Farm Assistant

FRESH New London (freshnewlondon.org) is a small food justice non-profit located in New London, CT. Our mission is to build momentum for food system change through local agriculture and youth empowerment.  We use food to connect to the community, encourage leadership, inspire stewardship and incite change.  FRESH is focused on urban farming, community gardening and youth, as a way to build resiliency in our City and to inspire more people to take part in the community food system. 

FRESH Core Values

Environmental Stewardship

Health and Wellness

Racial and Social Justice

Our Community: Our Culture, Our People, Our Place, Our Power

Young People and the Future

Sense of Humor and Fun!

FRESH New London is fiscally sponsored by TSNE (www.tsne.org).

We currently grow food on 8 locations in New London, ranging from a small 3x6 snack beds to the developing Cottage Street Farm. The Farm Assistant assists the Farmer in managing these sites.

This is a temporary position.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Farmer in the daily operation of FRESH's multiple garden sites and new urban farm in New London, such as transplanting, watering, weeding, and managing pests at multiple sites with limited supervision;
• Record and report on the progress of each task to the Farmer;
• Maintain a watering schedule on multiple properties;
• Work with high school-aged young people to harvest, weigh, wash, and properly store vegetables, set up for CSA pickup, and interface with community gardeners and CSA members who may have questions about the food and growing processes;
• Other team-based tasks will involve building raised beds, planting seedlings, moving soil, and working at FRESH events such as plant sales, workshops, fundraisers, etc.
• May be asked to operate FRESH vehicle if 18 years or older.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Minimum of participation of 1 full year with FRESH
• Familiarity with organic growing methods is helpful, but some training will be provided;
• Passion for gardening, food preparation and/or local food systems;
• Ability to work independently, while being mindful of FRESH’s larger organizational work;
• Understanding of racial and social justice principles and how to apply them in FRESH settings;
• High level of independence and accountability;
• Must display a passion for food justice & social change and be willing and able to express that motivation in the context of practical farm activities;
• Positive attitude and energy.
• A growing interest in agricultural skills or community food security;
• Organized and able to complete work assignments in a timely manner;
• Ability to work independently with regular check in about tasks; ask questions when needed;
• Interest in developing interpersonal relationships;
• Working knowledge of FRESH Urban Farm and FRESH Programs;
• Interest in youth leadership and youth development;
• Strong drive to learn and practice good communication; work with team and community members respectfully and with patience;
• Interest in working with diverse populations - different ages and various economic, social and political backgrounds;
• Qualities of self-motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation.
• Valid Driver’s License/ clean driving record, preferred if over 18;
• Willing and able to drive pick-up truck, preferred if over 18;
• Successful background check.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Ability to sit and/or for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position.
• There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.
• Work on a farm;
• Weekend and evening availability is required for this position;
• Work in different environments, including on a farm and/or outdoors in all seasons;
• Perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time;
• Flexibility with scheduling is required.
• Live in or near New London to maintain our garden sites.
• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location:Work will be primarily performed at F.R.E.S.H New London, CT. Not eligible for remote work.

Schedule: Flexible. Up to 18 hours per week. Must be available for all Crew Program hours, typically Tuesday – Saturday, some additional evening and weekend hours required.

Compensation: The starting pay range for this position is $18.50-$19.50/hr and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.

TSNE/FRESH strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/FRESH prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/FRESH celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/FRESH's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.