Food and Agriculture Assistant

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Job Overview:

Under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Coordinator, the Food and Agriculture Assistant will support day-to-day farm operations and site maintenance of New Roots Farm (Bronx - 670 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451) and Garden (Queens - 41-38 69th St, Woodside, NY 11377), and facilitate training activities, community engagement, and support production and garden projects. This position will work with staff, interns, garden members, volunteers, and community members to increase production and information exchange at the farm and garden sites. The expectation of this role is to work in-person at the farm and garden during open hours plus administrative duties remotely and in our office at 263 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018.

This is a temporary, part-time position through September 30th, 2026, with the potential for extension and increase in hours.

Major Responsibilities:

• Contribute to overall site maintenance: weeding, watering, filling up water tanks, picking up trash, organizing tool shed and greenhouse
• Crop plan, create planting schedules, and maintain shared/public areas
• Coordinate work-day activities with community members and support volunteers on site
• Coordinate seed saving for successions and the garden’s seed library
• Provide suggestions for and implement natural pest management
• Assist with harvest and distribution
• Conduct community outreach; develop and maintain community partnerships
• Track quantifiable measurements to assess project effectiveness via Excel and/or Farming Concrete, and ensure data is input into IRCs main database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)
• Support the farmers market and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and supervise Market Stewards and Apprentices
• Supervise Land Stewards, and interns and volunteers
• Support and promote other New York Resettlement programming taking place at the garden (e.g. Health and Wellness mindfulness workshops) and that can benefit clients and community members (e.g. workforce programs)
• Other related duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• Passion for and knowledge of food sovereignty and food justice
• Physical ability to carry out gardening and farm-related activities required
• 1-2 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture/urban farming/gardening projects is desired
• Experience in community organizing, engagement, or training, particularly with disadvantaged communities
• Experience working in a diverse and non-traditional setting with a diverse client base

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment
• Able to contribute both independently and as a key team member

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Language Skills:

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; strong preference for bilingual candidates, preferably in Spanish, Bengali, or Filipino

Preferred experience & skills:

• Ability to work independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to manage and work through change proactively and positively

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $22.50 - $23.15). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements

This is a short-term role with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2026, and is not eligible for IRC's full benefits package.

U.S. Benefits for Short‑Term Employees: Short‑term roles are not eligible for IRC’s full benefits package. However, U.S.‑based short‑term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), paid sick leave in accordance with policy, and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.