Job Opportunities
Franklinton Farms is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates who reflect cultures in our community, especially if under-represented on our team, are given special consideration i.e. comes from a low-income household, has lived experienced food insecurity, is a Franklinton resident, etc.
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Hiring Process
If you are interested in a posted positions, please send your resume, cover letter, and reference’s contact information to employment@franklintonfarms.org with the position title in the subject line.
Applications which do not include those items or which do not speak to position requirements will not be considered. We will engage qualified candidates when we start the hiring process as noted for each listing.
We are currently hiring for three positions.
Urban Farmers (Seasonal)
Garden Educator, School and Teen Focus (Full-Time)
Youth Garden Educator (Part-Time)
Maintenance Coordinator (Part-Time)
Scroll below to find out more information and to apply.
Urban Farmer (Seasonal)
Are you excited about plants and growing food? Are you happiest working outside? Do you want to learn techniques for small-scale urban farming?
Franklinton Farms seeks a full-time Urban Farmer to help with all aspects of our urban production farm, from seed to sale!
HIRING PROCESS
Please send a resume and cover letter, with references, to employment@franklintonfarms.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted within one week to schedule interviews.
Start date: May or June
End date: August or September
DETAILS:
POSITION: Urban Farmer
TYPE: Full-Time (40 hours per week) Hourly, Non-exempt
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Urban Farm Manager
COMPENSATION: $15-17 per hour (depending on experience)
BENEFITS: Produce from the farm, workers’ compensation.
URBAN FARMER DESCRIPTION
As a part of our passionate team, the Urban Farmer responsibilities will include helping with all aspects of Franklinton Farms’ urban production farm, from seed to sale. Work will include preparing beds, seeding, transplanting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and selling produce at market. The position requires hard outdoor work in all types of weather, sometimes for long hours.
We seek highly motivated people who will work well both independently and in a team. The Urban Farmer reports directly to the Farm Manager and alongside the Garden Education staff, Connections Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Executive Director, and volunteers.
Franklinton Farms grows fruits and vegetables on 12 scattered sites totalling 2 acres around Franklinton, including 8 high tunnels and an indoor microgreens room which allow us to grow fresh produce year-round. We use low- and no-till methods, hand tools, and (not certified) organic growing methods. We distribute our produce through neighborhood delivery, local donations, an online shop, and the Worthington Farmers Market. Approximately 70% of produce is sold at Full Price through the Farm Social Enterprise and we give away between 10-20% of produce. West side neighbors can always buy the produce at ½ price and SNAP users anywhere can purchase at 75% off using their EBT card.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1 year + experience (formal or informal) with farming or gardening or a related field
Passion for agriculture
Valid Driver’s license, comfortable driving, and have access to reliable transportation
Saturday availability for farmers markets
Experience with physical labor, especially outdoors
Commitment to the values of Franklinton Farms including integrity; kindness and conflict engagement; team-orientation; active inclusion; cultural competency; professional sustainability
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects that may weigh approximately 50 pounds
Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend
Mobility of arms to reach
Dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate large and small objects
Ability to operate heavy machinery (skid steer, walk-behind tractor)
Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions, including full sun, high temperatures, rain, snow, and cold/freezing temperatures
Familiarity with hand tools and power tools
KNOWLEDGE AREAS (can be gained/increased once in the position)
Sustainable Agriculture
Machinery (tractors, walk behind tractor, trucks, skid steer)
Basic tool use (drills, saws, etc.)
Customer service or sales
Technology use (phones, computers, applications)
Written/verbal communication
INCLUSION and NON DISCRIMINATION
Franklinton Farms is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Franklinton Farms does not discriminate on any basis including, but not limited to, race, sex, gender identity or expression, color, class, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, family status, health status, age, military status, religion, belief or mental and physical dis/ability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, or any other status protected by applicable law.
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Franklinton Farms’ mission is to nourish neighborhood wellbeing and connection through farming, gardening, and education. We operate in Franklinton, a USDA-classified food desert/apartheid on the near west side of Columbus. In addition to subsidized produce prices, we offer free garden education opportunities and community events for our neighbors! You can learn more about us on Instagram @franklintonfarms or on our website, here.
Garden Educator, School and Teen Focus
TYPE: Full-time (32-40 hours), hourly, non-exempt
COMPENSATION: $17-19 per hour, depending on experience
BENEFITS: Weekly produce from Franklinton Farms, 4 weeks of paid vacation & sick time, 8 paid holidays, workers’ compensation, 6 weeks paid parental leave, Flexible Spending Account.
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Education Coordinator
SUPERVISES: Any Education Team member, as assigned by the Education Coordinator, including permanent contractors and seasonal workers
Mission and Overview
Franklinton Farms mission is to nourish neighborhood wellbeing and connection through farming, gardening, and education. We envision a neighborhood and food system that respects the land, values all people, and celebrates community.
The Garden Educator’s role advances the education portion of the Franklinton Farms mission. They have a firm understanding of how education nourishes neighborhood wellbeing and connection.
Responsibilities
Ensure implementation of educational programs in classrooms and community spaces
Plan and lead school-based programs (Sullivant Elementary, Starling Elementary, CCA-Dana, FPHS, and FHS) – including procuring or creating curriculum, gathering supplies, and documentation.
Conduct all programs and ensure they are consistent with trauma-informed care, cultural relevance, developmental stages, and learning differences, and (when appropriate) Ohio Learning Standards, adhering to school garden best practices.
Comply with monitoring requirements and education standards for all programs, including the transfer of data to the Education Coordinator for monthly program reporting.
Collaborate closely with community partners in program development, maintain relationships with faculty/administration at schools and program staff at partner social service agencies.
Lead and conduct other community-based garden programs according to the above standards, as assigned.
If another Educator is unable to complete programming, implement programming based on substitute lessons provided by the program lead, as assigned.
Steward school gardens and community gardens to support interactive educational experiences
Comply with best practices in regenerative agriculture,ecological design, and childhood and nature design principles–including but not limited to: starting seeds, weeding, maintaining raised beds, creating garden signage, etc.
Plan and cultivate School Gardens contextualized in each place-based environment and provide any maintenance and upkeep to community garden beds.
Cultivate and maintain Patrick Kaufman Memorial Learn Garden (including infrastructure, tools, supplies, and equipment), with tasks as assigned by the Education Coordinator.
Lead Summer Apprenticeship Program
When in-school programming has concluded for the season, Educator will oversee the Teen Apprenticeship Program.
Plan and lead Apprenticeship programming, including: procuring or creating curriculum, gathering supplies, and documentation.
Conduct all programs in a manner consistent with trauma-informed care, cultural relevance, developmental stages, and learning differences, and (when appropriate) Ohio Learning Standards, adhering to school garden best practices.
Comply with monitoring and education standards for all programs, including the transfer of data to the Education Coordinator for monthly program statistics reporting.
Collaborate closely with community partners in program development, maintain relationships with faculty/administration at schools and with program staff at partner social service agencies.
Lead and conduct community-based garden programs in alignment with the above standards, as assigned.
Lead and Manage Garden Education Assistants and others, as assigned
When implementing programs with support from a Garden Education Assistant or volunteer, develop clear expectations for the Assistant’s role and provide the division of responsibilities.
Maintain awareness of Education Team members who are not completing their tasks in the time allotted in order to problem-solve, improve performance, and notify the Education Coordinator promptly.
General
Attend All-Staff Meetings and Education Team Meetings
Drive to and from program sites, moving tools, supplies, and equipment between sites with FF vehicles.
Comply with the maintenance of financial records, per the guidelines of the Education Team and Franklinton Farms
Establish Work From Home (WFH) schedule with Education Coordinator and adhere to WFH policies
Maintain physical ability to complete job duties: can lift 50 pounds; able to stand and work (stoop, bend, climb, reach, grasp, etc) for the full duration of a shift; ability to work in outdoor weather conditions, including full sun, high temperatures, rain, snow, and cold/freezing temperatures
Maintain a Valid Driver’s license, be comfortable driving a company vehicle if necessary, and have access to reliable transportation to work
Maintain general technology proficiency
Complete other tasks, as assigned
APPLICATION DETAILS
HIRING PROCESS: Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references’ contact information to employment@franklintonfarms.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews. Estimated start date: Late Spring, Early Summer.
Youth Garden Educator
Do you want to share your passion for gardening with students?
Do you believe learning should be inclusive, empowering, and fun?
The Youth Garden Educator will lead After School and Summer Camp garden programs. These programs are focused on providing garden-centered programming to elementary- and middle- school-aged students. All programs teach kids how to grow and prepare their own food while cultivating their social and emotional wellbeing. Upon the completion of the school year, The Youth Garden Educator would continue supporting these students through summer camp programs. Please consider applying if you are:
Skilled in gardening, and/or farming
Kind and hospitable to all people
Prepared to provide trauma-informed, holistic learning for neighborhood students
Energized by developing curriculum and planning engaging lessons
A good collaborator but able to work independently
Attuned to administrative tasks
Passionate about nourishing neighborhood wellbeing and connection
POSITION HOURS: 20 hours per week throughout the year; Hourly, Non-exempt. The role continues year-round and may include evening and weekend work. Shifts may change to adjust seasonal needs. Potential for growth to a full-time position in Fall 2024.
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Education Coordinator
COMPENSATION: $17-19 per hour, depending on experience
BENEFITS: Weekly produce from Franklinton Farms, 4 weeks of paid vacation & sick time, 8 paid holidays, workers’ compensation, 6 weeks paid parental leave, Flexible Spending Account.
APPLICATION DETAILS
HIRING PROCESS: Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references’ contact information to employment@franklintonfarms.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews. Estimated start date: Late Spring, Early Summer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Commitment to values of Franklinton Farms: integrity, kindness, and sustainability
2+ years (professional or informal) of farming/gardening experience OR completed degree in soil-based agricultural science and complete gardening independence required
2+ years experience (professional or informal) with delivering learning activities for children
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
Strong sense of neighborhood awareness, assertiveness, and presence while leading programming
Lift 40 pounds and conduct physical labor in all weather conditions required
Valid Driver’s license, comfortable driving a company vehicle, and access to reliable transportation to work required
Qualified candidates with lived experience of food insecurity or who reside in Franklinton receive special consideration
Strong strategic thinking, project management, planning, time-management, & organization skills
Ability to lead and direct others; ability to take direction and work in a collaborative environment
Familiarity with Urban Agriculture, Environmental Sustainability, and Food Justice issues
General computer proficiency
Able to read and write
Able to stand and work (stoop, bend, climb, reach, grasp, etc) for the full duration of a shift (up to 8 hours); Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions, including full sun, high temperatures, rain, snow, and cold/freezing temperatures
Able to climb a ladder
Cooking skills preferred
Upon acceptance of position, ability to pass a complete background check.
Knowledge areas: trauma-informed care, place-based education, curriculum development, Botany, Cultural awareness, and antiracism practice.
ABOUT FRANKLINTON FARMS
At Franklinton Farms, our mission is to nourish neighborhood wellbeing and connection through farming, gardening, and education. Franklinton Farms is a highly productive urban farm and environmental education nonprofit in Franklinton. Our neighbors are rich in loyalty, generosity, and ingenuity… and they are facing serious challenges. The community has the lowest life expectancy for the state of Ohio (a mere 60 years old). One contributing factor is that Franklinton is a USDA-classified food desert/apartheid. From our beginnings as a small community garden in 2007, we have become an inspiration for other urban growers, a hub for community gardening education, and a host of nutritious neighborhood foodscapes. We grow produce and offer garden education year-round on 12 lots across the central part of our neighborhood.
INCLUSION and NON-DISCRIMINATION
Franklinton Farms is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Franklinton Farms does not discriminate on any basis including, but not limited to, race, sex, gender identity or expression, color, class, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, family status, health status, age, military status, religion, belief or mental and physical dis/ability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Maintenance Coordinator
Part-Time Position, Hourly, Non Exempt
Estimated start date: March 1st 2024
Position Overview: The Maintenance Coordinator (full job description here) will collaborate with the Franklinton Farms staff, tenants, and community to maintain twelve properties throughout central Franklinton. They will be our point-person for addressing property concerns, managing infrastructure improvements, and maintaining vehicles and other farm equipment. This person is also responsible for being knowledgeable about the neighborhood and the broader work of Franklinton Farms!
Please consider applying if you are
Handy and hardworking
Eager to work outside alongside a dedicated team
Organized and attuned to administrative processes
Knowledgeable about construction, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work
A good collaborator but able to work independently
Passionate about nourishing neighborhood wellbeing and connection!
POSITION HOURS: 20 hours per week throughout the year; Hourly, Non-exempt. The role continues year-round and may require flexibility if unexpected property concerns arise
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Executive Director
COMPENSATION: $17-19 per hour (depending on experience)
BENEFITS: Weekly produce from Franklinton Farms, 4 weeks of paid vacation/sick time (accessible after first 90 days of work), workers’ compensation, 6 weeks paid parental leave, Flexible Spending Account.
HIRING PROCESS
Please send your (1) resume, (2) cover letter, and (3) three references’ contact information to employment@franklintonfarms.org. The hiring process is ongoing—qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews within a week of receipt of their application. Applicants encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
QUALIFICATIONS
Commitment to values of Franklinton Farms: integrity, kindness, and sustainability
2+ years (formal or informal) of construction, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, or electrical experience or knowledge required
Strategic thinking abilities with strong project management, problem solving, planning, time-management, organization skills required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a collaborative environment
Candidates with shared cultural elements of our neighbors are given special consideration (low-income household or family culture, experience of food insecurity, etc.)
General computer proficiency (Google Suite)
Property management and project management experience preferred
Building skills preferred
Nonprofit experience preferred
Valid Driver’s license, comfortable driving, and have access to reliable transportation to work required
Ability to: stand and work (stoop, bend, climb, reach, grasp, etc) for the full duration of a shift; work in outdoor weather conditions, including full sun, high temperatures, rain, snow, and cold/freezing temperatures; lift 50 pounds and conduct physical labor in all weather conditions required; and climb a ladder.
Upon acceptance of position, ability to pass a complete background check.
Knowledge areas: Construction, property safety/compliance, project management, urban agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food justice issues
About Franklinton Farms
At Franklinton Farms, our mission is to nourish neighborhood wellbeing and connection through farming, gardening, and education. Franklinton Farms is a highly productive urban farm and environmental education nonprofit in Franklinton. Our neighbors are rich in loyalty, generosity, and ingenuity… and they are facing serious challenges. The community has the lowest life expectancy for the state of Ohio (a mere 60 years old). One contributing factor is that Franklinton is a USDA-classified food desert/apartheid. From our beginnings as a small community garden in 2007, we have become an inspiration for other urban growers, a hub for community gardening education, and a host of nutritious neighborhood foodscapes. We grow produce and offer garden education year-round on 12 lots across the central part of our neighborhood.
Inclusion and Non-Discrimination
Franklinton Farms is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Franklinton Farms does not discriminate on any basis including, but not limited to, race, sex, gender identity or expression, color, class, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, family status, health status, age, military status, religion, belief or mental and physical dis/ability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, or any other status protected by applicable law.