Urban Farm Associate

Overview

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 Kinship staff, volunteers, and community members. The Associate will assist with a wide range of hands-on farming activities and responsibilities including: participating in the entire growing process from seed to harvest, applying traditional and modern concepts in sustainable agriculture, and 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 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 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 nourishing food security and wellness, fostering kinship and community engagement and creating stability and 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.

• 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
• Contribute to the planning and execution of Kinship programming and events

• 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
• Ability to interact with diverse groups
• Strong attention to detail and the 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…