Program Coordinator - Pedal Farmers Program

Project U.S.E. launched the Pedal Farmers program in Newark 19 years ago to empower youth through urban agriculture, bicycling, and entrepreneurship. In recent years, the program has doubled in size, expanding opportunities for more students to participate. The program currently operates out of two sites in the city: Eden Farms and the Grace West Manor Garden. Through Pedal Farmers, youth are employed while gaining valuable life skills, including riding bicycles safely in an urban environment, cultivating crops from seed to harvest, and transforming their produce into value-added goods. Participants also develop entrepreneurial skills such as marketing and product development. They create items like pesto, salsas, marinara sauce, and hot sauces, gaining real-world experience in small business practices while promoting healthy, locally grown food.

Opportunity-

We are hiring a motivated individual to lead and manage the Pedal Farmers program. This is a part-time position, 16–20 hours per week through June, increasing to 24–30 hours per week during July and August. There is also an opportunity to continue part-time employment after the summer season. During July and August, Pedal Farmers operates as an 8-week Newark youth employment program focused on urban organic gardening, financial literacy, green transportation, and food systems education. A key component of the program is professional development training, which provides youth employees with valuable entry-level job skills. Strong bicycle riding skills required; bicycling is the primary mode of transportation between program sites and activities throughout Newark.

Responsibilities-
In your role, tasks include but are not limited to the following:

· Recruiting candidates ages 14-18 for employment

· Executing the daily program curriculum

· Garden management (spreading mulch, planting, cultivating, harvesting)

· Material management (ordering; budget tracking)

· Coordinating employees (scheduling/phone/email communications)

· Partnering with Grace West management and residents

· Documentation of metrics

· Travel to other community gardens throughout Essex and Morris County

· Opportunity to work as an instructor on programs at our Wildcat Mountain Wilderness Center, if desired

Who You Are & What You Bring-
You are passionate about gardening, food security, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. You are dedicated, mature, and demonstrate strong judgment and decision-making skills. You believe in our mission and are excited about the opportunity to positively impact the next generation.

Qualifications-

Project U.S.E. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Strong organizational skills
• Demonstrated interest in gardening
• Passion for working with people of all ages, and comfortable speaking in front of groups
• Ability to lift 25 lbs or more
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to ride a bicycle alongside youth employees throughout the city of Newark
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Zoom
• Must pass a background check and reference check (employment is contingent upon successful completion)
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Nice to have-
· Certification in Basic First Aid & CPR; Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) a plus

· Spanish bilingual ability is highly valued

· Passion or interest in environmental studies, gardening, psychology, and/or youth development