JOB OPPORTUNITY: Dreaming Out Loud : Part Time Farm Assistant !

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Dreaming Out Loud : Part Time Farm Assistant !

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Position Title: Farm Assistant 

Reports to: Farm Manager & Food Access Program Manager 

Worksite: Farm at Kelly Miller, Fort Stanton Urban Farm, Farmers Markets FLSA Status: Part-time, Hourly (Non-exempt) 
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: 

Dreaming Out Loud creates economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s  marginalized community members through building a healthy, equitable food  system. Dreaming Out Loud rebuilds urban, community-based food systems  through social enterprise, helps to increase access to healthy food and improve  community health, develops low-income entrepreneurs and cooperatives, and  trains at-risk adult residents for sustainable, family-supporting wages. 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc. (DOL) seeks a hardworking, independent individual with  some farming or gardening experience as well as demonstrated passion for food  access, community organizing, and urban agriculture to assist with managing all  aspects of the Farm at Kelly Miller, Fort Stanton Urban Farm, and DOL’s Farmers Markets. 

DOL’s urban agriculture projects are innovative, community-based initiatives in  partnership with the District Department of Parks and Recreation, and community based and nonprofit partners. Each Farm is a community-based center of  agricultural learning, which includes workshops and classes, as well as farm-to school and STEAM integration with Kelly Miller Middle School, Martha’s Table, and  others. Sustainable, organic farming and collaborative food system infrastructure  will increase access to healthy food, strengthen residents' ability to improve  community food security, provide infrastructure and training to support low income entrepreneurs, and create neighborhood-based employment  opportunities. 

The Farm Assistant will assist with all production related work during the growing  season. The Farm Assistant will report to the Farm Manager and the Food Access  Program Manager. Farm Assistants are expected to work with Farm Coordinators,  other Farm Assistants, community members, volunteers, and other farmers. These  tasks include, but are not limited to, bed-prep, seeding, transplanting, watering,  weeding, pest management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and equipment  maintenance.
In addition to farm tasks, Farm Assistants will also assist at DOL’s Farmers  Markets. Tasks include, but are not limited to, setup and break-down of DOL  markets, customer service, receiving and organizing produce, tracking inventory,  data collection, point-of-sale operation, and general maintenance tasks as needed. 

The ideal candidate will be able to work in various weather conditions, will work  well in groups and independently, and will take initiative on the farm once they  learn the ropes. They will also have strong communication skills and be proficient  with the computer and be able to communicate via email and slack. They will also  be open to increasing their skills in sustainable agriculture through on farm  experience and off site training. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

● Assist with all production on the farm, including bed prep, soil amendment,  seeding, transplanting, weeding, watering, harvesting, pest management and  composting. 
● Assist with weekly harvest, packaging and distribution. 

● Assist with volunteer management including scheduling workdays and other  duties as assigned. 
● Work with volunteers, volunteer groups, and school groups. 

● Work with farm partners to coordinate events and activities. 

● Assist with all event related activities, including planning, preparation, setup, and  breakdown. 
● Assist with setup/breakdown for workshops. 

● Assist with outreach for all volunteer and community events. 

● Attend community events, conferences and workshops throughout the year. 
● Assist with CSA and Markets as needed. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

● 0-2 years of experience farming or gardening. 

● Integrated Pest Management experience is a plus. 

● Ability to distinguish between production crops and other types of plants. ● Computer skills and experience with database entry. 
● Ability to work independently and take initiative. 

● Ability to work in various weather conditions. 

● Ability to work with volunteer groups and lead farm tours. 

● Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. 

● Work some evenings and weekends. 

● Volunteer experience and/or AmeriCorps service is a plus. 

● Experience in carpentry, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement is
a plus. 

● Driver’s license a plus. 

● Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems. 

Compensation 

$20/hr 

Part-Time

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: 

DOL provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants  for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity,  sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law  requirements, DOL complies with applicable state and local laws governing  nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has  facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including  recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves  of absence, compensation and training.
Compensation: $20.00 per hour



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