Young Scholars Frederick Douglass is seeking a part-time Urban Gardener who will oversee and maintain the school garden and coordinate volunteer and educational programming for members of the school community. The garden is located on school grounds. This is an ideal position for a graduate student or professional looking for part-time work.

Young Scholars Frederick Douglass Charter School, located in North Philadelphia, is a part of the Scholar Academies network of high-performing schools that use a focused, progressive educational approach designed specifically to close the achievement gap for low-income students who come to us severely under-prepared. As a part of the Renaissance Initiative, Scholar Academies was given the opportunity to turn Frederick Douglass Elementary into one of the highest achieving schools in Philadelphia. Our model develops students into smart and dedicated scholars, determined to succeed on their PATH to academic achievement.

This position is a part-time position of 15-20 hours per week at $15/hour. This position would start in April/May and extend into December (or until garden is harvested and winterized). Key responsibilities of this position include:

Plan and prepare the garden for planting
Coordinate community and student volunteers for planting and weekly maintenance
Maintain the garden on a weekly basis
Work closely with Young Scholars Douglass staff to integrate the garden into the school community
Develop and execute programming for students and families regarding healthy eating, food justice and urban gardening during after-school or weekend hours.
Conduct outreach and education to school community about the gardening project and benefits of vegetable gardening.
Maintain basic records such as attendance or volunteer contacts
Other related duties as assigned.
SKILLS:

Comfortable working with school aged children and community members.
Good oral communications skills.
Capable of physical aspects of gardening work.
Comfortable working independently with students and families
Good organizational skills, ability to work as part of a team.
EXPERIENCE:

Interest and training in nutrition .
At least one year community nutrition experience preferred, teaching experience in schools or other educational settings a plus
Must have expertise and experience with vegetable gardening, from planning to harvest.
Community experience and familiarity working with low-income populations.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Personal commitment to healthy eating and physical activity
Willingness for a flexible schedule, including some weekend hours if needed (TBD)
Clear child abuse clearance, criminal history background check, and FBI clearance
Some heavy lifting required when materials are transported to schools
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

BS/BA degree in food and nutrition, dietetics, nutrition education, health education, horticulture or equivalent is required; equivalent experience in lieu of a degree acceptable

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Sophia Harrison, Director of Student Life, sharrison@phillyscholars.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The New Growth Project

Position: Farm Manager/Program Director

Status: Full Time, Salaried

Position Summary:

The New Growth Project is revitalizing communities in Philadelphia by
repurposing vacant lots into urban farms, connecting growers into a
viable food system and enhancing people’s connections to their health
and their food source.

The New Growth Project Farm Manager/Program Director works in the
Brewerytown community. Their main responsibility is to manage the 1/3
acre farm at 27th and Master Streets, grow vegetables and then sell
them at markets in Brewerytown and around the city. The Program
Director also coordinates the organizations community and educational
programs.

Essential Functions:

Manage farms organically, sustainably and to maximize production

Plan and manage greenhouse propagation for New Growth Project sites

Plan and manage bed production, including crops attractive for all
outlets.

Sell, donate and deliver produce. Staff community farm stand, Food
Trust Market and Marathon Grill farm stand. Coordinate restaurant
sales and donations for surplus produce. Purchase Local produce
(fruits/eggs/staples) to supplement and diversify community farm
stand.

Manage Interns to assist with farm duties as well as office/
administrative tasks

Work with Assistant Farmer to complete farm tasks

Maintain an attractive physical appearance of the farm

Keep organized records of harvests, sales and expenses

Engage the community, and host volunteer days as needed.

Assist community gardeners with questions about maintaining their
plots.

Assist farm team with fundraising and fundraising events. Manage
website and keep people on the email list connected to the happenings
of the farm.

Coordinate community programs. Support Assistant Farmer in managing
Summer Free Lunch Program and supplement lunches with produce grown on
the farm.

Help develop additional New Growth Project sites for production and
community gardens as well as expand and improve current sites. Work
with Vaux High School staff and students to plan out, develop and
maintain the Vaux Garden Site.

Requirements:

Ability to work in all weather conditions as well as long hours and
some weekends
Ability to lift and move 50 pounds
Minimum 2 years of experience in intensive, organic vegetable
production
Experience with greenhouse management
Experience working in an urban environment
Organized and able to manage multiple tasks
Good people skills
Ability to work and solve problems individually as well as with others
as a team
Ability to work and communicate clearly with Interns and Assistant
Farmer
Word and Excel experience

Part-Time Positions at Harvest Local Foods: (Applicants may apply for one or both positions)
ABOUT
Partnering with over 60 local farmers and food artisans, Harvest Local Foods is the premier organic and local grocery deliver service in Greater Philadelphia Area. Open year-round, we operate three weekly delivery routes and manage a micro-storefront in Lansdowne, PA. Our mission is two-fold: To expand the market for local growers and artisan food producers and to provide the freshest local and organic foods possible to families, individuals and businesses.

Our Location:
305 Windermere Ave Lansdowne, PA 19050 (the first suburb west of West Philadelphia)

POSITION #1
-Order Packer/Substitute Delivery Driver

Want to get involved in the local foods scene? Then this is the job for you! We’re looking for a good-natured food lover to add their positive energy and enthusiasm to our workplace. We want an individual who would be happy working with us packing orders full of beautiful local produce, meats, dairy and dry goods. You would also be trained to deliver orders in our van if needed as a substitute for our regular driver.

Hours (12-14 hours per week):
Wednesdays 8am-2 or 3pm (flexible ending time depending on how busy we are each week)
Fridays 8am-2 or 3pm

When: Position begins immediately

Pay: Starting at $10.50/hr. (plus 15% employee discount on our local, organic groceries).

Requirements:

Highly responsible, attentive to details and able to stay focused on task at hand
Able to lift and carry 30-40 lbs
Valid driver’s license (no commercial driver’s license necessary)
Excellent driving record
Must have some previous experience driving a box truck or van
Pleasant, efficient worker
Kind and courteous with customers
Interest and experience with local foods a plus
One year commitment a plus
Position #2
-Farmers Market Stand Assistant
Think you’d enjoy selling gorgeous local foods to customers at a busy and lively Farmers Market? We’re looking for a personable, quick-thinking and quick-paced employee to help us set up, sell at and break-down our stand at the Lansdowne Farmers Market.
Hours: Saturdays, 7am-3pm from June-October, 2012 (with about 1 Saturday off per month)
When: Starting June 2, 2012
Pay: $10.50 per hr (plus 15% employee discount on our local and organic groceries)
Requirements:
Highly responsible, attentive to details and able to stay focused on task at hand
Able to lift and carry 30-40 lbs
Basic math skills
Pleasant, efficient worker
Kind and courteous with customers
Interest and experience with local foods a plus
Commitment through October, 2012
For information and to apply contact Mary Ann or Pam at buylocal@harvestlocalfoods.com or 484-461-7884

Hillside Farm is seeking two full-time, full season farm interns and
three full-time, short-term practicants for the 2012 growing season
from April to November

Hillside Farm is a 32 acre diversified CSA farm in Media, PA. As a
suburban farm located just outside of Philadelphia, we are fortunate
to be working within a miniature ecosystem consisting of 18 acres
arable fields, 8 acres of pastures and 6 acres of woodlands and
streams. The land and its supporting infrastructure are utilized for
a 160 member CSA and a farmers’ market. The farm is a project of
Greener Partners, a nonprofit that is actively engaging local
communities through farm based programming and education.

Interns and practicants will be working directly with the farm crew
which is comprised of an Agricultural Director, Farm Manager, and
Assistant Farm Manager, as well as CSA Workshare members and
volunteers. We are currently seeking to fill several positions:

1. Two full-time interns for a minimum of six months beginning April
1, 2012
• Interns will partake in the local CRAFT program that Greener
Partners is launching for the Southeast Pennsylvania region this year.
This program will consist of workshops and seminars held throughout
the season at various farms in the region. These educational
opportunities will supplement the practical field work and will
feature innovative farmers that will impart their knowledge and skill
in a theory and praxis format.
• Farm work will expose interns to a broad range of farm tasks
including greenhouse seedling production, on farm composting, field
preparation (fertilization and tillage), open cultivation (raised
beds) and plasticulture, outdoor vegetable and berry production, hand
and mechanical cultivation and weeding, irrigation (sprinkler and
drip), biological disease and pest control, biodynamic plant
strengthening practices, harvest and post-harvest handling, CSA and
farmers’ market distribution.
• Interns will also indirectly experience Greener Partners’ on farm
programming such as CSS (community supported shares – food access for
low income families), summer farm camps, and community events.
• We are looking for self-motivated individuals with a good work ethic
and a desire to contribute to the growth and success of our farm
community.
• Interns must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds and work in
all weather conditions.
• Farm-grown food is free and workman’s compensation will be covered.
• Interns will experience the full workload of the farm and should
expect to work an average of 50 hours per week but will be given time
off to attend any CRAFT programs. The ratio between practical work and
educational instruction will be around 10 : 1.
• On-farm housing is available. Interns who choose to live at the farm
will receive a stipend of $800 per month. Interns who do not require
housing will receive $1,000 per month.

2. Three full-time, short-term practicants beginning May 1, 2012
• Practicants would join our farm team for two to five months during
the 2012 growing season. This position is ideal for individuals who
are seeking exposure to small scale sustainable agriculture through
practical work experience.
• Farm work will expose practicants to a broad range of farm tasks
including greenhouse seedling production, on farm composting, field
preparation (fertilization and tillage), open cultivation (raised
beds) and plasticulture, outdoor vegetable and berry production, hand
and mechanical cultivation and weeding, irrigation (sprinkler and
drip), biological disease and pest control, biodynamic plant
strengthening practices, harvest and post-harvest handling, CSA and
farmers’ market distribution.
• Practicants will also experience Greener Partners’ on farm
programming such as CSS (community supported shares – food access for
low income families), summer farm camps, and community events.
• We are looking for self-motivated individuals with a good work ethic
and a desire to contribute to the growth and success of our farm
community.
• Practicants must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds and work
in all weather conditions.
• On-farm housing is not available.
• Farm-grown food is free and workman’s compensation will be covered.
• Practicants will receive a stipend of $500 per month.

We require a farm visit as part of the interview process in order to
ensure a good fit. The farm is easily accessible by the regional rail
SEPTA train. If you are interested, please submit a cover letter and
resume to Jen Malkoun at jenmalkoun@gmail.com
http://greenerpartners.org/

If you are interested in the Mill Creek Farm’s 2012 Market Manager Apprenticeship, please read this background information and fill out the application form. We will contact you for an interview.
Mill Creek Farm is a non-profit educational urban farm in West Philadelphia. The produce from this ½ acre farm goes to weekly farmstands, donations to food cupboards, and to Mariposa Food Coop. Most of the produce goes directly into the Mill Creek neighborhood of West Philadelphia, which has limited access to affordable, healthy food. We share the property with a diverse array of community gardeners. For more information on our program please refer to our webpage at http://www.millcreekurbanfarm.org
The Mill Creek Farm’s growing season is March – November. We use organic practices and hand-labor, which means we need a lot of dedicated hands out in the field planting, picking, and weeding. We work with hundreds of volunteers every season – groups and individuals – on a one-time basis and with those who come back regularly. If you are interested in working with us on a regular basis and committing to getting more involved than casual volunteers, this internship is for you.
Market Apprentice helps with harvest, set up of farmstand, customer service, market outreach, produce sales, market inventory, clean up, and other relevant tasks including field work.
Apprenticeship/training would start in early June. The farmstand is open June 16th – Thanksgiving. Saturday markets are held at the farm 11-2, Wednesday markets are at 52nd and Haverford (2 blocks from the farm at The Food Trust’s Haddington market), 1-5. Harvest takes place the morning of the market.
We request a minimum commitment of at least 1 of the market days and may give preference to those available both days/the whole season.
In order to qualify for this internship you must meet the following requirements:
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people
• Reliability and flexibility
• Ability to make a serious time commitment
• Willingness to do farm work in extreme weather conditions
• Ability to lift 40 lbs
• Familiarity with fresh produce
Because we are primarily grant and donation funded, we cannot offer pay, housing or other reimbursement. Mill Creek Farm provides apprentices with a unique opportunity to participate in local food production, marketing and education. Apprentices will also gain experience:
• With basic farming/gardening skills such as seeding, thinning, weeding, and harvesting crops
• Working with youth, volunteers, and visitors from across the city
• Supporting a grassroots organization and exposure to our network
• Learning about food and community justice principles first hand
Deadline for Application is March 1st, 2011. Please email application or questions to: millcreekfarmphilly@gmail.com
Mill Creek Farm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs or activities. Community members of West Philadelphia and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Name:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip:
Best contact (Phone # and Email):
1. When are you available to do this internship?

2. What, if any previous farm or garden experience do you have?

3. What special skills do you have to offer to Mill Creek Farm (ex: carpentry, language, art, food preservation, or anything you think that is a special skill)?

4. What does the term “Food Justice” mean to you?

5. What if any experience do you have with customer service, cooking, nutrition, harvesting, facilitating volunteers, community organizing, management, or working with youth?

6. What projects or organizations have inspired or influenced you?

7. How did you hear about Mill Creek Farm?

8. What do you hope to gain from this experience?

Please list 2 references Mill Creek Farm can contact and include a resume if available.

Part-Time Opportunity with Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation for an Urban Garden/Farming Specialist (no more than 20 hrs per wk)

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is currently seeking seasonal employees to work on various garden/farming projects at park sites and recreation centers. These seasonal employees (Apr-Nov) will work with staff, volunteers, and community members help to maintain and care for various garden/farming projects.

Skills/Qualifications

Applicant must:
Have some prior experience in gardening, agriculture, or youth programming
Knowledge of small-scale garden/farming techniques
Desire to work with community members and volunteers of all ages and abilities
Ability to work outdoors and under possible adverse conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain)
Ability and willingness to travel (via car and/or public transportation) to various park sites and recreation centers.

Jean Hunt
Youth Development
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
1515 Arch Street, 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-683-3605
Jean.Hunt@Phila.Gov

Next Sunday March 4th – Workparty at MEEP–MErcy Edible Park

Sunday, March 4th, 10am-3pm
521-536 Mercy Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Potluck
Freestore
Funtime
Weather Permitting

There is LOADS of work and fun to be had, as always. We will be having all the usual:

WORK TO BE DONE:
- We have two apple trees to go in to the ground, so you can learn how to swing a pickaxe, and plant a tree in one go!
- Also, a mountain of beautiful woodchips has to be spread to all our pathways, & we want to plan out a new huge spiral planting bed.
- Hugelkultur mounds may also be created with a bunch of last year’s coffee, compost, weed & wood stock.
- New compost bin construction – we just found out we’ll be getting all the organic matter from a new South Philly juice bar!

POTLUCK:
Bring a bowl, spoon, and a dish of fine homemade grub! People love coffee, tea, and other tasty, healthy treats as well!

FREE STORE (spring cleaning):
That’s right, you read it: FREE! Think of it as a good way to donate all your stuff to a thrift store, but your friends get to go through your stuff, and you get to go through theirs! All donations are picked through and distributed for free! At day’s end, we donate it all to the Houston Center a couple of blocks away for free distribution to the neighborhood!

Get a jump on that SPRING CLEANING!

SUPPLIES that we ask/encourage you to help us out with (we could always use):
Straw bales
Compost/soil
newspaper
trashbags
recycling bins
trashcans
seeds
fruit trees
berry bushes
garden tools
cash…
anything else that seems fitting in a garden!

WE BELIEVE:
- A few people are powerful enough to change a neighborhood.
- Everyone should be able to do what they’re good at.
- There is no leadership without leading by example.
- “The big picture” comes into focus when it starts local.
- The world has enough stuff. Use free & recycled materials.
- Playing in the dirt in the middle of a city is really fun.
- Philadelphia is beautiful.
- Teaching people to grow organic food, improve the soil, cook healthy meals, harvest rainwater, compost waste, save seeds, talk to their neighbors, play outside, stand up for their beliefs, consume less, & act more will create the future we need.