Farming Assistant - Little Sprouts Farms - Urban Harvest STL

Description: 

The Farming Assistant for the Little Sprouts farms will support Little Sprouts program staff with farming and program needs in two non-profit childcare centers serving low income, low food access communities in the city of St. Louis. The Farming assistant will participate in routine operations of food production at Flance Center and Guardian Angel School Farms and will assist with preschool garden classes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings. No farming or education experience is necessary. You must be able to commit to 10 hours a week (2-3 shifts), pass a background check, and have reliable transportation to the farm sites.

Duties and Responsibilities: 
After completion of satisfactory background check, this position will assist the Farm Manager with routine farming tasks at school garden sites. These duties will include planting, watering, weeding, implementing pest management strategies, harvesting, and assisting with food distribution to school partners. At least one morning per week on Tuesday or Wednesday, the position will also assist the educator with weekly program activities during garden lessons. Little Sprouts implements a garden curriculum focused on age-appropriate, nature-based learning. Garden lessons help children connect with their food, nature, and their bodies. Produce grown in the garden is used in cooking demonstrations, taste tests during garden classes, and distributed to the school cafeteria and to families. As a result of this position, Little Sprouts will improve our educational program and increase the school farms’ capacity for food production and distribution.

Qualifications: 

• Must have accepted a Federal Work-Study award for the current academic year.
• Must pass a background check through MO Family Care and Safety Registry (we cover the fee)
• Willingness to work in St. Louis outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people and stakeholder

Preferred Skills: 

• Interest or experience in gardening, child development, nutrition and health, community engagement, environmental education