Garden Program Assistant

Position Description Position Title:Garden Program Assistant Reports To:Agricultural Programs Director FLSA:Non-Exempt, Full-Time About the Food Bank of Delaware The mission of the Food Bank of Delaware is to provide nutritious foods to Delawareans in need and facilitate long-term solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty through community education and advocacy.The Food Bank's team is dedicated to building community awareness and creating an efficient food distribution network to eliminate hunger in Delaware.Staff and volunteers are committed to embodying the Food Bank's values in all activities.Relationships are based upon collaboration and respect and resources are leveraged in a manner that is strategic and cost-effective in order to achieve the Food Bank's mission and goals.Over the last 40 years, the Food Bank has expanded its scope of services building on partnerships with hunger-relief organizations while at the same time bringing new programs and services to alleviate hunger and provide education and training.With locations in both Newark and Milford, the Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, will continue to expand and extend its programs and services to communities in its quest to create a community free of hunger.Position Summary The position of Garden Program Assistant supports the daily operations and development of the Food Bank of Delaware Garden located in Milford, DE.This includes executing the annual crop production plan under the supervision of the Community Garden Coordinator and Agricultural Programs Director.The Program Assistant plays a dynamic and hands-on role to keep the garden both productive and presentable, while operating safely and smoothly.Additionally, this position assists with leading weekly volunteer groups on tasks supporting Garden operations.Major Responsibilities and Essential Functions Supporting all aspects of crop production including seeding, planting, weeding, irrigation, and harvesting of produce.Supporting all postharvest operations including washing, sorting, bagging, and distribution of produce.Assisting with development of a weekly garden volunteer task plan.Leading volunteer groups on a variety of tasks to support garden operations (ex:handweeding, harvesting, bagging produce, etc.).Occasionally providing tours of the garden for visiting groups.Coordinating with the food bank's onsite Healthy Pantry Center, Culinary School Program, and Caf to supply fresh garden produce as needed.Performing regular maintenance and upkeep of the garden property and its indoor spaces including washing harvest bins, mowing grass, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping surfaces, etc.Occasionally representing FBD and promoting agricultural initiatives at events held both at the Garden as well as offsite in the community Qualifications and Experience 2-year degree or relevant work experience a plus Familiarity with small-scale fruit and vegetable production a plus Familiarity and experience with safe operation of tractors and other common powered farm equipment a plus General understanding of social service system and anti-hunger programs a plus Comfortable speaking to and leading groups of people Must have reliable transportation for occasionally reporting to offsite events Competencies Computer literacy and typing skills required; knowledge and understanding of office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.Strong interpersonal skills with experience dealing with individuals from many different backgrounds.Physical Requirements Must be able to transport, lift, and carry operating equipment of 20 lbs or more.Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.Unusual work hours and unusual environmental conditions are necessary.Subject to hazards which include a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving parts, electrical current, working on ladders or high places, chemicals, and atmospheric conditions - one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin:fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses, and oils or other fluids To sit or stand as needed To type on a computer keyboard May include lifting up to 50 pounds on occasion Regular exposure to commercial kitchen environment Occasional exposure to warehouse environment Must wear protective gear where/when required Job Type:Full-time Pay:$19.00 - $24.00 per hour People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Education:High school or equivalent (Required) Experience:relevant work:2 years (Required) Ability to Commute:Milford, DE 19963 (Required) Work Location:In person.