Company description

Sky Farm LIC (SFLIC) is a nonprofit, educational farm program operated by the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ). Our one acre space on top of the Standard Motors Building in Long Island City grows vegetables, herbs, bouquet flowers, native plants, perennials, and specialty crops on over 20,000 square feet of soil beds. We are a new organization, growing towards the goal of having both a diversified vegetable program as well as bees, a vermicomposter, a teaching kitchen, classroom and community spaces, and more.  

SFLIC enjoys a unique staffing structure that encourages all members of the farm crew to pursue development in aspects of both agricultural and creative/educational pursuits. Every member of the farm crew is involved in educational programming to some capacity, their role being determined by their personal interests, talents, and capabilities as well as the farm and program’s needs. While managers play the heaviest role in the development of curriculum and programming as well as in execution, crew members also play vital roles including but not limited to teaching and assisting, developing new crafts and games, pitching class ideas, and more. SFLIC’s goal to create a safe, fun, and sustainable learning environment for the youth of New York City is fueled by the passion, creativity, and participation of the farm crew.        

 

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated, responsible individual to fill the role of Assistant Farm Manager/Assistant Educational Coordinator here at Sky Farm LIC. The Assistant Farm Manager/Assistant Educational Coordinator will work closely with our Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator role to oversee all aspects of our operation, both agricultural and educational. This includes but is not limited to assisting with development and execution of curriculum and educational programming, community outreach, growing and harvesting produce, undertaking repairs and construction, and record keeping and general administration related to the farm including developing the crop plan and farm purchasing targets.

As we are still in development going into our second season as a farm, we are looking for someone with at least two seasons of agricultural experience who can work independently, collaborate with our Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator on development and systems creation, and take pride in helping us build a productive and lasting operation.

This position is a hybrid of both farm production/team leadership and educational/administrative work, so it’s vital to be flexible, capable of multitasking, and an excellent communicator. The Assistant Manager/Assistant Educational Coordinator will play an important role both in the management of the farm space/crew and helping to develop and teach in educational experiences, so it’s vital to feel a passion both for farming and education! It is a unique position well suited to a self starter, who enjoys collaboration, decision making, and opportunities to adapt and grow.   

Desired Skills/Qualifications  
● Minimum 2 seasons agricultural experience cultivating produce on farms, urban farms, or equivalent experience 
● Able to understand and execute crop plan including but not limited to seeding, planting, cultivating, and harvesting 
● Works quickly, cleanly, and effectively. Able to complete farm tasks, make and communicate observations about farm operations and soil health, and transition efficiently from one task to the next 
● Experience and passion for working in educational programs and collaborating with teams to create successful, comprehensive educational experiences in agricultural spaces 
● Able to assist Farm Manager in creating and maintaining records on Tend and Google Drive 
● Competent leader, able to independently lead educational programming groups and other community programming 
● Values food justice, sustainability, and holistic and inclusive farming and educational practices, supports and is excited by the mission of Sky Farm LIC and VBGCQ 
● Self starter who is excited by the prospect of helping to start an educational farm and be a valuable part of the team  
● Small tools/repairs skills a plus  
● Able to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors while standing for long periods of time 
● Spanish speaking skills a plus   

Responsibilities 
● Assist the Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator role as assigned in all aspects of farm and programming operations, including but not limited to staff management, bed preparation, cultivation, hand-weeding, harvesting and packing produce, teaching classes, onboarding staff, delegating, etc.  
● Operate small machinery and utilize hand tools consistent with rooftop farming. 
● Assist Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator as assigned in developing crop plans, curricula, making purchasing decisions, etc. Assist as assigned on long term projects for farm space and educational programs as well as regular record keeping procedures     
● Assist with general farm infrastructure upkeep such as irrigation maintenance, tool servicing, etc.   
● Execute facilities projects and small repairs; lead educational groups and other programming; liaise with partners; be a steward of the rooftop space  
● Undertake as assigned administrative tasks and record keeping and participate in regular meetings to optimize administrative operations on farm   
● Collaborate with Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator role to make farm and programming decisions, run biweekly newsletter and other community outreach projects   
● Assist the Farm Manager & Educational Coordinator role in conducting staff meetings, intern orientations, partner/vendor meetings, etc. 
● Occasionally assist with farm events in evening / weekend hours, such as dinners, workshops, community gatherings etc. 
● Assist in overseeing the overall operation and development of the farm space and farm program

 
Schedule 
The Assistant Farm Manager/Assistant Educational Coordinator is a Seasonal role from late February to mid-November. The Assistant Farm Manager/Assistant Educational Coordinator is expected to work onsite 35-40 hours during the growing season (late February through mid-November) 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, with a ramp up and ramp down of hours in Spring and Fall, and many early mornings during peak season. Schedule and hours may vary from week-to-week.      

Compensation 
● $32-$34/hr, 35-40 hours weekly from late February - mid November, paid biweekly over the course of the season  

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

March 01, 2025