Farm Assistant (Seasonal) Full Time NEW

FLSA Status: Full Time, Hourly, Seasonal / NTE 11.21.26

Reports to: Manager of Farm and Agriculture

Work Location: Farm at Kelly Miller, 301 49th Street NE, Washington, DC 20019

Fort Stanton Urban Farm, 1812 Erie Street SE, Washington, DC 20020

Marion Barry Avenue Market, 1303 Marion Barry Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020

Compensation Range: $21.63 – $22.95 per hour

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.

Dreaming Out Loud’s mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. We are rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities, and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family-supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the “access” paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. Utilizing the food system as a catalyst, we are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building for our most marginalized communities.

Dreaming Out Loud’s urban agriculture projects are innovative initiatives in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and other community-based and nonprofit partners. Both farms are centers of agricultural learning, offering workshops and farm-to-school integration with Kelly Miller Middle School and other DC based organizations. We know that sustainable, organic farming and collaborative food system infrastructure will increase access to healthy food, strengthen DC residents’ ability to improve food security, and create employment opportunities in our neighborhoods.

Position Summary

The Farm Assistants at Dreaming Out Loud Inc. (DOL) assist with all production-related work during the growing season. They work with other farm assistants, community members, volunteers, and other farmers. Tasks include but are not limited to bed-prep, seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, pest management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and equipment maintenance. In addition to responsibilities on the farm, the Farm Assistant will support the boxing of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares and will periodically assist with other Food Hub activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with all production on the farm, including bed preparation, soil amendment, seeding, transplanting, weeding, watering, harvesting, pest management, and composting.
• Assist with weekly harvest, packaging, and distribution.
• Work and interact with volunteers, volunteer groups, and school groups.
• Help lead farm tours and create a welcoming, educational experience for visitors.
• Assist with all event-related activities, including planning, preparation, set-up, and breakdown.
• Assist with workshops including preparation, participation, set-up, and breakdown.
• Assist with outreach for volunteer and community events.
• Represent Dreaming Out Loud at community events, conferences, and workshops throughout the year.
• Assist with Saturday Farmers Markets – preparing, arranging, and selling produce, set up and break down of tents, tables, and other needed market elements, and interacting with community members.
• Support the boxing of CSA shares and periodically assist with other Food Hub activities.

The duties and responsibilities contained herein are representative of the essential functions of this position. The dynamic nature of our work requires flexibility and our collaborative environment necessitates cross-functional support. Employees are expected to adapt to our ever-evolving organizational and community needs and perform other duties as assigned to contribute to Dreaming Out Loud’s success.

Required Skills And Experience

• 1 year (or more) of experience farming or gardening.
• Ability to distinguish between production crops and other types of plants.
• Comfortable working in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to engage in team work.
• Willingness and ability to work Saturdays
• Independent and hardworking
• Ability to solve problems collaboratively and creatively.
• Desire to take initiative and increase skills in sustainable agriculture, both on the farm and off-site.
• Integrated pest management experience is a plus.
• Experience with database entry a plus.
• Experience in carpentry, sustainable agriculture, or community engagement is a plus.
• Driver’s license a plus.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Transit, Parking, and Healthcare
• Transit Assistance through SmartBenefits
• 401(k) match up to 5%
• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability

Equal Employment Opportunity

Dreaming Out Loud Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Dreaming Out Loud complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.