity . We believe in an interdisciplinary approach to youth development, and so we work to address the root causes of the challenges facing our region’s youth.
The Urban Farm Coordinator is responsible for assistance in advancing resources and strategy for the urban farming initiative and food insecurity initiatives. The Urban Farm Coordinator will provide partnership with the staff team to move the vision for the Club(s) Freight Farm programming while contributing to the expanded capacity of our Clubs to serve healthy daily meals to our youth and provide fresh, locally grown produce to children and families throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. This position entails day-to-day farm and site maintenance, harvesting, processing of produce, and management of all volunteers. The Urban Farm Coordinator reports to the Urban Farm Director and collaborates with the Food Justice Coordinator.
Essential Functions:
- Oversees record keeping and farm data entry support, making sure information for all stages of seeding, planting, and harvesting is accurately logged at the end of each week
- Communicates and collaborates daily regarding planning, scheduling, and other farm needs
- Collaborates on yearly planning for all crops (direct seeding and transplant)
- Sets weekly schedules and inventory in conjunction or consultation with Urban Farm Director
- Ensures proper nursery preparation, transplant production and transplanting, and direct seeding including regular maintenance.
- Maintain planted beds – irrigating, fertilizing, trellising, thinning, and pruning
- Harvest, process, and pack produce with attention to quality control
- Ensures the highest level of product freshness and sanitation, keeping produce stored as required, with proper temperature and moisture at all times
- Responsible for product deliveries and supply runs as needed or directed
- Inform Urban Farm Director of any necessary repairs, and complete those identified immediately
- Basic carpentry and repair work: examples include irrigation line installation and repair, fabricating, installing/repairing thermostats, fans, etc.
- Assist with market preparation including monthly Clubhouse family markets and the ongoing communication with Clubhouse directors and staff to support these efforts.
- Oversee and monitor all operational efforts of Clubhouse based Tower Gardens to promote STEM initiatives and youth programming.
- Assist with partner relations and development to enhance and build upon scope of regional food security efforts
- Drive and deliver produce at various locations throughout the community as needed included but not limited to sourced items for markets, partner distributions, and other food insecurity efforts.
- Host Farm Stands and farmers markets throughout the service area in partnership with Leafy Green Machine.
- Manages the direction and supervision of volunteers, interns, and youth within farming operations including training
- Take responsibility for group work performance and work outcomes of volunteers, interns, and staff under his/her direction.
- Model and demonstrate excellent leadership, communication skills, and provide verbal and written feedback to volunteers, interns, and staff concerning work performance and job readiness according to specific program themes and measures.
- Communicate any notable issues and/or successes to Urban Farm Director as needed.
- Conduct farm-skills training and host in-person trainings in farm operations.
Qualifications:
- Associates degree; bachelors preferred in an area of horticulture, food access, nutrition, environmental science or other related discipline.
- Know about, have experience with, and a passion for urban farming, food justice culinary arts, or cultural foodways.
- Are comfortable & experienced working in school and after-school settings.
- Have experience developing curriculum for courses and other learning experiences.
- Are committed to developing leadership opportunities for young people.
- Understand that people learn in all different ways and have creative ideas about teaching.
- Are ready to work collaboratively with a team of dedicated people.
- Are responsible, flexible and self-motivated.
- Are committed to working against racism and other forms of discrimination.
- Are familiar with or willing to learn about Southeastern Massachusetts
- Are willing to work in both office and outdoor/agricultural settings, including farm work.
- Sufficient written and oral communication skills, including telephone and email etiquette and comfortability with public speaking.
- Knowledge of, or ability to learn, Gmail Business Suite
- Ability to attain 7D Pupil Transport License within six months of employment.
How to Apply:
Please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected] or mail to:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South
Club Support Center
19 Court Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
DISCLAIMER : The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. All offers are contingent upon passing a thorough background check including a CORI, SORI and National Criminal History Background check. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South is an Equal Opportunity Employer.