VeggieRx Associate

Increase local food access for families experiencing food insecurity through a VeggieRX program with community partnerships and local farms. The VeggieRX Associate will work with a multi-organization team to develop best practices in farm-direct produce distribution through health care providers

Duties and Responsibilities:

Physical Demands
This is a farm setting. Staff must be able to work on foot all day in all weather conditions performing manual labor. There will be frequent lifting, standing, walking, bending, farm tool usage, machinery operation as well as speaking to the public, staff and program participants. Staff is required to lift, push, and pull items up to 50 lbs. Staff are expected to work in multiple locations.

In this role you will be responsible for the following:
Partner Communications and Coordination 40%

• Coordinate communications with health center staff, UMN Extension, and community partners to schedule partnership meetings, staff training, and create systems for referring patients to the VeggieRx program and nutrition lessons. Support program evaluators with survey distribution and documentation of metrics. Support VeggieRx Project administration, including expense tracking, and regular reports to development staff, VeggieRx team, and other partners. Support VeggieRx event planning at the Arboretum.

VeggieRx Distribution site Associate 40%

• Work in partnership with Farm at the Arb and VeggieRx health center staff to deliver programming and engage staff, patients, and community residents. Develop creative ways to increase the consumption of fresh produce for all VeggieRx participants.

Other Duties as Assigned 20%

• Assist with other Farm at the Arb activities as needed.
  

Required

• BS/BA or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years
• Documented experience tracking data accurately with Excel and/or other technology
• Documented experience as a supportive resource for program participants, community residents or project partners
• A valid driver's license with good driving record
• Ability to work independently to coordinate a developing program and as part of a dedicated agriculture training team
• A detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, and punctual work ethic,
• Excellent communication skills: email, phone, person, etc.

Preferred

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Bachelor's or advanced coursework/degree in Food Systems, Nutrition, or related field
• Two or more years of community-based service activity
• Two or more years of local produce farm distribution or warehousing experience
• A strong interest in working with workforce development and nutrition education
• Familiarity with Google Suite of programs, sheets, docs, email, and calendar

Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).