Urban Farmer Job in Washington, DC

Common Good City Farm (CGCF) is an urban farm and education center growing food for and with low-income residents in Washington, DC and providing educational opportunities for all people that help increase food security, improve health, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Our Mission to grow food, educate, and help low-income DC community members meet their food needs. Their Vision to serve as a replicable model of a community-based urban food system.

CGCF’s programs provide hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability. CGCF’s presence in a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-generational community creates an opportunity for people from all walks of life to spend time learning about healthy food, gaining access to it, and exercising in the process of growing it.

What We Seek
We are looking for a well-rounded and outgoing individual who brings strong farming skills and is interested in and committed to the food justice movement. The Urban Grower will join a diverse team of highly committed and talented staff and volunteers. This position requires dedication and skill in working with people from diverse backgrounds, personal and professional maturity, creativity, and commitment to the vision and mission of Common Good City Farm.

Position Summary
The Urban Grower is responsible for planning, organizing and managing all the activities of the half-acre Farm. The Farm produces food using sustainable agriculture and permaculture ethics and practices.

Farming Responsibilities
Plan and direct day-to-day operation of the Farm based on activities outlined in the annual work plan
Create and manage the Farm-site’s annual budget and small enterprise program
Supervise and train volunteer Farm Coordinators
Purchase materials and supplies for the operation of the Farm
Develop and execute yearly chronological and spatial planting plan
Manage all Farm work, including greenhouse plant propagation, disease/pest control, planting, harvest and distribution of produce
Oversee assessment and evaluation of Farm operations
Promote active and broad participation by volunteers, Green Tomorrows participants and other stakeholders in all areas of the organization’s work
Coordinate Farm education visits and teach lessons as necessary
Provide support to and work in partnership with the LEAF and Green Tomorrows Programs

Administrative Responsibilities
With the Executive Director, develop an annual plan for Farm operations that addresses programmatic needs and grant deliverables, and work diligently to meet its benchmarks and goals
Utilize a standardized tracking sheet for Farm operations and data, including crop plans, harvest log, germination rate, planting schedule, growth tracking, compost production, and soil nutrient management
With contribution from volunteer staff, keep a Farm journal to record Farm work, events, program content and participation, and other pertinent information valuable to the Farm
Assist with Farm grant reports

Outreach Responsibilities
Be a welcoming presence to youth and adult community residents, support relationship building between the Farm and the community
Assist with community meetings, events and other outreach efforts
Write monthly Farm e-newsletter
Represent the mission and values of Common Good City Farm at local farmers’markets, conferences, and other public relations or fundraising engagements
Form working relationships with local community leaders, businesses and organizations to expand awareness of Common Good’s programming

Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have a Degree or Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture, Plant Science, Horticulture or related field
Minimum 3-5 years vegetable farm management using sustainable agriculture practices―urban agriculture experience a plus
Minimum 3-5 years working in diverse neighborhoods across race, culture and class differences

Competencies
Ability to build positive relationships with a wide variety of people
Ability to train and manage diverse groups of volunteers and community members
Ability to organize and maintain records and daily written reports
Ability to manage assets – equipment, labor, etc.
Ability to budget and plan ahead
Friendly, outgoing demeanor
Passion for community development, healthy eating, and sustainable agriculture
Broad conceptual judgment, initiative and ability to deal with complex issues as well as strong analytical and problem solving abilities
Ability to invite feedback and manage change to achieve continuous improvement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort and experience speaking at public events, giving presentations on food security, food access, urban agriculture, and other topics relevant to Common Good City Farm
Strong knowledge of community food systems, urban sustainability and food security issues
Ability to lift 50 pounds and take part in physical labor in all weather conditions
Spanish language proficiency a plus

SALARY: Competitive salary with medical benefits
START DATE: February 2012
REPORTS TO: Executive Director

TO APPLY
Email cover letter and résumé to jobs@commongoodcityfarm.org mail to P.O. 26030 Washington, DC 20001.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Common Good City Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to maintain a staff that reflects the diversity of our community and the population we aim to serve. We welcome applicants of all races, ethnicities, socio-economic statuses and sexual orientations.

And please mention where you learned of this opportunity when contacting us. Thanks.