Urban Agricultural Assistant

The Institute for Human Services (IHS) is Hawaii's most comprehensive human services agency dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness. For over 45 years, we've been at the forefront of creating tailored solutions for those in crisis, offering a continuum of care that includes emergency shelters, housing programs, health services, employment assistance, and outreach.

The Urban Agricultural Assistant provides assistance with general maintenance of the IHS rooftop gardens/landscaping. This position facilitates and/or coordinates vocational training for guests.

Compensation:

Starting from $15.00 hourly, actual pay commensurate with experience.

Essential Functions:

1. Clean up litter and attend to gardens of vegetables and fruits.
2. Care for seeds and plan for and/or rotate crops as necessary for optimum harvesting.
3. Report weekly assessment of garden status.
4. Collaborate with Children’s Program Coordinator, Meal Program Manager, and Shelter Managers to engage guests in activities related to gardening.
5. Maintain and care for equipment and tools needed to perform daily tasks with the help of guests and volunteers.
6. Provide assistance with pre-vocational and vocational skills training of guests.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Working knowledge of urban farming and agricultural methods including cultivation, weed control, seeding and planting of vegetables, fruits and other foliage.
2. Some basic carpentry skills are helpful.
3. Organizing skills, project management and volunteer management important.
4. Experience working with homeless and/or disenfranchised individuals.
5. Strong interpersonal, motivational and communication skills.
6. Computer proficient with Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word and Excel.
7. Detail oriented with ability to follow instructions, work collaboratively and think creatively.
8. Able to uphold confidentiality of persons served and plan/prioritize work appropriately.

Required Education and Experience:

1. One year agricultural farming experience.
2. Some experience working with volunteers and coordinating group efforts towards a successful goal.
3. Some experience working with homeless or disenfranchised individuals.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Regular Part-Time classification. Generally, Monday through Friday, however, hours and days may vary depending on volunteer events related to agriculture programs that may occur on the weekends. If weekends are worked, may flex schedule during week. Hours and days may vary based on the needs of the organization.

IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace, and is proud to be an employer of national service.