Title: Urban Agriculture Manager

Organization: Groundwork Lawrence

About the Organization

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence Massachusetts since 1999. Through community engagement, environmental and open space improvements, healthy food access, youth education, and employment initiatives, GWL creates the building blocks of a healthy community, and empowers residents to improve their quality of life. GWL achieves results by engaging the whole community – residents, youth, nonprofits, government, and businesses – in the planning and realization of projects and programs. With this collaborative approach, GWL ensures that all stakeholders are mutually invested in the outcomes, the key to stable neighborhoods and sustainable change.

GWL’s mission and operations are premised on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to economic and social health. Consequently, GWL is committed to “changing places, changing lives, and changing systems” through on‐the‐ground projects and community‐informed programming that help to transform neighborhoods. We strive towards creating an equitable community where the residents of Greater Lawrence in all stages of life feel they belong, are safe, supported, and empowered; where healthy living is the norm; and everyone’s neighborhood is a resilient environment that thrives with parks, trees, and open space.

How we work is as important as what we do. We are committed to building race, equity, diversity, and
inclusion (REDI) into our personnel policies, decision making processes, and organizational strategies.

Summary of Position

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is seeking an Urban Agriculture Manager for the Urban Farm @ Costello Park to develop and maintain our half‐acre farm and manage 11 community gardens in Lawrence, MA. The Urban Agriculture Manager is responsible for maintaining the daily operations of the farm, including watering, weeding, recordkeeping, tending to plants and grounds, and tool maintenance. In addition to maintaining the farm, the Urban Agriculture Manager will work with the Education Program Manager during the summer months to assist in delivering high‐quality programming and development opportunities to Green Team youth employees. The Urban Agriculture Manager will also work with local volunteers and service groups and assist the education team with hosting field trips at the Urban Farm for Lawrence students.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate accessible and inviting farm spaces and community garden beds for the community to explore, ask questions and dive deep into urban farming and agriculture.
• Effectively grow food and engage people in food production and education
• Prepare and monitor budgets for Costello Urban Farm and the community garden program
• Record‐Keeping ‐ Coordinate Farm Donations, and maintain records for harvest, donations, and crop yields
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, volunteers, and educational groups that visit the farm.
• Outreach for volunteers at the farm including groups and individuals; manage volunteer scheduling and projects
• Oversee and provide instruction to all volunteer and educational groups working on urban agricultural sites
• Work in partnership with Education and Workforce Programs Director to manage all farm production, including disease, weed and irrigation management in the high tunnel and fields
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, volunteers, and educational groups that visit the farm
• Community gardens: management of a community gardening program, including outreach to potential gardeners, coordination of activities (such as gardeners networking, garden opening, garden closing etc.…) in garden network, ensure all gardens have garden coordinators and provide coordinators with resources as needed, and assistance with strategic development of the program, including the identification of additional garden sites;
• Maintain gardens databases (update gardeners contact information and gardens waiting list)
• Maintain farm equipment

Qualifications

• Experience working in Lawrence or another urban, low‐income community.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience in diversified vegetable production and gardening.
• Experience supervising, training, evaluating, and team building with staff and volunteers
• High level of organization, time management, work ethic and leadership skills
• Experience implementing educational programming with youth and/or adults
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong Communication Skills.
• Spanish Speaking Skills (preferred)
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in all weather conditions.

Compensation: The annual salary ranges is $50,000‐$60,000. This is a full‐time, non‐exempt position
reporting directly to the Education & Workforce Programs Director.

Hiring Policy: City of Lawrence residents are strongly encouraged to apply. GWL is an equal opportunity
employer, committed to maintaining and growing a diverse team, and to doing business in keeping with core
values of relevance, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

To Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit letter of interest and resume to: Groundwork Lawrence, Attn: Human Resources, 50 Island Street, Suite 101, Lawrence, MA 01840, fax: (978)
655‐1337, or hr@groundworklawrence.org