JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Full-Time Positions
The Managing Director oversees general management of Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s program and service areas including: Community Education, Food Access, Harvest Kitchen, Hope’s Harvest, and Market Mobile. They will be responsible for the operational success of Farm Fresh RI by leading all team management, program delivery and quality control, financial management, and evaluation efforts.
This position will have direct management responsibility of the Assistant Director of People & Culture as well as six individual Program Directors, who are collectively responsible for managing 20-30 permanent and seasonal employees in executing program activities. As such, the ideal candidate will have strengths in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility, span of control, and performance.
As a member of the senior management team, the Managing Director will be involved in a range of strategic planning and internal organizational initiatives. This position supports all aspects of program management including but not limited to program business planning, budgeting, grant writing and reporting. They will continually evaluate best industry practices in comparison to internal systems and needed resources, with an eye toward both future needs and budget realities. Additionally, this position is responsible for supporting the Executive Director and Advancement Director in maintaining key external relationships with state and national partners to advance Farm Fresh RI’s mission of growing the local food system.
ABOUT FARM FRESH RI
Founded in 2004 with the mission of growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and eaters, Farm Fresh RI has grown from a two-person staff and an operating budget of $30,000 in 2006 to a nationally recognized food systems organization with over 50 employees and an annual operating budget of over $6M in 2023.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island operates a range of innovative programs that enhance the local food system of Rhode Island and the broader Northeast region, with particular attention to farm viability and access to fresh food regardless of economic status. Our programs are as follows:
- Community Education: Educates the broader public on local food systems and food preparation in school and community settings across the state through cafeteria taste tests, local food marketing campaigns, cooking demonstrations, and other in-person programs.
- Food Access: Manages farmers markets and operates nutrition incentive programs such as SNAP-match, produce prescription, and other special initiatives to subsidize the purchase of locally grown produce for low-income communities statewide.
- Harvest Kitchen: Provides a culinary job training and supported internship program for youth in state custody through the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) on-site at our local food Cafe in Pawtucket, RI, while also offering processing capacity for local farmers by processing b-grade and surplus foods into a line of value-added products
- Hope’s Harvest: Mobilizes volunteers to harvest surplus fruits and vegetables from farms, contracts with local growers, and pays for surplus produce — all for distribution to hunger relief agencies throughout RI.
- Market Mobile: A local food aggregation and distribution program delivering products from 125+ local farmers and producers to a variety of customers including residential, wholesale, and institutional buyers.
In 2020, Farm Fresh RI completed construction and moved into a new local food-focused facility in central Providence. Since then Farm Fresh has overseen the leasing and build-out of eight rental units for food- and farm-related businesses. This vibrant new location has quickly become a hub of activity and a space for special events and creative marketplaces. For more information about the work of Farm Fresh RI please visit: www.farmfreshri.org
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration & Operations
- Identify opportunities for Farm Fresh RI to leverage cross-program strengths to take advantage of new opportunities and/or to address organizational challenges.
- Facilitate annual program work planning processes in partnership with Executive Director and Program Teams, ensuring strategic alignment across programs.
- Develop and uphold systems to evaluate and adjust annual team charters, workplans, strategic objectives and responsibility matrices on an ongoing basis as needed.
- Work with Program Directors, Director of Business and Administration, and Executive Director on program-specific financial projection updates and scenario planning as needed.
- Work with the Executive Director, Advancement Director, and Program Directors to evaluate program related grant opportunities. Support grant writing and budget development as needed.
- Identify and communicate key financial information in order to demonstrate the relationship between program goals and resulting fundraising needs.
- Develop and uphold systems to ensure programs achieve grant objectives and operate in compliance with grant requirements.
- Uphold Farm Fresh’s commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring that Farm Fresh programs thoughtfully and intentionally engage a wide range of community groups and stakeholders.
- Ensure program decision making is strongly aligned with organizational mission and values.
Staff Management & Development
- Responsible for Harvest Kitchen, Market Mobile, Food Access, Hope’s Harvest, and Community Education Program Director hiring, coaching, supervision, and ongoing performance management.
- In partnership with Program Directors, support hiring, coaching, and performance management processes for individual program staff, volunteers, and AmeriCorps members.
- Model ethical leadership and uphold Farm Fresh’s management standards, values, and the organization’s commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Guide the Assistant Director of People & Culture in developing cross-program trainings and seeking professional development opportunities for all employees.
- Work with the Assistant Director of People & Culture to ensure consistent, high-quality evaluation and goal setting for all employees.
- Uphold organizational systems to recruit, hire, and train and orient employees and volunteers.
Instill a sense of accountability among team members by modeling tight oversight of individual and organizational performance standards.
Organizational Leadership
- Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in all programs and services, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs.
- Support the implementation of strategic planning initiatives and special projects involving program staff in partnership with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team.
- Supervise Assistant Director of People & Culture in identifying, recommending, drafting, and communicating internal organizational policies, systems, and SOPs to ensure clarity in processes and standards across programs.
- Work in partnership with the Executive Director, Advancement Director, and Director of Business & Administration to oversee annual organizational budgeting and financial forecasting systems.
- Review monthly and annual financial reports and metrics with the senior management team and Board of Directors.
- Report to Executive Director and Board of Directors on program and budget progress made and challenges encountered.
- Publicly represent Farm Fresh RI with the media and external constituency groups including community, governmental, and private organizations.
- Consistently demonstrate an action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management to support program development and impact.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Our ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this role but does not need all of these in order to qualify.
- Experience in a leadership role at a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of at least $2M
- Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills, including both human resources management as well as the ability to successfully provide leadership, inspire and influence others
- Predisposition to mentor and subsequently increase responsibilities in employees as team members develop
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information and records with discretion, diligence, and sound judgment
- 5+ years experience with financial data management
- Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and initiatives
- Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and concisely communicate to staff key objectives and actions necessary to achieve organizational goals
- Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously
- Self-starter with the ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values
- Passion for local food systems and social justice issues
- Deep understanding of local food systems and specifically the RI/New England community
- Strong technology proficiency including Airtable, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite
PHYSICAL DEMANDS (PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car, train, airline, overnight hotel stays.
PAY & BENEFITS
- The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000 annually depending on experience and in line with Farm Fresh RI pay scales.
- 15 days of Paid Time Off, 12 annual paid holidays, and 3 personal holidays annually.
- $552 monthly contribution to flexible health, dental, and life insurance plans.
- Annual professional development credits and opportunities.
- Matching contributions to a company-sponsored retirement plan after 2 years of employment.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Please send your updated Resume and a Cover Letter to hiring@farmfreshri.org with the subject line: Managing Director Application.
- Farm Fresh RI will be prioritizing applicants that have strengths in the following three categories: Food Systems Experience: Including—but not limited to—business planning, farmer and business support services, food production and planning, food safety, marketing, farm-to-institution, grants & contract management; Social Change: Commitment to social justice, relationship building, and commitment to just food systems change; and Organizational Leadership: team management, strategic planning, evaluation, and training.
- In your Cover Letter, please choose at least one category from above and address how your experience and abilities in that area will make you a strong candidate for the Managing Director position.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of June 23, 2023, with applications accepted until the position is filled.
- No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
This is a part-time variable hour (24-40 hours weekly) position depending on interest and capacity.
Market Mobile Drivers help fulfill Farm Fresh RI’s nonprofit mission of growing the local food system by ensuring all products sold by local farmers and producers are safely and accurately delivered to restaurants, institutions, and home delivery customers across Rhode Island. In doing so, we are strengthening local farm viability by building a reliable sales outlet for Rhode Island grown and produced goods.
A high degree of accountability is required in order to provide excellent outcomes to our farmers, food producers, customers, and community partners. Our Drivers facilitate the flow of products from our local food warehouse to customers statewide. This position reports to and works closely with the Operations Manager to continuously improve operations. This position works closely with other Packhouse Associates, Driver Assistants, Drivers, and other Market Mobile staff in a team environment to achieve program goals.
Market Mobile Drivers support Market Mobile operations through the successful implementation of established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Daily tasks include customer deliveries in collaboration with Drivers Assistants, loading/unloading trucks, and completion of prescribed paperwork. Drivers may also provide support as needed with packhouse cleaning/sanitation, receiving, and packline.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Communicate effectively with delivery partners, customers, and Farm Fresh RI staff.
The driver is responsible for communicating with on-the-ground staff at delivery and pickup locations. The driver is expected to provide excellent customer service to these core customers and to be mindful of our impact on their operations. Effective, timely, and frequent communication with the Farm Fresh team and all stakeholders is key to the successful functioning of operations. Attendance at driver and full- team meetings as requested by the Operations Manager is required.
Assist in coordination, organization, and execution of distribution activities.
The Driver assists with organization and coordination under the direction of the operations management team as needed including bin labeling, pallet stacking, and product staging.
Carry out the delivery of products.
Load product into trucks and communicate effectively with customers as deliveries are made. Follow delivery protocol at each drop-off to provide an excellent experience and customer service. Communicate any challenges, concerns, or feedback to supervisor(s) promptly.
Ensure safe and proper product handling and packing.
Adhere to all policies and procedures laid out in the Farm Fresh food safety plan inside the Farm Fresh facility, while on the road, and during deliveries. Items are kept at the proper food safe temperature in the truck throughout the day in accordance with Food Safety SOPs.
Vehicle and supply maintenance.
Monitor and communicate problems with Farm Fresh vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Communicate when running low on truck supplies.
Driving performance.
Drive lawfully and carefully at all times, heeding legal load capacity of the vehicle; adjust speed and routes as needed while still delivering within time-contingencies. Driving instruction and training will be provided, which the Driver is expected to comply with.
Equipment operation.
Operate all equipment in a safe manner. Training will be provided for safe equipment operation.
Safety.
First aid training is provided, but our ultimate goal is preventing injury in the workplace. The Driver is expected to help establish a culture of safety and prevention.
Sanitation & cleaning.
Trucks are kept clean and well organized at all times. Truck cabins and beds are deep cleaned and restocked on Fridays following deliveries.
Teamwork.
The Driver is expected to take part in the cultivation of any full-team efforts with other Farm Fresh staff as requested. All Farm Fresh staff are responsible for ensuring that operations work is conducted safely and efficiently with other operations team members. Any and all conflicts with staff should be reported to the Operations Manager immediately.
Act as an ambassador of Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
Team members are required to interact with many different stakeholders as part of their daily activities. All team members are expected to act as ambassadors of Farm Fresh and treat all parties with dignity and respect to maintain a community of openness and inclusivity.
Other Duties as assigned.
Farm Fresh is a small nonprofit; at all times, a “pitch-in” spirit is expected. Assistance on special projects may be required in addition to normal duties.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
- Food handling experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience driving heavily loaded box trucks in urban and rural environments is strongly preferred.
- CDL- Class A license preferred but not required.
- Experience operating manual and electric pallet jacks is a plus (training is provided).
- Customer service or similar experience is preferred.
- Detail-oriented with excellent record keeping and planning skills.
- Good humor, an ability to think on your feet, and an easy but focused work style.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Neeed to Perform thsi Role
- Must be reliable, committed, and efficient at completing job requirements.
- Must be effective in communicating with other program staff and external organization stakeholders.
- Must be a responsible driver with minimum of 2 years of driving experience, valid US drivers license, and capable of passing DOT physical.
- Must have the ability and desire to relate to and work with various socio-economic and cultural groups and create a positive and safe work environment by making other coworkers and volunteers feel welcome in our space.
- Must have high attention to detail (produce quality and record-keeping).
- Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge (change tire, top-off fluids).
- Basic technology skills – computer and smartphone competency.
- Must be able to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of coworkers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental, Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must be able to repeatedly lift 60+ pounds in various conditions. This position is physically demanding and requires an aptitude for manual labor.
Compensation
- This is a part-time variable hour (24-40 hours weekly) position depending on interest and capacity.
- Rate of pay starts at $20 per hour for driver hours. Drivers have the option of picking up additional hours in our packhouse at a rate of $16 per hour if interested.
- Sick and Safe leave benefits starting first day of employment.
- Shifts will be Monday through Friday
How to Apply
- Please fill out our online application here.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Seasonal & Part-Time Positions
The Hope’s Harvest Gleaning Associate (GA) will be responsible for supporting the organization and its staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and partners in organizing and leading gleaning trips with the purpose of recovering and distributing surplus food to people in need. The GA also supports distribution, inventory management, and collecting/recording gleaning and operations data. A high degree of accountability is required to provide excellent customer service and outcomes to our partner farms, recipient agencies, volunteers, and our primary beneficiaries — people experiencing food insecurity in RI. This position is seasonal, runs August 7 through mid-December 2023, and reports to the Hope’s Harvest Program Manager. Applications received by June 16 will be given priority.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Coordinate and supervise food recovery operations, including but not limited to:
- Serve as point of contact with agencies, volunteers, farms, and other program partners to coordinate gleaning activities.
- Manage gleaning trip logistics including scheduling, supervising volunteers on trips, product quality standards during harvest and packing, inventory management and tracking, and product deliveries.
- Manage and direct all volunteers on farm sites and at meeting points to ensure the protection of private property, the personal safety of volunteers, and that efficient labor is applied to the job at hand.
- Ensure safe and proper product handling and packing, in accordance with food safety procedures. Apply judgment on a case-by-case basis to evaluate product quality and ensure high product quality standards for all delivered produce.
- Drive gleaning equipment to and from gleaning trips in program vehicle (12 ft. box truck) and make deliveries as needed.
- Keep all vehicles used for gleaning activities clean, organized, and stocked with supplies (as needed) before, during, and after gleaning trips and deliveries.
- Drive safely and lawfully at all times, heeding legal load capacity of vehicle and adjusting speed and routes as needed. Driving instruction will be provided.
- Accurately collect and report operations data for program activities.
- Monitor and ensure compliance on the part of all volunteers with food safety protocols, COVID safety procedures, and set a culture of overall physical safety and accident/injury prevention with volunteers.
- Ensure all physical program infrastructure (supplies, equipment, vehicles, etc.) is stocked, organized, and in working order.
- Program Administration
- Basic administrative support including tracking expenses, documenting activities, responding to inquiries, scheduling, etc.
- Other Duties as Assigned
- Hope’s Harvest is a small but mighty program; a “pitch-in” spirit is expected at all times and assistance on special projects and tasks may be required in addition to responsibilities listed above.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Needed to Perform this Role
- At least one full season of vegetable production agriculture experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of produce varieties/quality standards, and an ability to relate to farmers respectfully and knowledgeably. Understanding of produce quality and food handling.
- Excellent verbal communication skills. Customer service or similar experience preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, respect, thoughtfulness, good listening, and ability to motivate people gently but effectively.
- Detail oriented, with excellent record-keeping skills and strong administrative, organization, and time management abilities. Must take initiative, be able to work independently, and follow through on all tasks at an efficient and steady pace.
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, have a minimum of six years driving experience, a clean driving record, and be capable of passing a DOT physical. Ability to drive a 12 ft. box truck, with experience driving heavily loaded box trucks in urban and rural environments strongly preferred.
- Ability to bend and lift 60+ lb. repeatedly and in various conditions. This position is physically demanding and requires an aptitude for manual labor.
- Must enjoy working in farm fields in all types of New England weather. This typically includes hot and humid summer days, wet and cold autumn, and early winter conditions.
- Aptitude for, and/or basic knowledge of, equipment use, maintenance, and repair (including vehicles, pallet jacks, harvesting tools, etc.).
- Available to work a flexible schedule including early evening and weekends. This position can potentially accommodate other work schedules.
- Background in adult education, leading volunteer/tour groups, and/or organizing service work teams.
- First Aid knowledge and skills.
- Reliable access to personal vehicle for getting to and from work locations and occasionally moving produce.
- Comfort and proficiency with technology, specifically data entry and Google Suite.
- Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, gender (including nonbinary), sexual orientation, class, and religion. Experience living and working in economically, racially, and ethnically diverse communities strongly preferred.
- Personal alignment and commitment to the mission of the organization.
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental & Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 60 lb.
- Must be able to identify and respond to loud noises.
Compensation
- Hourly pay range: $16-18/hr depending on experience
- Accrued Sick & Safe Leave Benefits starting after 7 days of employment
To Apply
- Send resume and cover letter to hh@farmfreshri.org with subject line “LASTNAME - HHRI Gleaning Associate Application”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received by June 16th will receive priority.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Markets Program at Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Since 2004, Farm Fresh Rhode Island has been providing affordable farmers markets that sell local, fresh foods in low-income neighborhoods. We value increasing healthy food access while at the same time maintaining fair prices to farmers and transparency in local food systems. All markets managed by Farm Fresh Rhode Island accept and encourage the use of federal food assistance programs.
Job Function/Purpose of Role
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking committed and reliable team players to join our community access team as Farmers Market Associates. We are looking for one or more dedicated team members who will assist in managing the Fresh Bucks table at a number of farmers markets for the full 2023 outdoor season, including Neutaconkanut Park, Woonsocket, Goddard Park, Broad St., Hope St., Providence, Central Falls, and South Kingstown fFarmers mMarkets.
Farm Fresh RI staff will train the Market Associate on tasks necessary to be a part of the Summer Markets Team. We seek someone who is detail oriented, responsible, and passionate about contributing to increasing access to healthy food in Rhode Island. Applicants must commit to fulfilling the entire market season and provide their own transportation of market equipment to and from market sites and the Farm Fresh office. Staff will be reimbursed for mileage.
The Market Associate working at the South Kingstown Farmers Market will keep market materials at their home and will be responsible for submitting data to Farm Fresh RI each week.
Hours
- Part-time, seasonal positions. Market Associates staff single or multiple markets for the season. (7-24 hours a week depending on availability and interest).
- Most markets run July-October. Additional hours will be required for training and season debriefs. Some markets start in May and June.
- Potential for additional hours to assist with market outreach and events.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide transportation for market equipment from Farm Fresh RI’s Providence office to market sites.
- Set up and break down the market tent and table.
- Assist with vendor setup as needed.
- Enforce market rules and regulations with all vendors and customers.
- Run the card machine for credit card and EBT customers and distribute Fresh Bucks tokens for transactions.
- Keep record of transactions and balance the market paperwork at the end of market.
- Collect Fresh Bucks tokens from vendors at the end of market and write receipts.
- Maintain positive equitable relations with all market vendors and customers.
- Work with market volunteers and interns when necessary.
- Conduct customer counts twice per month.
Education, Knowledge, Experience Required:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Multilingual proficiency preferred (Spanish speaking required for Neutaconkanut Park and Central Falls locations)
- Interest in nutrition, public health, and environmental issues preferred
- Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
- Must have access to reliable transportation for transporting market equipment to and from program sites across the state
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Critical Skills:
- Interpersonal skills, sociable personality
- Basic math and accounting
- Detail oriented
Compensation:
- Starting $17/hr
- Mileage Reimbursement
To Apply
- Please apply online.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Contact Leonely Paulino at leonely@farmfreshri.org with any questions.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an AmeriCorps grantee and receives funds as part of their State and National program, and to operate our VISTA program.
