Details

Posted: Fri, January 17, 2025

Dependent on experience, up to $20/hour Pittsburgh, PA job

Email: liz@hilltopurbanfarm.org

Organization Overview
Hilltop Urban Farm (HUF), is a neighborhood resource that grows food, grows farmers, and grows community. Located in the Hilltop Area of Pittsburgh, PA, HUF provides fresh produce to the emergency food system, facilitates community events and youth programs, and provides educational opportunities for those interested in growing food. The Hilltop community, comprising the neighborhoods of Allentown, Arlington, Arlington Heights, Beltzhoover, Bon Air, Carrick, Knoxville, Mount Washington, Mount Oliver City, South Side Slopes, and Saint Clair, and Mount Oliver Borough, has been impacted by food apartheid, lacking access to fresh, nutritious food. Hilltop Urban Farm recognizes the need for access and works with different community partners to fight food insecurity. In just five growing seasons, the 23-acre site has gone from an abandoned former federal housing development to a working farm. HUF envisions revitalized urban neighborhoods where abundant, fresh, and healthy food sustains community.

Position Responsibilities
Assist with all assigned aspects to maintain the Community Farm (approximate ½ -acre plot, ); where all produce grown will be donated to Hilltop-serving food pantries.
Assist with maintaining the 21 raised beds in the Youth Farm.
Assist the Farmer Incubator Program manager with soil remediation projects, growing food crops for additional Community Farm output, and assisting incubator program participants with projects within their plots
Assist with maintaining the fruit tree orchards and common areas of farm property.
Community Farm, Youth Farm, and Orchard responsibilities include, but are not limited to: weeding, planting, maintaining irrigation systems and watering, tilling, mowing, string trimming, general farm maintenance, harvesting, washing and packing food for storage and distribution, tree pruning, watering, mulching, harvesting and pest management.
Assist with all assigned tasks in support of an active volunteer program. Responsibilities may include staging equipment/supplies for specific projects, leading and supporting specific volunteer groups, running on-site errands, cleaning up and storing equipment and supplies. Weekly schedule may be adjusted to work the third Saturday of each month April – October during open volunteer mornings 8:30am – 12:30pm.

Assist with all assigned aspects of maintaining farm equipment, tools, and machinery. Responsibilities include cleaning tools, organizing tools/supplies, general routine small engine maintenance and repair, cleaning machinery and tracking inventory of necessary farm supplies.
Deliver farm donations to three Hilltop food pantries.
Desired Competencies and Attributes
Flexible and adaptable to quickly changing needs and conditions.
Dependable. Consistent use of good judgment.
Determined, focused and strong team player.
Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
Good sense of humor.
Natural interest and curiosity in sustainable agriculture, food/social justice, and food security.
Comfort with getting dirty, contact with insects, and related contact with natural elements

Desired Qualifications and Experience
Demonstrated background with gardening/farming, at least 1 full season.
Experience operating and maintaining mechanized equipment (lawnmowers, tillers, string trimmers, etc.).
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and put in full days of physically demanding field work in a variety of weather conditions.
Experience leading groups and working with the public.
Ability to independently complete projects.
Valid driver’s license and/or consistent access to reliable transportation.
Adaptability to changing plans and tasks frequently and quickly based on changing conditions and the multitude of variables involved with farming
Duration and Classification of Position
This full-time seasonal position will run from mid-March through November 14, 2025.
Compensation Overview
The Farm Program Assistant position will be compensated up to $20/hour depending on experience. The Farm Program Assistant will report to the Community Farm Coordinator, Director of Farm Programs, and Executive Director, though they may also do work under the direction of the Youth Programs and Volunteer Coordinator and Farmer Incubator Program Manager, depending on their work assignments for the day. The position requires an average of 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Some flexibility in daily and overall schedule as well as flexibility in setting official start/end date.
HUF is an Equal Opportunity Employer
HUF is an EOE employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. HUF follows Pennsylvania’s at-will employment policy. People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must pass criminal and child-abuse background checks as a condition of employment. Applicants must provide references upon request.
Application Process/Requirements
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: Liz Metzler, Director of Farm Programs at liz@hilltopurbanfarm.org. Please list “Farm Program Assistant” in the subject line. Please submit application materials by February 19, 2025 to be considered in the first round of interviews. The position will remain posted until filled.
No phone calls please.
Farm location:
700 Cresswell Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210