Urban Farmer/Educator, Center for Environmental Transformation

Posted by Center for Environmental Transformation on November 10, 2014

Urban Farmer/Educator Job Announcement

The Center for Environmental Transformation (CFET) is an environmental retreat center with an urban farm located in Camden, NJ that engages and educates people of all backgrounds to practice a more environmentally responsible way of living on the planet. Founded out of a faith community, rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition of social and environmental justice, CFET works in partnership with the community to advance solutions to environmental challenges and to create a sustainable and healthy source of fresh food.

Position Overview
The Urban Farmer/Educator (UFE) is responsible for managing all aspects related to the farming operations at CFET, managing the youth programs, facilitating farm to school programs, an initiative in partnership with FoodCorps NJ, managing the seasonal Farmer’s Market, working with the Executive Director and the Business Manager to support value-added product development, coordinating volunteer efforts in the gardens, providing, with other staff members, educational sessions on topics related to environmental and food justice and preparing monthly reports at the direction of the Executive Director for the regular board of trustees meetings. The Urban Farmer/Educator reports directly to the Executive Director.

High Priority Responsibilities for the Urban Farmer/Educator
 Maintaining farm operations – Continue the development of robust chemical-free growing operations (fruit, vegetables, native plants and honey)
 Youth Programming – Maintain a vibrant and effective set of programming opportunities for the youth of Camden
 Community Outreach – In collaboration with other staff, developing and implementing a strategy for opportunities to engage the Waterfront South community in CFET programming

Essential Duties
 Oversees all aspects of farm management (seed purchase, planting, cultivating, harvesting, preparing for market or program use, winterizing the gardens)
 Coordinates volunteers in the gardens
 Maintains accurate records of all details of the farm
 Oversees all aspects of youth programming, including recruitment, supervision of the youth, curriculum development, workshop facilitation, evaluation and attention to safety
 Facilitates, in collaboration with the FoodCorp volunteer and the Executive Director, farm to school programming, including developing curriculum and ongoing evaluation
 Manages the seasonal Farmer’s Market, including marketing, packaging of produce and record keeping
 In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Business Manager, support value-added product development

Ideal Qualifications
 Passionate commitment to environmental justice, food justice and sustainability
 Ability to integrate contemporary science, spirituality and environmental issues with the aim of empowering personal and communal change.
 Demonstrated excellence in the management of an urban farm and/or community garden
 Experience in writing and securing grants
 Personal attributes such as the ability to relate with people of all ages, develop trust and engender collaboration, communicate confidently and effectively, and strive for excellence.

Required Qualifications
 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in pertinent training or experience
 Proven experience in managing an urban farm/garden
 Proven educator of young people (children and teens) in environmental education
 Excellent relationship-building, written and oral communication skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
 Proven ability to implement projects and adhere to established timelines. Must be able to manage projects independently and prioritize tasks.
 Commitment to volunteer development programs that maximize individual and organizational goals.
 Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission
Other necessary characteristics
 A Tuesday – Saturday work week

Competitive salary, plus medical benefits

Send resume, cover letter in which you outline your fit for this position, and the names and contact information for three references, including two professional references. Send this material via email to Mark Doorley at [email protected] or send via US Mail to the attention of Mark Doorley, CFET, 1729 Ferry Ave., Camden, NJ 08104.

Applications will be accepted until December 1, 2014