Full-Time, Year-Round Lead Land Steward

Neighborhood Land Power Project’s mission is to build a neighborhood rooted food and land system through community leadership development and land-based strategies in West Philadelphia.

• Position Summary: Full

Time Lead Land Steward

The Lead Land Steward is responsible for maintaining and developing operational standards and quality assurance across NLPP’s four sites; leading the farm, orchard and garden teams in field-based agricultural and conservation work utilizing regenerative growing practices and developing projects through a restorative community lens. The Lead Land Steward will collaborate with the land and program teams to develop and facilitate skill shares, workshops, community tours, events and fundraising activities; participate in grant writing and communication activities; and work closely with NLPP staff, community members and partner organizations in advocating for, creating, and sustaining collective green spaces in the Haddington neighborhood while advancing NLPP’s food sovereignty and land justice initiatives.

Reports to: Executive Director

Pay and Benefits: $43,000 per year with a $200 per month fringe benefit stipend.

• Status: Non-Exempt, full

time

Role Expectations:

• Ensure sustainable food production at NF Farm, Conestoga/Pearl, and Queen sites through direct farming, leadership of team planning, direct staff support and oversight of land activities including: crop planning, trellising, pruning, no or low till land prep, organic pest control, and organic fertilizing, planting, irrigation, composting, etc., utilizing core permaculture practices.
• Lead and support winter planning and capital improvement projects at NLPP sites (i.e. facilities maintenance, equipment repairs, and project proposals.
• Support harvest day coordination and distribution alongside Land Stewards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Program Coordinator to support community partnerships, volunteer recruitment and stakeholder education through skills and knowledge sharing, hands-on work, farm tours, events, etc.
• Recruit, lead in the hiring, orientation, and supervision of land steward staff with the support of the Seasonal Full
• Time Land Steward, and delegate tasks utilizing a coordinated team approach.
• Stay current in urban farming/agroecology innovations including testing practical applications that mitigate climate change.
• Honor cultural growing traditions and social practices that reflect our community.
• Collaborate with leadership in the development and maintenance of administrative documentation including farm logs, staff and community waivers and consents, inventory, purchase requests, invoices, etc.
• Participate in, lead and support organizational meetings, retreats, events, programs and community partnerships alongside the Program Coordinator and Executive Director.
• Contribute to fostering a thoughtful, kind, educational, and collective work and community space; ensuring that staff, neighbors, members, volunteers, and partners feel welcome, engaged, and invested at all NLPP’s sites.
• Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth that forward NLPP’s work and strategic plans
• Consent to releasing photos, video and verbal quotes to be used for organizational and promotional purposes.
• All other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum of an undergraduate degree or equivalent in content and skill related areas.
• Experience: A combination of proficiency in implementing the core principles of urban gardening, agriculture, and permaculture; staff, volunteer and project management, community outreach, training and workshop facilitation; curriculum development a plus.
• Skills: Communicate effectively and work collectively in a team environment. Ability to problem-solve and be solution focused. Landscaping and general contracting skills a plus
• Abilities: Lift 50 pounds; walk, stand, kneel, drive and bend for extended periods of time; work in varying weather conditions; and engage in strenuous tasks while modeling endurance and emotional intelligence.
• Characteristics: Commitment to economic, environmental and social justice; respect for people of all cultures and backgrounds; open to personal growth and new experiences; and demonstrate a passion for working alongside youth and community members.
• Requirements: Have a Driver’s License and clean driving record; can pass all background checks as required by the organization to work with youth. Engage in ethical social media practice that is consistent with the mission of the organization
• Preference: Professional, social or cultural connection with the Haddington neighborhood, neighborhood leadership or with a neighboring community is a plus.

Working conditions: This role requires flexibility in scheduling throughout the season. Early morning, evening, and weekend work will be required. We work in an outdoor urban environment in all weather conditions. Adherence to five key work ethics: integrity/honesty, reliability, accountability, professionalism, discipline/time management, and teamwork/cooperation.

NLPP is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. People of color, women, working class people, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, submit a 1) resume and 2) cover letter addressed to Laurie Dow, with the subject line “Lead Land Steward” at:

info@neighborhoodland.org

Applications will be accepted and reviewed until position is filled.

This position does not offer medical benefits; however, we offer a $200 per month stipend to offset the cost of medical benefits. Employees receive holidays and accrue paid time off.