DirectJobHub
Jobs · Manufacturing · New York

Food and Agriculture Assistant

International Rescue Committee · New York, NY · 2 days ago
Manufacturing$22.5–$23.15/hrPart-time

About the Role

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 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian NGOs, operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

Under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Coordinator, the Food and Agriculture Assistant will support day‑to‑day farm operations and site maintenance at New Roots Farm (Bronx) and Garden (Queens), facilitate training activities, community engagement, and support production and garden projects. The role works with staff, interns, garden members, volunteers, and community members to increase production and information exchange at the farm and garden sites, with in‑person duties during open hours and remote/office administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to overall site maintenance: weeding, watering, filling water tanks, picking up trash, organizing tool shed and greenhouse.
  • Develop crop plans, 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 manage 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 entered into IRC’s main database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).
  • Support the farmers market and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program; supervise Market Stewards and Apprentices.
  • Supervise Land Stewards, interns, and volunteers.
  • Support and promote other New York Resettlement programming at the garden (e.g., health and wellness mindfulness workshops, workforce programs).
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Passion for and knowledge of food sovereignty and food justice.
  • Physical ability to perform gardening and farm‑related activities.
  • 1–2 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, urban farming, or gardening projects (desired).
  • Experience in community organizing, engagement, or training, especially with disadvantaged communities.
  • Experience working in a diverse, non‑traditional setting with a varied client base.
  • Self‑starter with excellent problem‑solving skills; ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; clear and concise in all communications.
  • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment.
  • Ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Fluent in English (spoken and written); strong preference for bilingual candidates, preferably Spanish, Bengali, or Filipino.

Compensation

Pay Rate: $22.50 – $23.15 per hour. Rates are based on labor market, job type, internal equity, budget, work location, and individual candidate experience and skills. This role has an anticipated end date of September 30, 2027.

Benefits

Short‑term U.S. employees are not eligible for the IRC’s full benefits package. Eligible benefits include:

  • 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) and a non‑elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3‑year vesting).
  • Paid sick leave in accordance with policy.
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families.

Professional Standards

All IRC workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct: Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. The organization enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, Reporting Wrongdoing, and Protection from Retaliation, fostering a safe environment and taking corrective actions when needed.

Similar jobs