Community Farm Manager

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).

Program/Department Description

Community Access provides affordable housing, supportive services, education, training and employment services, integrated rehabilitation and treatment services, and care coordination to individuals with psychiatric disabilities, histories of homelessness, substance use, criminal justice involvement and serious health concerns. The Housing department provides permanent and affordable supportive housing for individuals living with mental health concerns and low-income community residents and families, as well as licensed transitional residential programs for individuals moving from institutions into the community. Services are geared towards assisting people in maintaining their housing and moving forward with their lives in stable community-based environments.

Position Overview

Under the direction and with support of the Health & Wellness Director, the Community Farm Manager will oversee the operations of the CA community farm at E 172nd St and provide technical and hands on assistance at various sites including planting, harvesting, greenhouse management, crop planning, pest management, irrigation, general upkeep and farm-related programming. The Community Farm Manager is tasked with establishing and maintaining the 172nd community farm to provide produce and create a teaching laboratory for tenants and staff, engaging the CA housing community in urban agriculture. The Community Farm Manager will serve as a consultant for those throughout CA seeking to develop urban agriculture at their sites, including creating a secondary educational hub at 258 E. 4th St.

Key Performance Indicators

• Develop and update seasonal crop plan, based on identified target deadlines
• Maintain weekly farm activity and production logs, harvest data, and compost records
• Deliver at least four technical assistance workshops a month in urban agriculture techniques
• Follow department ordering, organizing, storing, inventory tracking, and delivery practices 100% of the time
• Write all progress notes within two business days of group/activities.
  
  

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Technical training and/or work/internship/community involvement in the areas of community gardening, urban agriculture, food production, horticulture.
• Knowledge and passion for: food justice, sustainability, urban farming, adult education, community organizing, environmental justice, and intergenerational learning.
• Have at least an intermediate-level knowledge & skills related to crop planning, propagation, composting, irrigation, pest management, botany, companion planting, pruning, seed saving, planting, harvesting, production yields, and other knowledge and skills needed to manage an urban farm.
• Ability to work with individuals with mental health, substance use, & chronic health conditions, living in supportive housing applying principles of harm reduction, self-determination, inclusion, and dignity and respect for all.
• Conflict resolution and community building approach.
• This position requires the physical ability to move/lift heavy objects, to kneel/sit/bend and work outdoors in hot or cold weather.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to self-direct and juggle short-term with long-term task deadlines.
• Current NYS driver’s license or commitment to obtain within 6 months.
• Working outside throughout the 4 seasons of the year.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use or learn Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Bridge, Canva, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center.
  
  

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs .

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V.

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as

having a personal experience using mental health services. www.communityaccess.org