New Roots Farm Coordinator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Summary 

The Farm Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of New Roots farm sites and supports the Urban Farm and Community Gardening Program. The role coordinates farmer activities, training, production, market participation, volunteers, equipment, infrastructure, and access to resources. The Farm Coordinator also supports safe and sustainable farming practices, program data collection, and community partnerships. This position reports to the New Roots Program Manager.

This role has an end date of 12/31/2027

Major Responsibilities: 

Farm Operations, Infrastructure, and Safety

• Manage farm equipment, vehicles, tools, irrigation systems, and wash stations, including maintenance and inventory.
• Manage aquaponics greenhouse operations, including tilapia production.
• Develop and carry out land management plans covering soil fertility, farm inputs, irrigation, apiculture, and composting.
• Coordinate farm planning with New Roots staff and participating farmers.
• Implement farm and food safety plans and maintain GHP/GAP compliance at New Roots farm sites.
• Support land acquisition and site development, including soil remediation, infrastructure installation, farm layout, and irrigation.

Farmer Training and Technical Assistance

• Develop and deliver group and one-on-one training on sustainable agriculture, including crop planning, soil health, pest and weed management, irrigation, post-harvest handling, and food safety.
• Visit partner farm sites regularly to assess needs and provide technical assistance.
• Coordinate partner-led training and resources related to land management, crop production, food safety, business development, and marketing.

Program Monitoring

• Track farm production data, including crop plans, harvests, and farmer sales.
• Monitor soil health through testing and track soil amendments, tillage, and crop rotations.
• Track aquaponics production, harvests, system maintenance, pH levels, system health, and tilapia sales.
• Maintain accurate participant files and document farmer progress and skill development.
• Work with the Program Manager to maintain data for grant and donor deliverables and contribute to grant proposals and reports.

Community Relations and Resource Development

• Develop and maintain partnerships with organizations such as the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Local First Arizona, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Represent New Roots at community events and coordinate outreach activities and volunteer days.
• Support fundraising, development activities, and the acquisition of in-kind and financial resources.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support seasonal markets, produce deliveries, urban farm activities, community gardens, and other New Roots projects.
• Follow all IRC policies and procedures, including the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Reports to: New Roots Program Manager
Position coordinates: Interns and program volunteers

Other Internal and External Contacts:

Internal: IRC staff, interns, and volunteers

External:  Community partners, donors, vendors

Job Requirements: 

Education: 

• Undergraduate degree in agricultural sciences, agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Experience: 

• At least three years of agriculture-related experience. Experience with diversified vegetable and sustainable or organic production is preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to safely operate and maintain farm vehicles and equipment, including tractors, tillers, mowers, and trimmers.
• Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize work and operate independently.
• Fluency in spoken and written English; bilingual ability is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people who have limited English proficiency and work across cultures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. Experience with web-based data systems is preferred.

Certificates or Licenses:

• Valid driver's license, active automobile insurance, and access to reliable transportation are required.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain an Arizona fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

Work is performed in farm office and outdoor urban farm settings, with regular travel throughout the service area. Some Saturday and weekday evening work is required. The role requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions and safely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $26.78). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.