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Position Title: FARM ASSISTANT
Employment terms: This is a part-time, seasonal position, 10 hours/week, August - November.
The Incubator Farm Manager provides supervision.
Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming is a farm education nonprofit in Ithaca, NY. Our core work is to foster a diverse next generation of small-scale sustainable farmers and land cultivators by lessening common barriers to land access, resources, and business ownership. The Incubator program provides affordable access to land, agricultural infrastructure, and business support for diverse beginning farmers, including New Americans, refugees, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and those with limited resources.
This position primarily supports the production aspirations of farmers enrolled in the Groundswell Farm Business Incubator Program by working closely with the Incubator Farm Manager and maintaining the Incubator Farm site.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Site and Land Maintenance
- Help maintain and develop physical infrastructure (fencing, cooler, irrigation, shed, wash station) and equipment and supplies (BCS, tractor, weed whacker, hand tools, etc.) including purchasing materials, basic plumbing (training provided).
- Perform site and prep work to support participants cultivating healthy, certifiably-organic farmland, including safe operation of tractors and implements for field work and activities related to the operation of participant farmer enterprises in field and high tunnels.
- Identify and assist in implementing site improvements that enhance aesthetics, learning opportunities for visitors, soil health, and pollinator biodiversity.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired
- Experience and/or passion to work with beginning farmers from BIPOC and refugee communities
- Hands-on vegetable farming experience, including high tunnel production, cover cropping, and organic pest management, preferred
- Some experience with using equipment such as: mowers, rototillers, and tractors
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks, deadlines, and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to follow directions, work effectively and efficiently without close supervision
Special Requirements: This position requires flexible hours, occasionally including evenings and one weekend morning, to match the farming schedule of Incubator participants, but flexible. Must possess a valid driver's license and have regular access to transportation to the Farm, an ability to lift 50 pounds, experience safely using hand and power tools, farm equipment and machinery, and comfort with basic plumbing work.
Salary & Benefits: $20/hour. Health benefits are not available for this position.
Minimum Formal Education: none
To apply: Please email a cover letter and resume as attachment to juliana@GroundswellCenter.org with “Farm Assistant Application” in the subject line.
Application Deadline: Rolling untill filled.
Position Start Date: Ideally, August 2024
Position Title: INCUBATOR FARM MANAGER
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Position Start Date: August 2024
Employment Terms: Part-time, 24 hours/week, based in Ithaca, NY. Continuation based on performance and funding.
Salary & Benefits: $22/hour, competitive health benefits, PTO including holidays, 10 vacation days in the first year, 14 personal days, and paid family leave per NY State law.
Supervision Received: Reports to the Executive Director (ED) of Groundswell.
Supervision Exercised: Supervises one seasonal Incubator Farm Grounds Worker and all volunteers.
Organization Overview: Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming, based in Ithaca, NY, serves the Finger Lakes area. It aims to foster a diverse next generation of sustainable farmers by reducing barriers to land access, resources, and business ownership, with a focus on racial justice in the food system.
Responsibilities
Incubator Farm Program Implementation (85%)
- Maintain and develop farm infrastructure (irrigation, tools, fencing, etc) and equipment.
- Coordinate with contractors providing services at the farm like mechanical or electrical services
- Teach basic farm skills to new farmers about the operation of the farm
- Provide consulting and technical assistance to the incubator farmers
- Coordinate farm prep and post-season work, including tractor operations
- Communicate regularly with farmers, hold bi-weekly meetings, and provide training and resources
- Conduct pre- and post-season reviews with farmers, collect fees, review applications
- Support with fundraiser events along with the Incubator Farm Committee
- Follow budget, purchase farm supplies, process payments, and finance report
- Co-lead farm tours and volunteer workdays
- Maintain communication with EcoVillage
Collaboration, Community Engagement & Professional Development (15%)
- Attend weekly staff meetings
- Contribute to organizational strategies
- Build community relationships
- Present at occasional conferences and events
- Identify growth and professional development opportunities
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Flexibility, sensitivity, and strong people skills
- Organized, self-motivated, and accountable
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to teach/mentor and work collaboratively
- Experience with community building and cross-cultural competency
- Experience with groups from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Commitment to addressing food system inequities
- Hands-on experience with crop production and sustainable farming
- Basic farm mechanical skills
- Willingness to learn about alternative business structures
- Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites
- Experience with non-profit program management is a plus
- Reliable transportation or a valid driver's license
Applications should be emailed to juliana@groundswellcenter.org with the subject “Incubator Farm Manager Application".
Groundswell is an equal-opportunity employer. Employees are hired on the basis of their merit, ability, experience, and training without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual preference, or disability.
Contractual and VOlunteer Opportunities
Interested in joining a Groundswell Leadership Committee or the Board of Directors? Learn more here.
Also check out our on-farm volunteer opportunities.
Groundswell Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are hired on the basis of their merit, ability and experience without regard to race, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
