Job Description

Job Title: Urban Farmer
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer / NELFI Consultant

Summary:
NECIC is seeking an Urban Farmer to manage the daily operations of our Urban Farm, Flourish Farm, Teaching Garden, and related programs. This includes planting, harvesting, packaging, community engagement, and supporting sales and education initiatives like the North End Farmers Market. The Urban Farmer will work closely with the Richland Gro-Op Consultant/NELFI Consultant / Chief Operating Officer to help grow and maintain vendor and customer relationships throughout all seasons. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage farm production from seed to harvest to kitchen delivery.
• Lead high tunnel production, bed building, soil preparation, tilling, planting, fertilizing, harvesting, cleaning, composting, and general maintenance duties as assigned. 
• Prepare and distribute produce including washing, packaging, and storing. 
• Support educational programming and community outreach
• Assist with marketing, social media, and events
• Work with the NELFI and Gro-Op teams on crop planning and program reporting
• Engage with the community — working with diverse populations, youth, restored citizens, and incarcerated individuals — by assisting with meetings, classes, and tours as needed. 
• Develop professional skills through ongoing assignments, training, and other educational opportunities provided by management, consultants, or the Board of Directors. 
• Represent NECIC at events, conferences, and community functions. 
• Assist with set-up and tear-down of the North End Farmers Market. 
• Maintain the farms and garden spaces, including grass cutting, weeding, water maintenance, and minor repairs. 
•  

Requirements:

• Environmental, farm, or garden education experience. 
  • Knowledge of garden design and experience building garden structures and farm planning (crop planning, annual planting). 
  • Experience with propagation (seed ordering, planting materials, on-farm propagation, field preparation, soil management). 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
  • Accurate data entry. 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Comfortable working with diverse populations. 
  • Comfortable speaking in front of groups and leading training. 
  • Capable of working independently with strong time management or within a team to achieve goals. 
  • Strong problem-solving skills to develop best practices.

Minimum Qualifications: 
• Access to reliable transportation. 
• Valid driver’s license and insurance. 
• Experience operating farm equipment and performing physically demanding work. 
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. 
• Ability to stand for long periods and bend/lift 50+ pounds. 
• Willingness to work weekends, early mornings, evenings, and extended hours during the summer season. 
• Flexible availability. 
• Ability to meet deadlines. 

Preferred Qualifications: 
• Excellent administrative and clerical skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Office 365). 
• Knowledge of the Mansfield community, especially the North End. 
• Project management experience. 

The ideal candidate will also possess: 
• Passion for promoting a stronger economic landscape and improved quality of life for North End residents and program participants. 
• Knowledge of or experience with ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) and neighborhood development. 
• A business or agricultural degree, or equivalent professional experience. 

Physical Demands and Requirements: 
The physical demands of an Urban Farmer include the ability to perform outdoor physical labor for extended periods throughout the growing season. The role requires regular lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs (soil, tools, equipment, produce), frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, and standing. The position involves repetitive movements and working on uneven ground or in greenhouse settings. The farmer must be able to operate hand tools, power tools, and small machinery such as tillers or weed trimmers. Occasional climbing and working at heights may be required. The role includes working in varying weather conditions — heat, rain, cold — with stamina to complete physically demanding tasks on a daily basis. The role also requires driving between three farm locations (Urban Farm, Flourish Farm, NECIC Teaching Garden) and the community kitchen, often transporting produce, supplies, and equipment. 

Note: This job and its duties are subject to change based on NECIC’s plans, focus, and needs. 

If interested please send resume to Matthew@necic-ohio.org or contact 419-522-1611.