Horticultural and Culinary Assistant – Heifer USA

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

FUNCTION

Heifer USA works with small-scale farmers to help them transform their communities. We provide training and support in regenerative agriculture, connect farmers to profitable and reliable markets, and educate the public. The Horticultural and Culinary Assistant will support our 2-acre working and educational market garden site in Perryville, AR. The farm includes a 2-acre diversified vegetable market garden, which includes high tunnels, a greenhouse, and a perennial herb garden. In addition, they will support the hospitality program by serving as a culinary assistant and supporting the preparation, serving and clean up of meal services as needed.

**This is a seasonal full-time position until the end of August subject to extension. This position will be onsite at Heifer’s Ranch located in Perryville, AR.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS:**

Honest, Strong work ethic, Reliable, Enthusiastic, Commitment to learning and performance, Self-starter, Proactive, “Whatever it takes” mentality, Attention to detail, Punctual, Passion for farming and food justice issues, Organized, Flexible, and Thrives in a culturally diverse environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

A. Support organic garden (70%).

• Support organic fruit and vegetable production.
• Providing excellent and timely customer service to customers.
• Support produce delivery.

B. Support meal service (20%)

• Prepare meals, under the direction of the Hospitality Manager, primarily with seasonally available organic produce and meat raised on the Ranch, much of which may be of a limited selection during some seasons.
• Maintain a clean, attractive and sanitary environment – in the kitchen & dining area including kitchen clean-up, doing dishes, wiping down tables & mopping.

C. May perform other job-related duties as assigned (10%)

• Must be willing and able to step in and assist in any Heifer USA activity as needed

Minimum Requirements:

1. High School diploma or GED
2. 2 years of experience
3. Must have reliable transportation
4. Must have a valid driver’s license

Preferred Requirements:

1. Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Agri-business, Agriculture, Environmental Sustainability, or related field.
2. General knowledge of horticultural production.
3. Experience working in the food service industry.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

Reliable. Excellent work ethic. Passion for Regenerative Agriculture. Experience working in food service. Ability to respectfully work with a diverse staff.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

1. Must have good agility and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including the ability to frequently lift 50+ pounds, work leaned over or kneeling, stand on feet for long periods of time, and work outdoors in all types of weather (hot/humid summers and cold/wet winters).
2. Willing to work in varying weather conditions.
3. Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
4. Able to work after hours and weekends as needed.
5. Ability to take direction and execute tasks as directed.
6. Must be highly organized.
7. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week.

• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match + 3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection