Food and Agriculture Assistant

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, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, working in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.

If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

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 Garden in Queens and facilitate training activities, community engagement, and support production and garden projects. This position works 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.

• 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, 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

• 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

• 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

Working Environment:
Work will be conducted primarily in the field at the urban garden, with some administrative work performed in the office and remotely. Access to car is a plus.

Compensation:
Pay Range $20.12 - $28.63 per hour for US-based candidates.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.