FARM TRAINER

The Farm Trainer will work in close collaboration with the Director of Education to realize the goals of the Farming for Community Apprenticeship and Farmer in Training programs. The trainer will serve as the liaison connecting the Apprenticeship and Farmer in Training curriculum to seasonal farm tasks, lead educational experiences that create hands-on learning opportunities, present content in the training handbook, syllabus, and slide decks, and manage the Grandel Square Demonstration farm. The Farm Trainer is directly accountable to the Director of Education with strong collaboration expected with Farm Managers, Farm Engagement Coordinator (FEC), and the Director of Urban Agriculture.

Responsibilities

Farmer in Training Program (35% of effort):

• Implement Farmers in Training (FIT) program goals, expectations, and schedule
• Collaborate on program onboarding, orientation and evaluation.
• Lead on-farm demonstrations and weekly educational seminars, and work with FITs on daily tasks during farms shifts
• Deliver presentations on curriculum topics from the FIT syllabus and assigned readings
• Meet individually with FITs at specific intervals to discuss personal learning goals and projects, support skill development
• Liaise with appropriate Farm Manager on assigned tasks and projects when necessary.

Farming for Community Apprenticeship Program (20% of effort):

• Implement the Farming for Community Apprenticeship program curriculum including delivering presentations on core farming skill and leading apprentices in assigned tasks during their weekly shifts or field trips.
• Work with the directors and farm managers to identify strategies for hands-on learning at the intersection of the curriculum and required farm tasks
• Support evaluation and assessment, including taking weekly attendance
• Regularly communicate with apprentices about farm schedule, locations, and tasks

Grandel Farm Management (20% of effort)

• Utilize organic regenerative farming methods, including cultivating soil health, and implementing organic pest, disease, and weed management strategies.
• Nurture edible and pollinator-attracting plants in a variety of settings including high tunnel, farm rows, and raised beds
• Develop, manage, and implement a crop plan and harvest schedule in collaboration with the Director of Urban Agriculture
• Properly harvest, handle and record produce yields according to the food safety guidelines
• Cultivate seedlings and maintain indoor growing space (High tunnel, greenhouse, etc)

Administrative Tasks, Planning & Record Keeping (20% of effort):

Other Duties as assigned (5% of effort)

• Coordinate and assist Farm Engagement Coordinator with Apprentice+ and Grandel Perennial workshops (in 2025)
• Tabling/Working at Earth Day (April), TG Pride or MATI (Sept), Raise the Roof (Oct) and other events as needed

Qualifications & Skills

• Two full seasons of organic or urban crop production (farm or garden).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; a passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Experience with implementation of education programs, mentorship, and/or facilitation of volunteers preferred.
• Enthusiasm for educating community members and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people and stakeholders.
• A passion for urban agriculture, health, food justice, and community development.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities, work independently, and effectively manage time.

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