Farm Coordinator

Description

About Central Texas Food Bank

The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in Central Texas and a proud member of the Feeding America network. From its headquarters in Austin, CTFB serves a 21-county region on a mission to increase food access by providing nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through programs, education, and innovative solutions.

Through a combination of direct-service programs and a network of approximately 250 nonprofit community partners, CTFB supports over 612,000 food-insecure individuals annually.

We offer a collaborative and community-focused culture that values Service, Integrity, Dignity, Collaboration and Innovation. We're seeking dedicated, mission-driven professionals to help us shape a healthier future for our neighbors. Join us in our vision of ensuring that all Central Texans will have immediate and equitable access to nutritious food.

Position Overview

The Farm Coordinator's primary responsibility is to ensure the productivity of the diverse 1-acre farm as a source of fresh organic produce for CTFB Programs, while maintaining the space as a safe, tidy, and attractive venue for community engagement and events. Under the direction of the Farm Manager, the Farm Coordinator will provide day-to-day care and maintenance of our 1 acre on-site culinary garden and production farm, lead regular volunteer shifts, and provide occasional support for CTFB events taking place onsite or occasionally offsite by providing produce, bouquets, marketing content, etc.

The Farm Coordinator will gain firsthand experience in sustainable agricultural production, including organic soil management practices, sustainable pest and disease control, seasonal vegetable rotations for Central Texas, and volunteer management skills.

Relationships

Building and maintaining collaborative and meaningful relationships internally and externally is key to success in this position. Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Farm Coordinator will work closely with internal programs, warehouse, and distribution teams to ensure fresh produce is readily available and broadly accessible to our programs. This position will also lead and engage with frequent groups of farm volunteers ranging from 1-20 people per shift.

Requirements

Your Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years experience growing food in Central Texas
• Great public speaking ability
• Confidence to lead groups of strangers
• Ability to clearly communicate detailed farm tasks to inexperienced volunteers
• LOTS of energy, kindness, patience and a sense of humor for leading volunteers
• Willingness to frequently adapt and learn
• Previous professional farming, nursery, or horticultural experience and/or equivalent formal training required
• Previous non-profit and food access experience preferred
• Previous food safety & 1st Aid training preferred
• Ability to discern ripeness and anticipate maturity dates of different crops prior to harvest
• Experience using hand and power tools (saws, shovels, rakes, hoes, hammers, drills, etc.)
• Experience operating a BCS walk-behind tractor and using common BCS implements
• Experience with crop irrigation timing, setup, basic repair and maintenance
• Experience doing physical labor in an outdoor setting, such as construction or landscaping
• Experience leading outdoor recreation or environmental education preferred
• Valid Food Handler's certification or ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to speak, read, write and understand English
• Ability to work occasional evening and/or weekend hours with advanced notice
• A passion and love for fresh vegetables
• A commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices
• Interest in food system, food insecurity, and hunger relief issues
• Belief in CTFB's mission, vision, values and culture
• Display a willingness and desire to work with people from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds.
• Display a commitment to service above all else.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead, instruct, and monitor Farm volunteers in multiple shifts per week

• Keep the Farm…