Food and Farm Activity Specialist
Harlem Grown
Food and Farm Activity Specialist
Harlem Grown
Non-profit urban farming education for youth
About Us
Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.
Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122nd and 152nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.
Our Programs
Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.
At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.
Type: Part-time positions available | Hourly
Location: Various community center/school locations available in Harlem
Schedule:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2pm-6pm; Occasional Saturdays | Wednesdays and Fridays 1pm–6pm
Position Overview:
The Food and Farm Activity Specialist plays a key role in Harlem Grown’s DYCD COMPASS after-school and summer programs by designing and leading engaging, hands-on activities related to food and farm education. This person is a self-starter and excited to bring their food, gardening, or STEM teaching background to our K-5th grade participants. The Food and Farm Activity Specialist will work closely with Group Leaders, Youth Workers, Program Manager, and other Harlem Grown staff to ensure that programs are safe, educational, and fun. Through interactive lessons, creative projects, and real-world connections, the Food and Farm Activity Specialist supports Harlem Grown’s mission to inspire youth through urban farming, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
Responsibilities:
Program Delivery & Youth Engagement
Program Implementation
Qualifications:
Required
Preferred
At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.
Hourly Range 24 - 26 USD
Non-profit urban farming education for youth
Harlem Grown runs urban farms in Harlem and runs garden-based education programs to help Harlem youth develop leadership, healthy habits, and practical farming skills. Its hands-on activities include planning, planting, tending crops, harvesting, and cooking, teaching lessons in farming, sustainability, and nutrition while increasing access to fresh food for the community. The organization differentiates itself by combining long-term, place-based youth mentorship with direct urban farming and community partnerships in Harlem. Its goal is to inspire youth to lead healthy, ambitious lives and to expand access to locally grown produce through mentorship, education, and hands-on farming.
Explore more opportunities at Harlem Grown