ABOUT PROJECT EATS

Growing Urban Food Networks to Create Livable Futures

Project EATS (PE) occupies a unique space in the urban agricultural landscape of New York City. Founded in 2009 by artist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS seeks to catalyze and support residents and infrastructure of low-wealth urban communities to increase their own ability to create conditions that transform their neighborhoods into vital hubs for health and wellbeing. PE believes that increased self-determination and resiliency in these communities will enhance their economic power and food sovereignty.

The PE model features small-plot, community-based and operated, high-yield farms – both ground-level and rooftop. Using sustainable, primarily hand-grown, farming methods, and employing seeding, succession planning, and carbon waste reuse, PE works to maximize crop yields and provide the community with ease of access to healthy, ultra-local ‘income appropriate’ food. PE also operates community farm stands, food pantries, and food Farmacies, to increase resident access to and consumption of nutritious food, and offers an array of workforce development, employment, and learning opportunities for community members. The use of art in PE programs increase the use of imagination creativity, commitment, and determination as tools for reshaping social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions in communities that support their ability to thrive and enhance their visions of what’s possible.

Farmers, Project EATS provides you with opportunities to use and expand your skills, experience, and passion for farming in a city where you can actively engage with a range of diverse communities, social activities, the arts, and culture.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Project EATS (PE) seeks an experienced farm managers to join its dynamic and growing team. You will use your skills in organic farming and PE’s high yield farming methods to establish financially viable small plot farms in communities that need fresh, healthy, nutritious food.

You will assist in developing and supporting a dedicated team of farm volunteers and resident workforce farmers. You will help plan and oversee the installation of new PE farm operations in new locations and participate in community farm activities that strengthen resident ties, use, and support of their community-based farms.

Farm Managers report to the Farm Director. In 2022, PE will operate 7 farms that are in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens with the addition of a new farm in Manhattan.

Two of PE’s farms are rooftop operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Work with the Farm Director to effectively carry out and manage farmers at your sites to achieve the goals of PE’s 2022 farm operations plan to sustainably grow food that meets PE’s standards and goals for crop yields, quality, and crop loss.

Daily Farm Operations

You will be responsible for incorporating and using PE’s farming methods and techniques to execute, oversee, and manage delegation of field operations to seasonal farmers, PE’s resident workforce, and volunteers for:

• Greenhouse and propagation

• Field operations, including:

hand transplanting and direct sowing

harvesting and processing vegetables

hand weeding and cultivation

general crop maintenance and bed preparation

• Daily data entry and record keeping

• Grounds maintenance

• Deliver crops to PE sales locations and customers

• Assist in engaging and cultivating customers at PE’s sales locations

• Assist and monitor work of volunteers

• Assist and facilitate, as necessary, resident programs

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that much of the following matches your experience:

• 3 or more seasons of soil and/or hydroponic farming. Rooftop farming experience is a plus
• Knowledge and experience using small farming tools and techniques
• Proven experience using effective methods that suppress weeds, eliminate pest, and reduce disease
• Proven experience executing and managing farm staff in the daily inputting of farm data and producing regular reports, analysis, and strategies, as needed, throughout the season to “course correct” and align projections with actual outcomes

• 2 or more seasons managing farmers, farm interns, and volunteers

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently up to 50-60 hours a week during the height of the summer
  growing season

• Effective and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions

• Comfort and experience working with large and diverse groups of people

• A valid driver’s license, experience and comfort operating a commercial van in NYC

MANDATORY PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Self-motivated, action-oriented and foresight

• Effective problem solver

• Comfortable holding self- and others accountable

• Proactive and effective manager and mentor in developing the skills, ability, and knowledge of

• Sound judgement and unquestionable integrity

• Diplomatic with strong interpersonal skills

• Willingness to go the extra mile when needed to meet PE standards

• Adaptability to adjust to factors and conditions on the fly

• Maximize available resources to achieve greatest impact

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Project EATS where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

To apply for this position, please forward a resume, as well as a substantive cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications via e-mail. NO CALLS PLEASE.