Farm Assistant

PROJECT SUMMARY:  Global Gardens, a program of the Idaho Office for Refugee and Jannus, Inc. engages farmers and gardeners from refugee backgrounds and others with economic and linguistic barriers to use their skills and talents to grow food for their families, communities and the Treasure Valley. The project provides education and facilitates space and resources for refugees to get their start, to share their cultural and food traditions with the community, and to support their families.  In addition to providing produce to farmers markets, community-supported agriculture members, childcare centers, and Boise area restaurants through its farming entrepreneur program, Global Gardens also operates a community garden at Liberty Park. Individual allotment plots are available for a modest fee, and gardeners sign an agreement committing to garden policies. About 60 families participate in the community garden each year.

POSITION SUMMARY: Global Gardens is seeking a Farm Assistant to support overall Global Gardens farming operations and to facilitate the Liberty Park Community Garden Program. Applicants should bring some experience in urban agriculture and farming and be excited about collaborating with and empowering diverse populations in our community. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support Global Gardens’ overall vegetable production operations, at multiple sites, including: field preparation, weed control, ditch repair, irrigation system maintenance, tools and machinery maintenance, compost and vermicompost management;
• Support harvest/wash/pack/storage/distribution systems with a focus on quality control, adherence to food safety protocols and increasing farmer performance and customer satisfaction;
• Assist with annual registrations, payment processing and mapping for community garden plot assignments;
• Provide orientation, education and ongoing support to community gardeners including crop selection, direct seeding and transplanting techniques, cultivation, pest management and harvest;
• Engage local community members, gardeners, and volunteers, in community garden workdays;
• Be a garden spokesperson: communicate with garden members on a regular basis, act as a link between Global Gardens staff and the gardeners, address community gardeners’ concerns in a timely manner;
• Support end of season site clean-up;
• Actively participate in department meetings, staff development opportunities, program training, community activities, and organizational events;
• Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and experience with vegetable production and/or farming;
• Experience building relationships in communities;
• Clear written and verbal communication skills;
• Creative problem-solving abilities;
• Experience supervising volunteers promoting cooperation and team building;
• Ability to work with a variety of personalities while encouraging a sense of community, diplomacy and fairness; 
• Conflict resolution skills;
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the experience of people with limited incomes;
• Demonstrated cultural competency;
• Ability to lift 50lbs;
• Able to pass a criminal history background check and driving background check;
• Must have a vehicle and current driver’s license and be able to provide proof of state-required liability insurance.

EDUCATION: Any combination of education and experience that provides the skills necessary to be successful in this position. Multi-lingual skills highly preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:   None Required

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in a general office environment, in the community and outdoors, including garden sites and farmers markets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Must be able to tolerate heat and cold, and to drive to family participants’ homes and project sites (gardens) in varied weather conditions.  Sitting, standing, walking, driving, repeated hand and wrist motions (for computer use) are required.  Must be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds and safely operate garden equipment such as tillers.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this job.

TO APPLY: 

Complete the required Jannus, Inc. Employment Application available at www.jannus.org.  Please note that a cover letter and resume are required, and applications will be considered incomplete without this documentation.  If you need any support completing the application, please reach out to Jannus HR at 208.336.5533.  Applications will be accepted through April 07, 2025.

Jannus, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.