The Center for Rural Affairs is hiring for four (4) positions as Garden/Market/Orchard Assistants.  The assistants will advise community members on planning, production, management, and harvest of family and community gardens and orchards, and will support the local farmers' markets.  The assistants work with other Center for Rural Affairs staff to promote food production in family and community gardens and promote participation in local markets.  A more complete description of responsibilities and qualifications is on the Center's website:  cfra.org/careers.

Who We Are

The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic nonprofit organization working to build a better future that includes all groups of people and helps to ensure access to genuine opportunity no matter where you live in rural America.  We've done this work for more than 40 years and we do it from rural places.  Our work creates opportunities for beginning farmers, new business owners, and first-time advocates every day.  The Center's work, fueld by our compassionate, mission-driven staff, puts rural communities, stewardship, and the next generation at the forefront.  Our staff have great stories to share and are proud to share their journey with you and why they work for the Center.

Who You Are

• High school diploma required.
• Driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Knowledge of vegetable gardening, orchard production, and/or agricultural production.
• Experience working in rural communities and strong connection to Tribal communities.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Requires strenuous physical work;  frequent standing, bending, twisting, and stooping.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills;  ability to communicate with staff and community members.
• Avaailable by phone and e-mail for all communications.
• Willingness to travel to various sites across Nebraska as needed.

What You Will Do (examples)

• Provide gardening information and advice to community members to improve quality and quantity of food production from community and family gardens and orchards.
• Manage demonstration garden and orchard sites, including spring and fall cleanup.
• Promote the use and sale of locally grown foods at local markets.
• Set up, tear down, and oversee daily farmer market sites and demonstration materials.
• Assist and attend training and education activities for community members on the benefits and techniques of vegetable gardening and fruit and berry production as a food and income source, and for cultural uses.
• Recruit market vendors and customers building community support for local markets.
• Promote and amange the use of SNAP, WIC, and other food assistance programs at local markets.
• Work closely with Center for Rural Affairs Community Food associate.
• Work up to 25 hours per week.

To apply, visit cfra.org/seasonal-worker-application.

These are part-time to full-time positions located on the OMaha Reservation in Walthill, NE.  Compensation range is $15 to $18 per hours, depending on experience.

Questions?  Contact Kristine Flyinghawk:  kristinef@cfra.org or 402-380-7006 or Suzi French:  suzif@cfra.org or 402-922-1063.