Urban Farm Associate

Announcement

Kinship Community Food Center is seeking an individual for the Urban Farm Associate role. Our newest team member will play a vital role in the day-to-day operations and overall success of the farm, working closely with the Urban Farm Manager and alongside Kinship staff, volunteers, and members of our community. The Associate will assist with a wide range of hands-on farming activities and responsibilities including: 1) participating in the entire growing process from seed to harvest, 2) applying both traditional and modern concepts in sustainable agriculture, and 3) assisting with planting, soil preparation, irrigation, pest management, and crop rotation.

In addition to fieldwork, the Farm Associate will help assess and address infrastructure needs, maintain and improve farm facilities, and contribute to the ongoing development of the site to enhance efficiency. This role also includes leading and mentoring groups of volunteers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings helping to create a welcoming and educational environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels. This role also involves weekly desk work focused on managing in-season farm data, tracking budgets, and supporting both pre- and post-season planning.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about food systems, community resilience, and hands-on agricultural work to grow their skills in a supportive, mission-driven setting, with meaningful opportunities for continued growth and advancement within the organization.

Areas of Interest or Expertise

Urban Agriculture | Composting | Urban Scale Vegetable Production | Succession Planting

Crop Pest Control and Mitigation | Partnership Building | Systems Thinking | Light Construction

Our Mission

Kinship Community Food Center engages volunteers and neighborhood residents to end hunger, isolation, and poverty.  The mission pillars of our work are 1) nourishing food security and wellness, 2) fostering kinship and community engagement and 3) creating stability & economic opportunity.

Our fresh food market, urban farm, café, and collaborative meals expand food access while teaching healthful habits and skills in a community of belonging where crisis assistance and mentoring is made available. We believe no one is so deprived that they have nothing to give, and no one is so well-off that they no longer have needs.

Position Responsibilities 

• Assist in daily operations of the Urban Farm, the native prairie, composting, raised garden beds, and land care


• Assist in development and maintenance of farm facilities and infrastructure such as hoop houses, irrigation systems, and farming tools and equipment


• Assist in and help manage crop seeding and transplanting various crops throughout the growing season


• Update harvest log, pest management log, planting SOP, and irrigation log


• Lead volunteer groups of between five to thirty people alongside other Kinship staff, interns, and volunteers


• Assist with loading and unloading harvested produce into the Kinship transport vehicle on site and unload at the Food Center


• Check in volunteers via Salesforce software at the beginning of the farm volunteer sessions and help facilitate the opening and closing volunteer huddle


• Assist with weekly food distribution on an as needed basis and help promote the farm at the Food Center


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  Contribute to the planning and execution of Kinship programming and events

Desired Requirements

• Tuesday – Saturday work week


• Receptiveness to overall servant leader model and mission of Kinship Community Food Center


• Two years of work experience in Agriculture, or related field


• Ability to use crop management software


• 
  Ability to work in four seasons outdoor environment


• 
  Strong volunteer facilitation ability


• 
  Highly motivated, self-directed with a positive attitude and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings


• 
  Demonstrated organizational, collaborative, interpersonal, and written & verbal communication skills 


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  Ability to interact with diverse groups


• Strong attention to detail and ability to set priorities and handle multiple projects simultaneously


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office


• Openness to work within a Christian/Catholic faith-based environment based on social justice principles.


• Valid Driver’s license, proof of insurance, and transportation to support work activities 

And We Offer You

A competitive $40,000 - $48,000 annually (commensurate with experience), benefits package, a flexible work environment, an enthusiastic team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Working Conditions:

Work Location: Open office workspace with active team atmosphere. Outdoor two-acre Urban Farm location, Food Center distribution space

Physical Requirements: Standing and sitting for prolonged periods. Typing on a computer keyboard. Lifting objects of 70 pounds or less. Ability to operate Chainsaw, string trimmer, brush & lawn mower, power tiller, and other gardening tools; power drills; computer and printer/copier; utility vehicle.

Here is what some Team Members have to say about the Kinship Community Food Center workplace culture:

 “I always feel supported, like I have a purpose, and that my coworkers truly care about me.”

“The sense of family and willingness to accept each other as they make themselves vulnerable leads to a culture that fosters the risk required for growth and achieving our personal as well as organizational potential.”

“The community of shoppers, volunteers, staff, donors, etc., and the culture of generosity here has made this a great place to work. I love that we are so mission driven. As a whole, the community here really cares about the dignity of one another, and we strive to uplift that through our program offerings (offering fresh, farm produce, assisting others in mentoring relationships, offering trainings on poverty and hunger, and so much more).”

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.