New Roots Farm & Garden Assistant

Job Title: NEW ROOTS FARM AND GARDEN ASSISTANT

Sector: RESETTLEMENT, ASYLUM AND INTEGRATION

Employment Category: LIMITED TERM

Employment Type: PART-TIME

Location: CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Job Overview:The New Roots Farm and Garden Assistant plays a key role in maintaining the physical assets of the New Roots Farm. The Farm Assistant also supports New Roots programming that takes place at the farm and other garden sites and works with gardeners, farmers, volunteers and community members to implement program activities. 

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·Support care of farm and community garden space including bed building, planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

·Assist with operating and maintaining farm systems such as irrigation, mowing, weed whacking and repairing equipment and physical assets.

·Maintain common areas at the community gardens including implementing weed control and beautification projects.

·Notify Manager, Food and Agriculture Programs of problems or needs that arise at the farm or gardens.

·Provide onsite support to farm visitors including farmers, gardeners, volunteers and community members.

·Assist with the organization and facilitation of monthly garden meetings as well as volunteer workdays.

·Other duties as assigned.

 Job Requirements:

·Secondary School Diploma.Equivalent work experience may be considered in place of formal education.

·Minimum 1 year prior work experience in farming or gardening required; community organizing experience a plus.

·Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

·Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population a plus.

·Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance.

·Able to lift 50 pounds.

·Prior experience with basic farm infrastructure construction and repair preferred.Willing and able to learn to use small machinery such as mower, weed trimmer, and water pumps.

Working Environment:

·Outdoors work in all weather conditions.

·May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.