New Roots Farm Coordinator Glendale, AZ

Job: New Roots Farm Coordinator

Company: International Rescue Committee

Location: Glendale, AZ

Sector: Food Security

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

The New Roots Farm Coordinator will build the capacity of the New Roots Urban Farm and Community Gardening Program by developing and facilitating farmer education, resource acquisition, day-to-day entity operations, production management, and volunteer coordination.

The Farm Coordinator is directly responsible for managing the New Roots farm grounds and coordinating farmer activities and participation in all markets, including the New Roots Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

The Xingen Farm Coordinator will oversee the provision of technical support and training to farmers in organic and sustainable agricultural production, small-scale production techniques, and irrigation management. The Xingen Farm Coordinator will oversee physical resources, infrastructure, and land management and facilitate farmers’ access to resources. This position reports to the New Root Program Manager.

New Roots Farm Coordinator Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

• Maintain farming equipment and vehicles including tractors, implements, tiller, tools, irrigation systems, and wash stations, including arranging for upkeep and tracking inventory.
• Manage and maintain aquaponics greenhouse including tilapia production.
• Develop and implement land management plans for New Roots farm sites including soil fertility, inputs, irrigation systems, apiculture, and composting.
• Participate in total farm planning with other New Roots staff and New Roots farmers.
• Implement farm and food safety plan and GHP/GAP compliance at New Roots farm sites.
• Collaborate in land acquisition, development, and preparation including soil remediation, infrastructure installation, and farm layout and irrigation.

Farmer Training and Technical Assistance

Collaborate with the New Roots team to develop and oversee the implementation of training materials on organic and sustainable agricultural production topics including crop planning, soil health, weed and pest management, irrigation management, post-harvest handling, and food safety, through regular workshops and one-on-one training and technical assistance.
Conduct regular visits to all partner farm sites.
Coordinate with New Roots partners to provide additional training and resources in land management, crop production, food safety, business development, and marketing.

Program Monitoring

• Track relevant production data for all New Roots farm sites including crop plans, harvest times, and farmer sales.
• Monitor soil fertility, including soil testing, the addition of soil amendments, and tracking tillage and crop rotations.
• Track aquaponics greenhouse production and harvest data as well as system maintenance including PH levels, system health, and tilapia sales.
• Keep accurate case files and participant records for participating New Roots farmers, monitor and record skill acquisition.
• Coordinate with New Roots Program Manager to collect and maintain relevant data for New Roots grant and donor deliverables; contribute to grant writing and reporting requirements.

Community Relations and Resource Development

• Develop and maintain strong community partnerships including the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Local First Arizona, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Represent New Roots in the larger community through attending outreach events and by organizing events and volunteer days.
• Work with New Roots Program Manager in fundraising, development activities, and resource acquisition of in-kind and monetary donations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the New Roots team through collaboration and participation in various New Roots PHX events and projects including seasonal markets, produce deliveries, and urban farm and community gardening activities.
• Comply with all IRC policies, procedures, and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.
• Other duties as assigned.

New Roots Farm Coordinator Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Business, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of agriculture-related work experience. Diversified vegetable and sustainable/organic production experience preferred.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain small farm equipment including vehicles, tractors, tillers, mowers, trimmers, etc.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage time effectively, and able to work independently.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with bilingual ability, preferred.
• Ability to communicate with limited-English speakers and demonstrated multicultural experience.
• Computer proficiency with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook). Proven experience in web-based data entry systems is preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation.
• In accordance with Arizona State Law, one must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.