Farmer Lead

Company Description

Succotash Gardens collaborates with PowerHouse Church (COGIC) at 25 E. Roosevelt to develop a 14,000-square-foot food forest in Roosevelt, NY. This space provides environmental education, fresh food access, and a community refuge for Black and Latine working-class residents disproportionately impacted by environmental health risks. The project promotes tree cover, healthy eating, cultural preservation, art, and dialogue. Succotash Gardens is committed to building skills and fostering community resilience through sustainable and inclusive practices.

Role Description

The Farmer Lead will oversee daily operations at Succotash Gardens, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, as well as maintaining the food forest. Responsibilities include working alongside the Director to managing volunteers, and implementing sustainable farming practices. The role also involves fostering community engagement, supporting environmental education efforts, and maintaining the equipment and facilities. This is a part-time, on-site role located in Roosevelt, NY.

Start date: June 8th

End date: October 5th

Compensation: $20/hour

Classification: In-person, Part-time (5-10 hours a week), Seasonal role

Point Person: Nailah Garard, Executive Director and Land Steward

Qualifications

• Two or more years of hands-on experience with sustainable farming practices, crop cultivation, and food forest management, and some construction experience.
• Skills in volunteer coordination, community engagement, and facilitating workshops or educational programs.
• Knowledge of environmental health, urban agriculture, and food security.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple tasks and priorities.
• Adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Prior experience in community-based agricultural projects or environmental education is highly beneficial.
• Physical ability to perform farm-related work in various weather conditions.
• Demonstrates good judgment and helps keep Succotash Gardens’ culture of respect and inclusion;
• Is able to work a flexible weekday schedule, and support on some weekends;
• Is able to work independently and collaboratively with other team members;
• Is committed to administrative task follow-through including; email response, google drive maintenance, organized spreadsheets, and other relevant data
• Lives in Roosevelt, NY or nearby towns;
• Has excellent communication skills (preferably speaks English and Spanish)
• Has access to a car for farm visits and pick up materials and supplies.