Location: Loch Sheldrake,NY, USA
Qualifications: High School Diploma/GED. Must be able to take basic directions and utilize any equipment in a safe and prudent manner. Ideal candidate is organized, responsible, and self-motivated. Experience working with people with I/DD preferred.
Reports to: Farmer
Essential Functions:
Hope Farm is a three-acre organic farm in collaboration with SUNY Sullivan's Sustainability Team and Culinary program. The farm is an expansion of New Hope Community's Greenhouse Program, offering hands-on educational, therapeutic, and recreational benefits. We encourage people with developmental disabilities to learn about agriculture by participating in production and harvesting of diverse crops. Hope Farm produce is picked up and delivered to NHC's 42 residential homes, SUNY Sullivan's culinary program, and to local emergency food providers. Our aim is to increase experiences and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to become self-reliant and to develop their capabilities, allowing them to become active members of the community through agricultural jobs and community volunteer work.
* Perform organic crop production duties such as planning, seeding, transplanting, weeding, pest control, harvesting, and washing vegetables, fruit, and micro greens at Hope Farm and New Hope Community's Greenhouse.
* Create, oversee, and implement monthly curriculum/scheduling of farm/horticulture activities for New Hope Community Living Arts Center, in-house programming, and Without Walls Programs, in collaboration with farmer.
* Assist with selection and purchasing of supplies and equipment such as seed, fertilizers, and farm machinery.
* Train and direct farm staff and volunteers in planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, washing, food safety, and packing and labeling of vegetables for pickup and delivery.
* Maintain and make minor repairs to farm equipment. Maintain facilities such as fencing, water supplies, and outdoor wind shelters.
* Facilitate community integration activities/events in conjunction with the farmer to continue existing activities (tours, volunteer days, etc.) and expand opportunities into new ventures (Workshops, additional crops, etc.)
* Act as liaison between Greenhouse, Farm, NHC Programming/Residential and the community to enhance participation and connection.
Additional Functions:
* Participate in staff in-service training programs as requested by the Farmer including NHC mandatory trainings.
* Responsible for all other related work as requested by the Farmer.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
* Frequent pushing, pulling, squatting, walking and bending.
* Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs independently.
* Frequent exposure to chemicals.
* Operate gardening/farm equipment if warranted, willing to learn operation of tractor
* Occasional exposure to high noise levels.
* Exposure to all types of weather.
* Potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
Salary range for this position is $35,000.00 - $40,000.00.