Urban Agriculture Manager

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $58,500

At NYRP we believe that nature is a fundamental human right. Established in 1995, NYRP currently stewards 80 acres of city parkland and manages 52 community gardens, with 18,000 square feet of food production space, throughout the five boroughs. Over the last 10 years, NYRP expanded this work, leveraging its experience and expertise, to help community-based organizations build or rehabilitate garden spaces that are tailored to their unique needs through our Gardens for the City (GFTC) program. We expect to partner with 17-20 groups through GFTC in 2023, many of which have or wish to develop an urban agriculture focus.  

As a member of the Urban Agriculture (UA) Team, the UA Manager is responsible for developing and implementing programming to support the range of urban growers (community gardeners, teachers, urban farmers) in NYRP’s broad network. Work will include coordinating a progression of Technical Assistance Campaigns, supporting a series of Public UA Workshops, and providing other forms of general help to individuals in our network. To be successful, the UA Manager will cultivate relationships with growers and garden groups in assigned projects. They will also navigate the logistics of operating a citywide program.  The UA Manager will report to and work closely with the Deputy Director of Urban Agriculture, in addition to supporting two seasonal staff. 


 

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Educate – Lead trainings and workshops in garden spaces, tailored to individuals with varying degrees of knowledge about growing food in New York City, and for growers from all backgrounds and age groups. Topics include planting, trellising, composting, pest & disease management, cover cropping, season extension, irrigation, weed identification, growing culturally relevant crops, and many more.
  • Communicate - Manage communication with growers and garden groups in the network, ensuring that opportunities and resources are extended when possible, and that their needs and requests are heard and responded to as the program is able.
  • Research – Develop and compile curriculum materials and technical resources that serve as the backbone of UA Technical Assistance Campaigns, including for the trainings and workshops referenced above.
  • Build & Maintain – Support growers in their spaces, especially when they are trying new techniques or projects in the garden. Plan for, plant, and maintain a small number of demonstration and experimentation beds at the UA Team’s home garden.
  • Organize – Help to build and implement systems that facilitate an organized, efficient, and orderly workflow for the UA Program. Update our proprietary database and other record-keeping systems diligently.
  • Collaborate – Work closely with colleagues from other NYRP departments and with partners at other Urban Agriculture organizations across NYC. Ongoing collaboration with other NYRP departments and partners is necessary for the success of the program.
  • Assist with the delivery of gardening materials and supplies to GFTC partners and NYRP gardeners across the city. The UA Program transports plants, compost, and all manner of other materials all over the city for our work. Driving is a big part of the job! 
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • 3-5 years of experience working in agriculture/farming, community gardening, and/or food justice
  • Background in education, especially agricultural, environmental, or experiential education
  • Direct experience with underrepresented BIPOC communities (personal, lived experience or professional, work experience).
  • A valid and clean NY state driver’s license is required for this position. Experience driving commercial vehicles in a city is preferred.
  • Able to lift 40 lbs.; embraces the physical nature of this work
  • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Excellent communication skills (bilingual English/Spanish preferred)
  • Flexible team player, capable of both working independently and collaborating with colleagues
  • Organized (with great attention to detail!), enthusiastic, and a resourceful problem-solver who is eager to learn.
  • COVID vaccination is required to be considered for the position


 

Additional Information

SCHEDULE This is a 5-day-per-week, full-time position averaging 40 hours per week. The base schedule is Tuesday-Saturday (9am-5pm) during the season (roughly mid-April through late-November) and Monday-Friday during the off-season (roughly early-December through mid-April). The schedule may require some evenings and additional weekend work during the season to best engage community gardens and growers that are unavailable during business hours. The anticipated start date for this position is February 27, 2023 

LOCATION  The position is based out of our Northern Manhattan Sherman Creek Center Field Office at 3725 10th Ave., New York, NY 10034. The nature of this work is such that we operate out ‘in the field’ 3-5 days per week during the season. In the off-season there is limited opportunity for remote work. 

COMPENSATION  This is an exempt position with an annual salary of $58,500, plus benefits inclusive of a competitive health and dental plan, and access to a 401K, vision plan, and paid time off. 

APPLICATION Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter and resume by email to hr@nyrp.org or standard mail to 254 W. 31st Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10001. NYRP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Contact Information

New York Restoration Project