Seasonal Farmer

About Us 

Harlem Grown’s mission is to inspire youth to live healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. 

Harlem Grown operates 13 urban agricultural sites featuring 5 soil-based urban farms, 4 school gardens, 3 hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber.  All of our sites are located between 122 and 152 Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan. 

Since 2021, our programming has served over 10,000 youth in Harlem, we've produced and distributed over 100,000 servings of food, and diverted over 50,000 pounds of food scraps into local compost operations. 

Our Programs 

Harlem Grown provides youth and community development programs focused on urban farming, wellness, and sustainability through the lens of racial justice, food justice, social justice, and equity. Our youth focused programs include intensive school partnerships, educational farm tours, a summer camp, a Saturday enrichment program, monthly community events, an afterschool program, and our Mobile Teaching Kitchen. Our community development programs open to all ages include wellness workshops, special events, food scrap collection for composting, and fresh produce distribution to participants, volunteers, and neighborhood residents. 

Seasonal 24- 28 hours per week  

Schedule: This position will likely have a schedule consisting of Monday through Friday 9:00am-3:00pm work week. Some Saturdays will be required as needed but will not work more 28 hours per week in total. 

Work Category  

Seasonal April- October  

 

Agricultural Overview  

The Harlem Grown Agriculture Team is the backbone of our 14 farm sites which benefit our Harlem community directly through our programs and opening hours as well as indirectly through the fresh produce we distribute. We are on the front lines of community and volunteer engagement and our hands-on work ensures the success of our vegetable production, education programs, volunteering programs, site beautification, and food distribution. As a team member you will be relied on to maintain Harlem Grown’s high standards for our sites and farming methods all while getting out in the community and getting your hands in the soil. 

 

The Role 

The seasonal farmer plays an essential role in helping maintain the success of our various sites around Harlem. As part of the seasonal farm crew, you will help provide essential support in the upkeep and performance of these areas. You will help support urban farm production on our farms and school gardens both on an independent basis as well as working with a team. At the start of the season daily responsibilities will be provided, this would include site opening procedures, cleanliness & safety standards as well as closing procedures both for the school gardens and main sites. This role is hands-on and involves community and volunteer engagement. This team member will report to the Agricultural Director and Farm Manager to support our main sites, school gardens, and educational programs.  

 

Responsibilities: 

• Help maintain planting, design, maintenance, and harvesting of our urban farms and school gardens including, but not limited to soil amendment and cultivation, digging, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, pruning, seed sowing, planting, pest management, composting, harvesting, and food distribution 

• Assist in supervising interns and community volunteers, providing a supportive, structured learning environment for staff to learn the basics of urban farming  

• Support volunteer service opportunities on the farms, including preparation and supervision for individual volunteers and groups of all ages  

• Maintain accurate farm records of harvest yields, pest control efforts, food scraps collected for composting, volunteer engagement, and other farm activities.  

• Ensure all equipment is secured and maintained  

• Work as a team member to support Harlem Grown initiatives and programs 

• Serve as a role model for youth and reinforce Harlem Grown’s values 

• Other duties as assigned 

 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Excellent organizational, communication and project management skills 

• Ability to support volunteer oversight 

• Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather 

• Ability to perform physical labor; must be able to lift up to 40lbs and carry items up and down stairs 

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

• Flexibility to work overtime, during mornings, nights or some weekends  

• Spanish or mandarin language fluency, a plus 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1-2 years experience in an agriculture, gardening, or landscaping environment.  

• Knowledge of composting organic and sustainable practices 

• Basic carpentry and tool operation a plus 

• Familiarity with plants, vegetables and integrated pest management 

 

 

How to Apply: Visit www.harlemgrown.org/careers and click the link to apply on our ADP Career Center. 

 

Application Deadline: Rolling 

 

#LI-onsite

At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.