JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and energetic Communications and Development AmeriCorps VISTA member with strong communication and organization skills to build capacity of Farm Fresh RI’s fundraising and volunteer systems. An integral part of Farm Fresh RI’s team, this new position will support local agriculture and food access initiatives by communicating program impacts to new audiences and organizing systems to track and evaluate fundraising efforts and volunteer impact. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across programs and create deep, lasting connections with community partners and donors. This position requires a one-year commitment to begin mid-late August, 2020. Application deadline is August 3, 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research national best practices in fundraising and communications strategy.
• Coordinate and create external communications for volunteers and donors.
• Under supervision of the Development Team and Communications Director, help plan and execute Farm Fresh RI fundraising and outreach events.
• Develop systems to better connect Farm Fresh RI board members and staff about fundraising and outreach efforts.
• Act as a representative of Farm Fresh RI at community and partner events.
• Collect and organize program impact data into content for donor reporting and outreach campaigns.
• Review and revise existing Farm Fresh RI development strategies for donors and volunteers.
• Evaluate fundraising and engagement strategies, and assist with facilitation if applicable.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support outreach and engagement efforts.
• Support volunteer and donor appreciation and retention efforts.
• Enhance Farm Fresh RI volunteer onboarding practices to foster volunteer engagement.

Skills Required

• Commitment to Farm Fresh RI mission and organizational values
• Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Great attention to detail
• Self starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and G Suite
• Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment as well as remotely
• Spanish or other language skills are a plus
• Willingness to work hands-on in various environments
• Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds

About Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Farm Fresh Rhode Island has grown briskly since achieving 501c3 status in 2007, to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for farmers and producers of the Northeast region. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh RI hosts a variety of programs to enhance the local food system, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of eaters with thousands of farmers.

Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of RI farmers and eaters.

Vision: A Northeast abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every table.

About AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $479.08
• Student loan deferment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• CNCS health benefit and childcare assistance
• $6,195 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans

To Apply
This is a full-year position starting August 17 or August 31, 2020. Application deadline is August 3, 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.. Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps VISTA site, as described below. Farm Fresh Rhode Island cannot accept applications directly.

• Please review the AmeriCorps VISTA information here: americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp.
• Then visit my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click Search Listings. For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options.
• On that page, scroll until you find this position. Click on it, and click “Apply Now.”
• Submit your application including two references.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and energetic Farm to School AmeriCorps VISTA with demonstrated initiative and a passion for food and agriculture education to build capacity for Farm Fresh RI’s Farm to School program. As a core partner of the National Farm to School Network, our Farm to School program has been a leader in the movement in RI since day one. This position will work on comprehensive Farm to School projects within a budding organizational and statewide reinvigoration of Farm to School. This offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in creating Farm to School programs that connect the classroom, cafeteria, and community. Through research, development, and piloting of programs and systems, this position will support a Rhode Island school district and Farm Fresh RI’s efforts to take Farm to School to the next level. This position requires a one-year commitment to begin in August, 2020. Application deadline is July 31, 2020.

Primary Responsibilities

• Enhance and expand current knowledge of best practices, barriers, and facilitators to implementing sustainable, comprehensive F2S programs.
• Conduct a needs assessment and research to develop Farm to School guidelines for our organization.
• Engage with and support the newly formed RI Farm to School Collaborative.
• Conduct interviews with school community members.
• Develop Farm to School lessons and programs, including environmental and sustainability topics and health concepts.
• Pilot Farm to School programming and technical assistance to the school community.
• Explore and expand Farm to School outreach efforts for Farm Fresh RI and the RI Farm to School Collaborative.
• Improve and enhance internal data systems for Farm to School activities, stakeholders, relationship maps, and outreach systems.
• Curate relevant grant opportunities and other funding sourcing, including a system for use by Farm Fresh RI and the RI Farm to School Collaborative.

Skills Required

• Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Great attention to detail
• Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
• Spanish or other language skills a plus
• Grant writing experience a plus
• Nutrition/Health/Community education experience a plus
• Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds

About Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh RI has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the Northeast region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of eaters with thousands of local farmers.

Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and eaters.

Vision: A region abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.

About AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $479.08
• Student loan deferment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• CNCS health benefit and childcare assistance
• $6,195 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans

To Apply
This is a full-year position starting in August, 2020. The deadline to apply is 7/31/2020. Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps VISTA site, as described below. Farm Fresh Rhode Island cannot accept applications directly.

• Please review the AmeriCorps VISTA information here: americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp.
• Then visit my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click Search Listings. For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options.
• On that page, scroll until you find this position. Click on it, and click “Apply Now.”
• Submit your application including two references.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and enthusiastic Farm Direct Food Security AmeriCorps VISTA with demonstrated initiative and clear organizational communication skills to increase awareness and understanding of how to use USDA food assistance programs to support local agriculture and food businesses. An integral part of Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s team, the farmers market program believes that the root cause of hunger is poverty — and therefore increasing local economic opportunities must be a part of hunger relief solutions. This position offers a unique opportunity to educate businesses and social service agencies about how to invest federal dollars in local economies and agriculture, creating more jobs and healthier, more resilient communities. This position requires a one-year commitment to begin mid-late August, 2020. Applications accepted on a rolling basis by August 4, 2020.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support efforts to enhance capacity for farmers markets, CSAs, and farm stands that accept USDA food assistance programs.
• Create trainings for farmers and market managers on facilitating USDA food assistance programs onsite.
• Create toolkits and printed resources for farmers and market managers on facilitating USDA food assistance programs onsite.
• Review Farm Fresh RI farmers market outreach sites to identify new partnership and outreach opportunities with a focus on partner social service agencies.
• Develop outreach and awareness presentations to foster engagement in the concept of using USDA food assistance programs to support local agriculture.
• Pilot outreach presentations at local social service agencies, and evaluate participant awareness and overall effectiveness.
• Review current Farm Fresh RI strategies for recruiting and sustaining volunteers, and apply them to farmers market program volunteer development.
• Enhance Farm Fresh RI volunteer onboarding practices to foster volunteer engagement in farmers market support activities.
• Consistently engage with community stakeholders to encourage volunteer participation in farmers market activities.
• Create how-to guide for managing volunteers in outreach and farmers market programs.

Skills Required

• Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Great attention to detail
• Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
• Spanish or other language skills a plus
• Willingness to work hands-on in various environments (outdoors at markets, inside at office)
• Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
• Must have a valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation (Mileage reimbursement will be provided for personal vehicle use.)

About Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh RI has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the Northeast region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of eaters with thousands of local farmers.

Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and eaters.

Vision: A region abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.

About AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $479.08
• Student loan deferment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• CNCS health benefit and childcare assistance
• $6,195 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans

To Apply
This is a full-year position starting in mid-late August, 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by 8/4/2020. Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps VISTA site, as described below. Farm Fresh Rhode Island cannot accept applications directly.

• Please review the AmeriCorps VISTA information here: americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp.
• Then visit my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click Search Listings. For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options.
• On that page, scroll until you find this position. Click on it, and click “Apply Now.”
• Submit your application including two references.

This position is full-time starting July 2020, guaranteed through December 2020, with possibility of continuation based on performance and available funding.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking a committed and reliable team-player to join our team as Warehouse and Operations Associates. Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Market Mobile team has seen an increase in the need for staffing for jobs specifically related to warehouse functions. This includes receiving items, picking and packing customers orders, cleaning and sanitation, general operations, and the packing line.

Warehouse and Operations Associates will work under the supervision of our Food System Enterprise Managers and will be a part of a team that packs thousands of orders weekly, on behalf of local and regional farmers, for deliveries to a wide variety of customers. The Associate will have keen attention to detail, experience in a warehouse setting, be fast-paced, have experience picking and packing orders, and preferably have experience moving items with a pallet jack.

This position works closely with the Co-Executive Director for Food System Enterprise and the Market Mobile team.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• High school diploma preferred
• Warehouse experience preferred
• Experience with an electric pallet jack preferred
• Picking and packing orders experience preferred

Critical Skills

• Accuracy
• Fast-paced
• Detail-oriented
• Team player

Organizational Outcomes
As a team member at Farm Fresh RI, you will also work to ensure the following foundational outcomes for our organization.

• Diversity, Inclusion & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
• Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed in order to handle all food properly.
• Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in the Packhouse and on the road. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
• Food Systems Knowledge: All workers are able to speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development, and understand how Farm Fresh programs address different aspects of these topics.
• Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and constituents of all Farm Fresh programs.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• High school diploma preferred
• Customer service and or food service industry experience preferred

To Apply

• Please send your resume and cover letter to Rachel Van Scyoc at rachel@farmfreshri.org with subject line “Market Mobile Warehouse Associate.”
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• No phone calls or drop-ins please.

This position is full-time starting July 2020, guaranteed through December 2020, with possibility of continuation based on performance and available funding. Pay rate starting at $15/ hour.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking a committed and reliable team-player to join our team as a Customer Service Associate working for our Food System Enterprise programs, with a focus on on Market Mobile, a wholesale distribution platform where local farms sell their products to a variety of customers through one order form, delivery service, and invoice. In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, Market Mobile has pivoted to offer home deliveries, providing much needed food to individual households, while continuing to provide a market for farmers and food producers to sell their products. This has led to tremendous growth in overall sales, number of customers, and types of communications required to engage our customer and producer base.

The Customer Service Associate will work under the supervision of our Food System Enterprise Managers, including our Data and Systems Manager and Sales Manager. The Customer Service Associate will be a part of critical communication to both customers and producers for Market Mobile and responsible for handling various customer support tasks via phone and email. The Associate will have keen attention to detail, experience in a customer service forward position, show patience and kindness when interacting with customers and staff, and a passion for finding resolutions as it relates to customer orders.

This position works closely with the Co-Executive Director for Food System Enterprise and the Market Mobile team.

Primary Outcomes

• Resource Management: Resources are utilized and preserved in a manner that allows the program to function and thrive.
• Planning: Systems are organized and efficient. Advanced planning ensures all tasks are completed on time.
• Project & Time Management: Teams and individuals accomplish near-term objectives and are strategic in making progress toward long-term goals.

Organizational Outcomes

• Diversity, Inclusion & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
• Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed in order to handle all food properly.
• Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in the Packhouse and on the road. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
• Food Systems Knowledge: All workers are able to speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development, and understand how Farm Fresh programs address different aspects of these topics.
• Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and constituents of all Farm Fresh programs.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• High school diploma preferred
• Customer service and or food service industry experience preferred

Critical Skills

• Knowledge of best practices in customer service relations.
• Quick learner
• Detail-oriented
• Team player

To Apply

• Please send your resume and cover letter to Nikki Ayres at nikki@farmfreshri.org with subject line “Market Mobile Customer Service Associate.”
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — with interviews starting July 6, 2020.
• No phone calls or drop-ins please.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking committed and reliable team-players to join our team as Drivers working with our Market Mobile team. Market Mobile is a wholesale distribution platform where local farms sell their products to a variety of customers through one online order form, delivery service, and invoice.

The Drivers support Market Mobile operations through successful implementation of established operating procedures and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Daily tasks include safe, efficient driving according to assigned routes, accurate customer deliveries in collaboration with delivery assistants, loading/unloading trucks, and completion of prescribed paperwork. The Drivers may also provide support as needed with packhouse cleaning and sanitation, receiving, and packline. The Drivers must maintain a valid DOT Medical Card at all times. Drivers will have clean driving records, keen attention to health and safety, and knowledge of best practices in food handling, especially in light of the current COVID-19 outbreak. They will be quick learners, have strong attention to detail, and should enjoy working in an environment that centers teamwork.

The Drivers will work under the supervision of our Operations Manager. They work closely with Packhouse Associates and the rest of the Market Mobile team. Farm Fresh RI is working hard to keep all customers and employees safe during this public health crisis, and will provide necessary protective equipment.

Primary Outcomes

• Truck Operations: Applicable rules, regulations, and traffic laws are strictly followed at all times. Daily truck inspections are consistently completed. All incidents and accidents are properly and promptly reported.
• Deliveries: All sites and customers receive what they ordered within the proper timeframe and with courteous and professional service. All invoices are signed and driver/assistant paperwork is completed.
• Communication: Communication with customers, producers, and other staff is professional, prompt, and solution-oriented at all times.
• Maintenance: All fleet maintenance issues are promptly reported to the Operations Manager.
• Equipment: All equipment is used correctly and safely. Equipment is put away when not in use.
• Supplies: All supplies are used correctly and safely. Supplies are organized and put away when not in use.
• Sanitation & Cleaning: Packhouse is clean and well organized at all times.

Organizational Outcomes
As a team member at Farm Fresh RI, you will also work to ensure the following foundational outcomes for our organization.

• Diversity, Inclusion & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
• Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed in order to handle all food properly.
• Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in the Packhouse and on the road. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
• Food Systems Knowledge: All workers are able to speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development, and understand how Farm Fresh programs address different aspects of these topics.
• Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and constituents of all Farm Fresh programs.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience Required

• Ability to bend and lift loads up to 50 lbs
• Clean driving record
• Professional driving experience
• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred
• Food systems experience preferred

Critical Skills

• Knowledge of best practices in food safety
• Quick learner
• Detail-oriented
• Team player

To Apply

• Please apply online here.
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews starting May 26, 2020.
• No phone calls or drop-ins.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and energetic Youth Culinary Education AmeriCorps VISTA with demonstrated initiative and clear organizational communication skills to build capacity for the Farm Fresh RI’s Harvest Kitchen program. Harvest Kitchen is a 20-week culinary and job-readiness training program for youth involved with the RI Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The youth create a line of high-quality preserved foods using ingredients sourced from local farms, while building a stable foundation to maintain employment beyond their time with Harvest Kitchen. This position offers a unique opportunity to support existing trainees through curriculum enhancement and evaluation, develop partnerships with local social service agencies, and assist Harvest Kitchen program staff in referring and supporting youth trainees to additional programs beyond Harvest Kitchen. This position requires a one-year commitment to begin in July, 2020. Application deadline is June 3, 2020.

Primary Responsibilities

• Refine existing Harvest Kitchen training curriculum to deepen activities around food security, farming, and community economic development.
• Refine existing trainee tracking and program performance measurement systems.
• Research current and past Harvest Kitchen internship partners to identify relationship status.
• Streamline Harvest Kitchen internship referral process.
• Cultivate relationships with new and existing internship sites.
• Seek opportunities for collaboration between Harvest Kitchen trainees and outside organization programs and services.

Skills Required

• Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Great attention to detail
• Self starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
• Spanish skills or other language skills are a plus
• Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds

About Farm Fresh RI
Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh RI has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the Rhode Island region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of RI, MA and CT eaters with thousands of RI, MA and CT farmers.

Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of RI farmers and eaters.

Vision: A New England abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.

About AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits:

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $479.08
• Student loan deferment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• CNCS health benefit & childcare assistance
• $6,195 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans

To Apply
This is a full-year position starting in July 2020 and ending July 2021. The deadline to apply is 6/3/2020. Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps VISTA site, as described below. Farm Fresh Rhode Island and Hopes Harvest RI cannot accept applications directly.

• Please review the AmeriCorps VISTA information here: www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp.
• Then visit
  my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click Search Listings. For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options.
• On that page, scroll until you find this position. Click on it, and click “Apply Now.”
• Submit your application including two references.