Farm Coordinator

IRC Background:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression. For over 20 years our Tucson office has provided a range of services including resettlement and economic empowerment services, immigration, community gardening and case management.

Our strength and success lie within our core values of Service, Accountability, Equality, and Integrity. We are strongly motivated by our clients and are dedicated to delivering high-impact and quality programs.

Job Summary

The Farm Coordinator will build the capacity of the New Roots Urban Farm and Community Gardening Program through the development and facilitation of farmer training, acquisition of resources, day to day physical operations, production management, and volunteer coordination. The Farm Coordinator is directly responsible for management of New Roots farm sites and will coordinate farmer-participant activities and participation pertaining to all market outlets including the New Roots Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The Farm Coordinator will oversee farmer technical assistance and training on organic and sustainable agricultural production, small scale production techniques, and irrigation management. The Farm Coordinator will be responsible for the oversight of physical resources, infrastructure, land management, and the facilitation of resource access for farmers. This position reports to the New Roots Program Manager.

Major Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

• Maintain farming equipment and vehicles including tractor, implements, tiller, tools, irrigation systems, wash stations, including arranging for upkeep and tracking inventory.
• Manage and maintain aquaponics greenhouse including tilapia production.
• Develop and implement land management plans for New Roots farm sites including soil fertility, inputs, irrigation systems, apiculture, and composting.
• Participate in total farm planning with other New Roots staff and New Roots farmers.
• Implement farm and food safety plan and GHP/GAP compliance at New Roots farm sites.
• Collaborate in land acquisition, development and preparation including soil remediation, infrastructure installation, and farm layout and irrigation.

Farmer Training and Technical Assistance

• Collaborate with New Roots team to develop and oversee implementation of training materials on organic and sustainable agricultural production topics including crop planning, soil health, weed and pest management, irrigation management, post-harvest handling, and food safety, through regular workshop and one-on-one training and technical assistance.
• Conduct regular visits to all partner farm sites.
• Coordinate with New Roots partners to provide additional trainings and resources in land management, crop production, food safety, business development and marketing.

Program Monitoring

• Track relevant production data for all New Roots farm sites including crop plans, harvest times and farmer sales.
• Monitor soil fertility, including soil testing, addition of soil amendments, and tracking tillage and crop rotations.
• Track aquaponics greenhouse production and harvest data as well as system maintenance including PH levels, system health, and tilapia sales.
• Keep accurate case files and participant records for participating New Roots farmers, monitor and record skill acquisition.
• Coordinate with New Roots Program Manager to collect and maintain relevant data for New Roots grant and donor deliverables; contribute to grant writing and reporting requirements.

Community Relations and Resource Development

• Develop and maintain strong community partnerships including University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Local First Arizona and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Represent New Roots in the larger community through attending outreach events and by organizing events and volunteer days.
• Work with New Roots Program Manager in fundraising, development activities, and resource acquisition of in-kind and monetary donations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support New Roots team through collaboration and participation in various New Roots PHX events and projects including seasonal markets, produce deliveries and urban farm and community gardening activities.
• Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Reports to: New Roots Program Manager Position directly supervises: Interns and volunteers within program

Indirect Reporting: Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC staff, interns, and volunteers

External: Community partners, donors, vendors

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Business, or related field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of three years of agriculture related work experience. Diversified vegetable and sustainable/organic production experience preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to safely operate and maintain small farm equipment including vehicles, tractor, tiller, mowers, trimmers, etc.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and able to work independently.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with bilingual ability preferred.
• Ability to communicate with limited-English speakers and demonstrated multicultural experience.
• Computer proficiency with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook). Proven experience in web-based data entry systems preferred.

Certificates or Licenses:

• Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation.
• In accordance with Arizona State Law, must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

Standard office work environment combined with travel throughout service delivery area. Flexible to work Saturdays and some weekday evenings throughout the CSA season, as needed. Ability to safely lift 50 lbs.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.