Urban Agriculture Specialist/Garden Manager
Part-time: Maximum 20 hours per week
Start Date: Immediately
This is a part-time grant funded position (max 20 hours per week). Initial 3-month contract with the opportunity to extend.
Who We Are:
Acres4Change (A4C) is a response to the growing racial wealth gap in the US. Our pilot program, in Baltimore MD, creates a path to land ownership for BIPOC farmers through a two-year mushroom business and mentoring program. Qualifying individuals have an opportunity to generate income, gain business skills, and create generational wealth.
What We Seek:
We are looking for a talented and passionate individual who can run our small vegetable farm, mushroom operation, and training program. The part-time independent contractor will join a diverse team of highly committed and driven Stewards, Board Members and Volunteers. We’re in search of someone who is mission-driven with strong core values. This position requires personal and professional maturity, creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to the vision and mission of Acres4Change. An ideal candidate will be excited to join a start-up organization and contribute to its success.
Responsibilities:
Ethnic Crop Garden project: With the assistance of Stewards, interns, and volunteers-
- maintain and oversee daily gardening tasks such as planting, harvesting, weeding, pest control, record keeping and distribution of food
- maintain drip-irrigation system
- coordinate purchase and storage of farm supplies and equipment
Small Mushroom Farm Operation: With the assistance of Stewards, interns, and volunteers
- monitor and maintain the optimal environmental conditions for mushroom growth, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation
- manage the fruiting and harvesting process
- ensure a clean and sterile working environment to prevent contamination
- identifying and addressing any pests or diseases that may affect mushroom crops
-keep detailed records of environmental conditions, growth stages, and yields
- maintain and repair equipment used in cultivation, such as fans, heaters, and sterilization units
- ensure compliance with food safety regulations and guidelines
- promote safe working practices and maintain a safe work environment
-manage inventory levels of supplies, substrates, and equipment
- order and restock materials as needed
Administrative and grant related tasks
-keep good records and submit information for the annual grant report surveys/documents
Plan/co-Facilitate up to 3 workshops
- coordinate and schedule guest lecturers for both onsite and virtual presentations and workshops
Supervise Stewards, interns, and volunteers
- recruit, train, and supervise volunteers
- plan and supervise Steward, intern, and volunteer work shifts
- incorporate hands-on lessons for Stewards and interns as outlined in the farm education plan
- conduct 1:1 check-ins, ensure that Stewards are completing program requirements and managing time commitments
Qualifications/Competencies:
● Degree in related field or Farm training certificate
● 3 years’ experience running farm training programs
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Demonstrated collaboration skills
● Strong organizational skills– attention to detail, time management etc.
● Desire to be part of a start-up organization
● Cultural competency and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
● A team player with a positive attitude
How to apply: Email résumé and cover letter to pertula@acres4change.org
Application Deadline: Friday, September 22, 2023
PART-TIME GRANT WRITER
Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per month
Start Date: Immediately
Compensation: Hourly rate commensurate with experience
Who We Are:
Acres4Change (A4C) is a response to the growing racial wealth gap in the US. Our pilot program, in Baltimore MD, creates a path to land ownership for BIPOC farmers through a two-year mushroom business and mentoring program. Qualifying individuals have an opportunity to generate income, gain business skills, and create generational wealth.
We foster a more harmonious society by promoting education, food sovereignty, and property ownership while bringing diverse individuals together to challenge wealth inequality, food insecurity, and systemic racism. Our Stewardship Program provides financial opportunities for individuals and their families and creates lasting impact by contributing to the economic, civic, and social value in underserved communities.
What We Seek:
We are looking for a skilled and innovative Grant Writer to spearhead the organization’s fund-development efforts. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of grant writing experience specifically in racial justice, food justice, and sustainable agriculture. This position requires knowledge of and connections to local/regional foundations and government funding agencies. The position requires strong time management skills, creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to the vision and mission of A4C. The Grant Writer will join a diverse team of highly committed and driven volunteers.
Responsibilities:
Work closely with the founder and Board of Directors to create a 3-year fund-development plan and prepare and submit monthly grant proposals. Responsibilities include:
· Researching industry trends, funding prospects, and funding trends
· Writing high-quality grant proposals
· Creating fund-development systems and procedures for the organization
· Networking and outreach to potential donors
Qualifications/Competencies:
· BA Degree in related field
· Minimum of five years’ experience in Development
· Excellent written communication skills
· Demonstrated research, group process, and collaboration skills
· Desire to be part of a start-up organization
How to apply: Email résumé and cover letter to pertula@acres4change.org