Farm Assistant Temp – PT 20 Hours

Kids' Food Basket • Grand Rapids, MI

1d

About The Position

Farm Assistant
Location: Kent County | Department: Agriculture | Status: Non-Exempt

At Kids’ Food Basket, we believe every child deserves access to nourishing meals and a community that cares. We’re not just feeding kids; we’re growing healthy futures. Through education, access, and agriculture, we create lasting change across West Michigan. Volunteers are at the heart of this work, and the Volunteer Experience Coordinator plays a vital role in welcoming, supporting, and inspiring those who give their time to our mission. If you’re energized by people, purpose, and hands-on impact, this role may be for you.

What You’ll Do
As a Farm Assistant, you’ll support the daily operations of our Agriculture program and help ensure our farms run safely, efficiently, and with care. You will:
Support all aspects of farm operations, including planting, harvesting, washing and packing produce, inventory tracking, irrigation, and hydroponic system monitoring, compost maintenance, and the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
Lead daily farm activities in the absence of the Farm Manager or Farm Site Lead.
Welcome, host, and lead volunteers through farm tasks, including setting up and cleaning up shifts, while sharing knowledge of Kids’ Food Basket’s mission, sustainable farming practices, and the root causes of food insecurity.
Assist with lifting and moving containers up to 50 pounds and support regular food and supply pickups and deliveries to partner sites.
Maintain a safe work environment by adhering to food safety standards and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Complete other duties as assigned in support of the Agriculture program.
What You’ll Bring
You’re dependable, hands-on, and passionate about food access and community impact. You bring:
High school diploma or GED with at least one (1) year of relevant experience; basic knowledge of plants, farming, or agriculture, and a willingness to continue learning.
Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate vehicles and farm equipment; basic small-engine knowledge preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with basic tracking, documentation, and recordkeeping.
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with volunteers, coworkers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Physical ability to perform farm work, including lifting and moving up to 50 pounds.
Organized, solution-oriented, and adaptable mindset with the ability to think creatively in dynamic environments.
People-first approach and interest in developing a deeper understanding of hunger and poverty issues in West Michigan.
Why You’ll Love It
When you join Kids’ Food Basket, you become part of a mission-driven organization working toward a more nourished future. In this role, you will:
Be part of a passionate Agriculture team advancing food access and sustainability.
See the direct impact of your work through fresh produce grown for local families and partner pantries.
Engage with volunteers and community members in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Grow your skills in sustainable farming, food safety, and nonprofit operations.
Work in a supportive, inclusive environment rooted in optimism, collaboration, and care.
CLICK HERE to view the full Job Description.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with at least one (1) year of relevant experience; basic knowledge of plants, farming, or agriculture, and a willingness to continue learning.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate vehicles and farm equipment; basic small-engine knowledge preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with basic tracking, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with volunteers, coworkers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Physical ability to perform farm work, including lifting and moving up to 50 pounds.
• Organized, solution-oriented, and adaptable mindset with the ability to think creatively in dynamic environments.
• People-first approach and interest in developing a deeper understanding of hunger and poverty issues in West Michigan.

Nice To Haves

• basic small-engine knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of farm operations, including planting, harvesting, washing and packing produce, inventory tracking, irrigation, and hydroponic system monitoring, compost maintenance, and the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Lead daily farm activities in the absence of the Farm Manager or Farm Site Lead.
• Welcome, host, and lead volunteers through farm tasks, including setting up and cleaning up shifts, while sharing knowledge of Kids’ Food Basket’s mission, sustainable farming practices, and the root causes of food insecurity.
• Assist with lifting and moving containers up to 50 pounds and support regular food and supply pickups and deliveries to partner sites.
• Maintain a safe work environment by adhering to food safety standards and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
• Complete other duties as assigned in support of the Agriculture program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED