Grower’s Assistant & Root Crew Supervisor, The Food Project, Lincoln, MA

The Food Project is seeking a Grower’s Assistant & Root Crew Supervisor for the 2018 growing season, from April 2nd through November 2nd. This person is an integral member of the team on The Food Project’s 30-acre production farm in Lincoln throughout the season, participating in growing and distributing vegetables through a variety of channels in the Greater Boston area, as well as the supervisor for one of our full-time summer youth crews during July and August, facilitating their integration into responsible roles on the farm and their personal development. In the spring and the fall, the Grower’s Assistant & Root Crew Supervisor works on The Food Project’s 30-acre farm in Lincoln, MA, growing and distributing vegetables through our CSA farm-share, Farmers' Markets, and to local hunger relief organizations. In July and August, this role provides leadership for theRoot Crew, a cohort of 16 of The Food Project’s most experienced youth employees, in their work and learning on the farm in Lincoln, partnering with two youth peer leaders to facilitate the Root Crew’s strong participation in all aspects of the farm. The person in this role partners closely with The Food Project’s year-round Root Crew Supervisor to support Root Crew members to facilitate structured learning, discussion, and reflection for theentire crew; foster deep connections amongst crew members; and support crew members in setting and achieving both work and personal development goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

- April - June • Harvesting, transplanting, weeding, seeding, washing produce, packing produce • Lead groups of volunteers on the farm • Collaborate with youth development staff to prepare for summer • Prepare the farm space and practices for integration of summer Root Crew youth • Drive a delivery route in the Greater Boston area one day per week beginning in June

July - August • Lead youth in farm work and meeting goals for weeding, harvesting, and other tasks • Build relationships with Root Crew Members and support their personal development • Provide daily mentorship and coaching for Root Crew Peer Leaders, and engage them in planning for and leading the crew’s work • Manage schedule, timing and transition between activities for the crew throughout the day • Prepare and facilitate structured opportunities for learning, discussion, and reflection, often in collaboration with the year-round Root Crew Supervisor • Maintain a safe and fun space both physically and emotionally for all youth • Drive a delivery route in the Greater Boston area one day per week

September - October • Harvesting, transplanting, weeding, seeding, washing produce, packing produce • Lead groups of volunteers on the farm • Prepare farm for winter season • Assist with demands of CSA and greenhouse • Drive a delivery route in the Greater Boston area one day per week

Qualifications:

• Experience in organic crop production/agriculture • Experience working with teenagers, preferably in an outdoor setting • 21+ years of age with a valid driver’s license in good standing (required for use of TFP vehicles) • Experience organizing groups safely and productively • Ability to motivate a group of young people while fostering their potential • Ability to perform demanding physical labor, able to lift 50lbs • Ability to work in a team as well as independently • Dependability, organization, flexibility, and a sense of humor • Experience driving large vehicles or willingness to be trained • Willing to work a flexible schedule, days of the week and hours worked vary within the season • Experience with/interest in farm equipment (preferred) • Experience facilitating discussions and/or training about oppression, power, and equity (preferred)

Commitment:

This is a job you will never forget and requires a substantial commitment of time and energy. Applicants must be available April 2nd through November 2nd, 2018 and able to staff a Friday youth overnight on the farm in late July. This role might also require occasional evening availability in July and August to support the youth crew. This is a full-time, seasonal position.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, seasonal position from April 2nd through November 2nd, 2018, with a salary of $600 per week. Compensation package includes worker's compensation, employer-sponsored health insurance, paid vacation, produce from the farm, plus a transportation stipend for daily travel to and from the farm (specific amount depends on each employee’s actual costs).

Recruitment Process:

We will review all submissions, identify viable candidates and contact ONLY those individuals selected to continue in the search process. The position will be filled when desired candidate is found. Please send resume and cover letter via email to jobs@thefoodproject.org. In the subject line, write your name and the position for which you are applying, eg: “Jordan Smith – Lincoln Grower’s Assistant & Root Crew Supervisor”. We will review all submissions, identify viable candidates and contact ONLY those individuals selected to continue in the search process. The position will be filled when desired candidate is found. The Food Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to creating a multicultural organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for this position. More at http://thefoodproject.org/get-involved/work-here