Hydroponic Systems Assistant

Reporting to the Senior Hydroponic Systems Manager, the Hydroponic Systems Assistant role will support TFFJ’s growing operations as well as farm maintenance and farm build operations across all of TFFJ’s currently operational and upcoming New York City farms. This person will be trained to follow TFFJ’s Standard Operating Procedures for large-scale hydroponic growing operations and on how to build and maintain TFFJ’s hydroponic growing systems. This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in hydroponics who also wants to work with youth in a public school environment.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Systems Maintenance & Farm Installations (60%)

• Training
  • Receive relevant training on system operation & maintenance on:
    • How to safely shut down and restart TFFJ hydroponic systems for maintenance
    • How to use TFFJ’s remote control systems
    • How to use the System Issue Dashboard and its team deployment platform
  • Train on safe fabrication techniques and PPE usage, including:
    • How to safely replace electrical components
    • How to properly plastic weld plumbing
    • Safe power tool usage
  • Train on the installation of new TFFJ hydroponic Systems
  • Train on techniques for System Issue Diagnosis
  • Participate in regular training activities, including but not limited to coursework and job shadowing
  • Attend weekly check-ins with Senior Systems Team (SST) both during the training period and thereafter
• Systems Maintenance
  • Perform system maintenance as directed by the SST:
    • Replace malfunctioning system components:
      • Broken pumps
      • Burnt-out lights
      • Faulty extension cords
      • Auto dosing equipment
    • Fabricate system plumbing:
      • Irrigation plumbing
      • Fertilizer dosing lines
      • Reservoir plumbing assemblies
    • Address system leaks:
      • Remove clogs from debris
      • Replace old sealants and gaskets
      • Tighten plumbing components to seal leaks
• Campus Interactions
  • Interface with on-site campus staff to determine root causes of reported system issues:
    • Gather information for system issue tickets:
      • Take pictures and record video of issues
      • Take verbal statements from on-site staff
    • Diagnose system issue root causes utilizing the methods and techniques taught by SST
    • Coordinate with on-site custodial staff:
      • Resolve reported issues when necessary
      • Receive packages to and from the school when necessary
• Systems Design & Research
  • Conduct in-person or online research into systems as directed by SST:
    • Identify potential alternative components
    • Implement best-use protocols for systems
• New Farm Installation
  • Support new farm installs as required by SST

Farm & Distribution Operations (30%)

• Tend to hydroponic crops by seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and cleaning hydroponic systems (post-harvest), including pruning and trellising vine crops.
• Use the Farm Management Dashboard to submit accurate records, report issues, request supplies, and follow task-specific instructions while supporting on-site farm and classroom activities.
• Support core food distribution tasks, including harvesting, weighing, labeling, packing, and coordinating handoff of produce to ensure accurate orders, food safety compliance, and successful receipt by customers.
• Support the produce supply chain from the farm to the campus cafeteria, campus distribution recipients, community-based organization (CBO) partners, and internal events as needed.
• Deploy various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) treatments and Plant Protection Products (PPP) as needed.
• Monitor and maintain hydroponic growing systems as outlined on the daily checklist; clean and sanitize each hydroponic system and the farm as a whole; report growing/systems issues as needed.
• Undergo a 2-hour, virtual, self-paced ServSafe Food Handler food safety training course, which is valid for three years upon completion. TFFJ will fund the cost of all necessary ServSafe training.

Program Support (10%)

• Engage respectfully with students and staff when guiding them on farm activities.
• Serve as a TFFJ representative within our partner school communities.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Calendar, etc.) with the ability to collaborate and manage documents in a shared digital environment
• Willingness to learn new technological tools (e.g., Airtable databases)
• Willingness to travel between NYC’s five boroughs
• Interest in working in youth-focused spaces with middle and high school-aged students
• Able to work independently but also collaborate productively with team members
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Able to climb ladders/rolling staircases

Desired Qualifications

• Commitment to social justice
• Interest or experience in farming, urban agriculture, community health and/or community nutrition, or youth development
• High energy and positive outlook

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do! We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

TFFJ’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity applies to all aspects of employment: recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; and terminations. TFFJ does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, nationality, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, unemployed status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

TFFJ also offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, plus a retirement 403(b) plan, substantial vacation time, and an annual professional development stipend.