Job Announcement
Urban Farm Manager-Half Time or Full Time
Community Harvest was founded in 1997 on the belief that ALL people
should have access to fresh, healthy foods regardless of ones
neighborhood or socio-economic status. Community Harvest is seeking a
manager for its urban mini-farm, which grows one acre of chemical-free
vegetables, herbs, and flowers for the nutritional and educational
benefit of the community. This is a unique opportunity to improve the
lives of DC residents by providing leadership in a growing and
mission-driven organization.
The mission of Community Harvest is to create a locally rooted and
sustainable food system that meets the needs of both underserved
communities and small farmers in the Washington, DC region. In addition
to the mini-farm, the organization's Local Food Alliance program helps
communities to develop urban farmers' markets served by regional family
farmers, and its Youth Leadership Program seeks to educate, employ and
empower youth in the areas of sustainable agriculture, environmental
justice, nutrition, and hunger.
Urban Oasis Community Farm and Learning Center, located near the
Anacostia and Congress Heights neighborhoods of Southeast DC, is
maintained by a force of volunteers and youth. The farm is run on the
following principles:
* the use of sustainable, chemical-free growing methods;
* a strong commitment to selling produce in low-income
neighborhoods at a fair price; and
* the involvement of local residents in the farm's production,
empowering them in the improvement of their neighborhood's food
security, and providing educational and recreational opportunities.
Urban Oasis was initiated in 1998 when the only supermarket in DC's 8th
Ward, which is home to more than 70,000 residents, permanently closed
its doors. To this day, not one supermarket has moved in to fill the
void. The mini-farm is one of few healthy food options serving the Ward
8 community.
Position Description:
The Farm Manager's primary responsibilities are:
(1) to grow vegetables using sustainable, chemical-free methods in the
one acre garden. The individual must manage the volunteer labor force
and oversee the distribution of the produce. He/she should additionally
act as a resource to Community Harvest staff and partners regarding
sustainable agriculture issues and practices.
(2) to educate and engage adult volunteers, teen staff, and school aged
youth. The individual will conduct the Living Learning Laboratory
garden-based curriculum for K-6 graders and lead other hands-on learning
activities for children.
(3) to manage the administrative duties of the program, including
working proactively to assure land tenure for the garden, seeking
funding and public relations opportunities, and keeping records of
production and volunteerism.
The development of garden products and programs should focus on the
interests of the neighboring community and seek to increase their
ownership and investment in the project. The Farm Manager must be
outgoing with an innate ability to motivate others to get involved in
social change.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
* Experience in small scale sustainable agriculture production and
marketing.
* Experience interacting with culturally and economically diverse
audiences.
* Experience in community activism and working with youths preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Awareness of and enthusiasm about food access/nutrition and
sustainable agriculture issues.
* Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
* Knowledge of community organizing and coalition building.
* Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple
projects.
** Strong communication skills including writing, interpersonal and
ability to articulate Community Harvest's mission to a variety of
audiences.
* Commitment to social change and the mission of Community Harvest.
* Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create opportunities.
* Goals and results-oriented.
* Database and basic computer skills a plus.
Working Conditions and Hours: The Farm Manager will work in a variety of
conditions including outdoors at the farm and indoor administrative
work. Most of the work will be conducted during normal working hours but
some work will be required on the weekends, especially during the
growing season. The Farm Manager may be a half- or full-time position
for fall/winter of 2003 and is a full time position during the 2004
growing season.
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience with benefits.
Opportunities for professional training and development are available.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to:
Nicole Lewis
Farm Manager
Community Harvest
2437 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Fax: 202.667.9669 or email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> . No phone calls please.
Web Site: www.communityharvestdc.org
<http://www.communityharvestdc.org/>
This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature of work
being performed and not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required. Community Harvest is an
Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks applicants who will contribute to
the diversity of the staff.
