Hydroponic Farmer-Educator: DeWitt Clinton Educational Campus

NYCDOE Community Associate role reporting to AP Brandon Weinberg, located at DeWitt Clinton Educational Campus (100 W Mosholu Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10468). Periodic travel may be required for meetings and events.

About the Role

Work with Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) to build an equitable, sustainable, healthy food system throughout New York City through school-based, youth-led hydroponic farming. As a Farmer-Educator, you play a critical role in empowering and educating the next generation to work and advocate for major systems change in bringing healthy, affordable food to their communities. This is an NYC Public Schools staff role that partners with TFFJ to implement and oversee all farm-based programming, including integrated school day classes, afterschool programming, farm internships, and food distribution to the campus cafeteria as well as to families and local community-based partners.

Farm Responsibilities

• Tend to hydroponic crops by seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and cleaning hydroponic systems (post-harvest), including pruning and trellising vine crops.
• Deploy various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) treatments and Plant Protection Products (PPP) as needed.
• Use the Farm Management Dashboard to submit accurate records, report issues, request supplies, and follow task-specific instructions while supporting on-site farm and classroom activities.
• Support core food distribution tasks, including harvesting, weighing, labeling, packing, and coordinating handoff of produce to ensure accurate orders, food safety compliance, and successful receipt by customers.
• Manage inventory of farm supplies by regularly assessing stock, requesting supplies as needed, receiving supplies from designated areas, and providing proof of receipt on the Farm Management Dashboard.
• Observe and enforce food and farm safety protocols for all students, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness on the farm and ensure that the farm is safe, clean, and presentable at all times.
• Periodically lead farm tours and chaperone trips related to the farm and its afterschool program.

Program Responsibilities

• Lead and work with students daily to operate a production-scale hydroponic farm in a public school.
• Co-teach daily school day classes and weekly afterschool program sessions that utilize the farm and engage students in lessons and activities including hands-on farm tasks, experiments and research, group discussions, cooking demonstrations, and gallery walks.
• Regularly collaborate with partner teachers to review and prepare lesson materials prior to school-day and afterschool programming, including printing materials and setting up activities in advance.
• Manage student farm assistant interns in helping with farm operations tasks (e.g., tracking attendance, providing farm tasks, tracking hours, and communicating with partner staff).
• Brainstorm ways for students to take ownership of, and connect with, the school day and afterschool content presented.
• Distribute and collect class rosters, media consent, and other TFFJ-related permission forms from all classes and students engaged with the farm.
• Use the Farm Management Dashboard to submit accurate class records, request supplies, and use the Curriculum Library to plan lessons with teachers and log recipes.
• Communicate clearly and regularly with the TFFJ Program team about school-based opportunities and community events.
• Attend regular meetings with the Program team to discuss curriculum needs and feedback, program-related issues such as class attendance/scheduling, classroom management, and supply needs.
• Serve as the farm’s representative within the campus community, occasionally attending community events outside of school hours as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 2 years of work experience
• Ability to clear a required NYC Public Schools background check (required to work in schools)
• Ability to clearly, consistently, and accurately communicate both verbally and electronically
• Comfortable using a Windows PC for email, data entry, and calendars
• Ability to follow directions and provide directions to others
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Adhere to existing organizational systems
• Ability to work independently, but also be a team player
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders/rolling staircases

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and demonstrated commitment to, social justice
• Interest or experience in food service, farming, urban agriculture, community health, or youth development
• The desire to work with youth
• High energy level and a positive outlook
• Ability to provide three references

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 3:15 pm

Pay

Salary Range: $50,000 – $55,000 plus DC-37 Union Membership and Benefits

Start Date

Approximately September 8, 2026