Roots Assistant

About the IRC

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping people to recover and rebuild after conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, the IRC works in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.

The New Roots Assistant supports Youth Roots activities, farm, garden, and market access initiatives to help low‑income families grow healthy food, generate income, and build community. The role works closely with the New Roots team and several coordinators.

• Support New Roots activities: farm operations, garden maintenance, farmers market support, and youth programming.
• Collaborate with the Youth Roots Specialist to design and implement curriculum on agriculture, nutrition, food justice, land justice, and related topics.
• Assist the farm team with irrigation, mentorship, and general farm tasks.
• Support market activities by helping at farmers markets and aggregating produce.
• Communicate program information to participants and families, including translating with interpreters.
• Record program activities and data in the database.
• Maintain the main educational garden sites in Tukwila and Horseneck Farm, and manage program supply and tool inventory.
• Participate in team meetings, staff development activities, and special events.
• Comply with all IRC policies, procedures, and protocols.

• Assist the New Roots team with collaborations and events.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Reports to:
  
  Youth Roots Specialist
• Coordination:
  Community Garden Specialist, Food Access Specialist, Food and Market Access Coordinator for Secondary Programs.
• External contacts:
  Foster HS faculty and staff, property owners of the educational garden sites, Horseneck Farm community, Tukwila Village Farmers Market collaborators, Hunger Relief organizations, Cascadia, Seattle Public School.

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in food systems, agriculture, community gardens, education, or customer service.
• Experience working with youth and community members.
• Experience facilitating nutrition, agriculture, food access, land access, youth leadership, farm, produce marketing, or related topics.
• Commitment to anti‑racism and ongoing learning.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in languages such as Spanish, Nepali, Arabic, Somali, Swahili or Burmese is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills: multi‑tasking, prioritizing, planning, and time management.
• Valid driver’s license, active insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.

• Works in a professional office setting with flexible remote and in‑office options.
• Most activities occur on site at New Roots gardens and farm locations.
• Schedule may include Saturdays and some weekday evenings during the market season.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Pay rate: $25–$26 per hour, based on location, experience, and skill set.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered 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.