Food and Agriculture Assistant

International Rescue Committee•New York, NY

3d•$23 - $23•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. Job Overview: Under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Coordinator, the Food and Agriculture Assistant will support day-to-day farm operations and site maintenance of New Roots Farm (Bronx - 670 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451) and Garden (Queens - 41-38 69th St, Woodside, NY 11377), and facilitate training activities, community engagement, and support production and garden projects. This position will work with staff, interns, garden members, volunteers, and community members to increase production and information exchange at the farm and garden sites. The expectation of this role is to work in-person at the farm and garden during open hours plus administrative duties remotely and in our office at 263 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018. This is a temporary, part-time position through September 30th, 2026, with the potential for extension and increase in hours.

Requirements

Passion for and knowledge of food sovereignty and food justice
Physical ability to carry out gardening and farm-related activities required
1-2 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture/urban farming/gardening projects is desired
Experience in community organizing, engagement, or training, particularly with disadvantaged communities
Experience working in a diverse and non-traditional setting with a diverse client base
Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment
Able to contribute both independently and as a key team member
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Fluent in English, both spoken and written; strong preference for bilingual candidates, preferably in Spanish, Bengali, or Filipino

Nice To Haves

Ability to work independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels
Ability to manage and work through change proactively and positively

Responsibilities

Contribute to overall site maintenance: weeding, watering, filling up water tanks, picking up trash, organizing tool shed and greenhouse
Crop plan, create planting schedules, and maintain shared/public areas
Coordinate work-day activities with community members and support volunteers on site
Coordinate seed saving for successions and the garden’s seed library
Provide suggestions for and implement natural pest management
Assist with harvest and distribution
Conduct community outreach; develop and maintain community partnerships
Track quantifiable measurements to assess project effectiveness via Excel and/or Farming Concrete, and ensure data is input into IRCs main database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)
Support the farmers market and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and supervise Market Stewards and Apprentices
Supervise Land Stewards, and interns and volunteers
Support and promote other New York Resettlement programming taking place at the garden (e.g. Health and Wellness mindfulness workshops) and that can benefit clients and community members (e.g. workforce programs)
Other related duties as assigned

Benefits

403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting)
Non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting)
Paid sick leave in accordance with policy
Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
Dental starting at $6.50 per month
Vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
Disability & life insurance