Company description

Farmshare Austin’s mission is to grow a healthy, just and equitable local food system by increasing community food access and cultivating new farmers.

About Farmshare

Located on a 13-acre certified organic farm in Southeastern Travis County, Farmshare Austin cultivates the next generation of farmers and increases community food access. We offer opportunities in a learning community for adults who are interested in launching careers in organic and sustainable farming. Over 75 percent of the produce grown on the farm goes directly to our Fresh for Less Mobile Markets and Home Delivery, a weekly, reliable food access program serving 22 zip codes in the Eastern Crescent of Austin and Travis County.  

Since 2014, we have graduated 86 adults from our 20-week Farmer Starter beginning farmer training, of whom nearly 80% are working in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. 

Since fall 2016, Farmshare’s food access work has focused on Fresh for Less Mobile Markets and Home Delivery, a partnership with local government that provides a weekly, reliable source of reduced price, farmers’ market quality fresh produce and nutrient-dense grocery items to low-income customers in the Eastern Crescent of Austin and Travis County. 

Job description

Farmshare Austin seeks a Food Access Coordinator responsible for supporting and implementing Farmshare Austin’s Fresh for Less Food Access Programs, including the Mobile Markets and Home Delivery. The goal of these programs is to provide fresh, seasonal produce at accessible prices in communities facing socioeconomic and geographic barriers to healthy food access. Fresh for Less serves a diverse population, including a significant portion of Spanish-only speaking customers.

The Food Access Coordinator primarily will be responsible for operating weekly Mobile Markets and/or weekly Home delivery routes, including packing and delivering orders, driving market vehicles, setting up market sites, making and accurately recording sales, providing excellent customer service and gathering customer and community feedback. The Food Access Coordinator also will be responsible for assisting with updating and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures, including making recommendations for improvements. The Coordinator will be expected to follow standard health, safety and COVID protocols relating to their position.

Members of the Food Access team will be required to work a few hours monthly on the farm. This time is spent working in the field and/or in post-harvest activities under the guidance of the Farm Team. There will also be 2-3 hours per week devoted to staff meetings (currently held virtually) and administrative work. Employees also may be expected to attend/assist with Farmshare community events and fundraisers and other duties as assigned.

Farmshare Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer that offers positions of varying skill levels and responsibilities that amplify our mission. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ identified people, people of marginalized genders, people with differing abilities and genetic differences, veterans and people who speak, read or write a language in addition to English.

Essential Job Duties:

• Conducting Mobile Markets and/or Home Delivery Program activities, including packing and delivering customer orders, preparing for markets, driving to market sites, setting up the market, maintaining a safe and comfortable shopping environment, communicating with customers, promoting fresh produce, completing transactions, and leaving sites in a clean and respectful condition.  
• Uploading market reports, preparing deposits, adding to Standard Operating Procedures, and other administrative tasks.
• Outreach for markets and delivery programs including attending community events, coordinating outreach materials, providing content for social media and other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned (assist with events, farm, volunteers, etc.).

Qualifications and Personal Characteristics:

• Highly trustworthy and responsible. Able to manage cash, credit, and SNAP transactions.
• Fluent in Spanish and English.
• Valid Driver’s License and proven track record of operating a vehicle safely 
• Ability to move and lift equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. repeatedly and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Passion for food access and commitment to building an equitable food system.
• An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Ability to work with all Farmshare Staff to maintain an environment of equity and inclusivity in which people of all cultures, races, gender identities and sexual orientations are valued and supported.
• Ability to help develop new programs, identify opportunities for improvement and take initiative.
• Ability to communicate cordially, professionally and effectively with the public.
• Ability to work well independently as well as to function effectively as a member of a team.
• Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with curiosity and encouragement.

Other Requirements:

• Our location is only available via car.

Preferred Qualifications or Characteristics:

• Solution-oriented and quick to learn new skills and concepts
• Retail experience or experience in marketing and produce sales
• Educational or professional experience with non-profit organizations
• Educational or professional experience in food access, food justice, hunger alleviation, and/or community development
• Experience with and sensitivity to working with ethnically, culturally and socio-economically diverse groups 

Workplace Location and Benefits:

• This position is primarily onsite with occasional remote work. 

Benefits:

• Employer contribution to an individual Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement for each employee.
• Paid time off (PTO) of 160 hours per fiscal year, prorated according to start date and full or part-time position.
• Five additional paid holidays.
• Paid time off between Christmas Eve and New Years Day when offices are closed.
• Plenty of farm produce to take home and a terrific, supportive team.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

November 25, 2024