The Fund for Public Health in New York City, (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. To this end, in partnership with the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Health Department), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by the Health Department to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Stellar Farmers Markets (SFM) program is seeking engaging community interpreters for a 21- week nutrition education job opportunity from mid-June through November. SFM staff engage New Yorkers in interactive nutrition education workshops at NYC farmers markets located in underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods. The goal of SFM is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by building on New Yorkers’ knowledge and skills about healthy eating.

Through a comprehensive training program, educators will build professional skills encompassing public speaking, culinary skills, nutritional knowledge, and bilingual interpretation of workshops using a trauma-informed approach, while promoting the joy of food and community connection.

This opportunity offers a unique chance to gain insights into a community nutrition education program and contribute to public health equity efforts. Bilingual educators will develop community engagement skills and build their language interpretation skills as well as participate in trainings and networking opportunities with fellow emerging health professionals and Health Department staff. Support and opportunities for feedback will be provided via monthly team meetings and check-ins with program leads and teammates. Upon completion of the season, Bilingual Educators will receive a Community Nutrition and Food Education Certificate, in recognition of their community work and for the completion of SFM trainings.

Situated within the NYC Health Department’s Healthy Eating Unit within the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention (BCDP), SFM is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) through a contract with New York State Health Department’s Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables program. BCDP strives to reduce the burden of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among New Yorkers. BCDP focuses on nutrition, tobacco use, the built environment, and reducing the impact of cancer and hypertension. We do this work with an understanding of the structural forces, including a history of discrimination and social injustices, that contribute to inequitable chronic disease health outcomes.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Bilingual Educators fluent in English/Spanish will join a team of three or more to assist with the preparation and delivery of bilingual nutrition and cooking workshops at farmers markets from July- November 2025.  This paid position is part-time and seasonal to coincide with the regional growing season. Up to 6 applicants will be selected for this role. Selected Bilingual Educators must commit to their assigned 1-2 farmers markets or farmstand sites, including one weekend site. The Bilingual Educator will report to the Nutrition Educator (onsite team leader) and Senior Manager. Work hours will align with farmers market schedules.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As representatives of the NYC Health Department, Bilingual Educators will:

• Participate in a required, paid 5-day training in June 2025 (June 17^th, 18^th, 20^th, 23^rd, and 24^th).
• For the entirety of the season, participate in required monthly Monday afternoon staff meetings at the Health Department office in Long Island City, Queens, to share program updates, collaborate on building team communication and teamwork, and receive role specific training and support.
• Collaborate with a team of three or more at each workshop site which includes a Nutrition Educator, responsible for leading the team and implementing the nutrition education lesson, and a Culinary Educator, responsible for implementing the cooking demonstration.
• Prepare for and orally interpret in-person nutrition education workshops and cooking demonstrations from English to Spanish, and if able, translate some written signage and educational messaging.
• Assist the Nutrition Educator with:
  • the preparation and implementation of nutrition education sessions
  • survey distribution and completion
  • data collection
• Assist the Culinary Educator with food preparation tasks in between workshops.
• Actively participate in the proper set-up and breakdown of tent, cooking equipment and educational materials.
• Follow curriculum and maintain integrity and fidelity of programming.
• Actively participate in the marketing and promotion of programming at farmers markets to achieve required participation levels.
• Maintain all safety protocols at workshop sites.
• Maintain and encourage environmentally sustainable practices at workshop sites.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Oral fluency in English & Spanish
• Dynamic personality and excellent presentation, interpersonal, and communications skills
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse populations
• Commitment to and strong interest in teamwork and effective communication practices
• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time and work outside in inclement weather conditions
• Willing and able to regularly lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds (to and from storage site to workshop location on a weekly basis each market day)
• Commitment to a minimum of 2 days per week of work, including one weekend day
• Commitment to attending in-person monthly meetings held at our Health Department office in Long Island City, Queens