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.