Hunger Task Force operates a 208-acre Farm and Fish Hatchery in Franklin, Wisconsin. The Farm is the only peri-urban farm in the state that grows fresh fruits and vegetables for the expressed purpose of feeding the hungry. The Farm hosts a variety of one-of-a-kind programs that benefit our community in many ways. The Farm is home to 100 acres of tillable land, an on-site fish hatchery, a 43-acre Oak Savanna, and a unique child nutrition education program which includes a classroom kitchen and a quarter-acre school garden. All the fresh produce grown at The Farm is distributed completely free of charge to families in need in the Greater Milwaukee Area. The Farm’s crop list includes apples, asparagus, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, collards, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, mustards, pears, peppers, pumpkins, spinach, squash, tomatoes, turnip greens, and watermelon. Crops are planted in succession to extend harvest windows for locally grown vegetables.

General Function:

The Farm Volunteer Coordinator acts as an ambassador for Hunger Task Force to recruit, schedule, train, lead and steward the more than 4,000 volunteers annually supporting The Farm. The Farm Volunteer Coordinator will safely and effectively lead and direct work crews of community volunteers working at the Farm. The Farm Volunteer Coordinator works in tandem with the entire Farm Staff to plant, maintain and harvest fruits and vegetables at the Hunger Task Force Farm. This regular full-time position includes work in the greenhouse, fields, orchards, farm warehouse, fish hatchery, hoop houses and natural areas. The Farm Volunteer Coordinator operates trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment to maintain vegetable fields and fruit orchards. Other responsibilities include crop irrigation, mechanical weed control, efficient produce harvest, proper post-harvest handling and insect and disease field scouting. In addition to general farm work, the Farm Volunteer Coordinator must accurately articulate information to volunteers, other Farm staff and Farm volunteers in written, electronic, and verbal forms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Program

• • Recruit and schedule volunteers to support Farm operations. Continue to expand the current base of volunteers to reflect the diverse nature of our agency and its services.
  • Lead the orientation of volunteers to Hunger Task Force’s mission and work. Speak publicly in both small and large group settings and advocate for Hunger Task Force’s mission daily.
  • Steward volunteers through regular acknowledgment calls, letters, meetings and emails.
  • Quickly assess, train, and direct groups of volunteers in farming operations. Coordinate efforts at The Farm to ensure appropriate volunteer training and safety are maintained.
  • Provide timely recognition of volunteer service via email, phone, and other media.
  • Maintain up-to-date records and reports of volunteer hours and activities, as well as contact information.
  • Draft, coordinate and/or assist with volunteer-focused communications. Provide Digital Marketing & Creative Coordinator with regular volunteer recruitment and recognition updates for agency website, social media, and other e-communications.
  • Solicit and provide giving opportunities for volunteers through the Volunteer Giving Program.
  • Work collaboratively with Volunteer Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator to cross schedule groups from The Farm to other appropriate activities within the agency.

Farming

• • Demonstrate proper harvest and post-harvest handling of fruits and vegetables.
  • Demonstrate how to propagate, plant and transplant fruit and vegetable crops.
  • Demonstrate and explain farm work techniques and safety regulations to volunteers.
  • Safely operate and maintain heavy farm equipment.
  • Willingly work outside, for extended periods of time in many types of weather including heat, wind, rain and cool temperatures.
  • Accurately and frequently share information that pertains to crop status, including but not limited to: disease, pest or weed issues, environmental conditions, and fruit maturity.
  • Adjust and make minor repairs on farm machinery.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of farm layout and field access points; understand written Farm plan and general timeline of execution of farm operations.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AND two years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous farming experience is preferred, particularly vegetable farming experience.

 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Work patterns are seasonally influenced, and work activities are highly dependent on the weather.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

 

Salary Range: $32,100 – $50,400