What started as a small garden in a vacant lot in this little inner-city neighborhood, quickly turned into the City of Dallas’ first urban farm. The original farm is 1.25 acres boldly situated in the South Dallas community of Bonton, an area ravaged by generational poverty, crime, and classified by the USDA as a food desert. In 2016, a local family, the Treffingers, were inspired by the mission of Bonton Farms and generously donated 20 acres of land located about 10 miles from the original farm. They loved it so much that when another 20 acre plot adjacent to the original one became available, they purchased it and donated it for further expansion of Bonton Farms. That 40 acre site is what we call "The Bonton Farms Extension". It happens to be one of the largest urban farms in the Unites States. In this unlikely setting, we are cultivating a sustainable and vibrant urban farm with the mission to restore lives, create jobs and ignite hope.
- Hands-on Learning
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Real-World Experience
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Skill Development
- Leadership
- Environmental Awareness
- Mentorship / Guidance
- Personal and Professional Growth
- Apprentices will go through several evaluations to determine eligibility.
- Must be at least 18 years of age (Age of Majority).
- Must have demonstrated abstinence from illicit substance use.
- Applicants with a substance use history must present proof of sobriety for a minimum of 30 days and/or a certificate of completion from a treatment program.
- Must demonstrate a voluntary willingness to work well with others and subordinate to peer coaching and mentoring relationships.
- Must strive to possess a growth mindset (believing that you can improve with optimal and intentional effort, hard work, and persistence).
- Must not have any history with committing a sex offense.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs., bend, walk, and stand for long periods in all seasons of the year.
- Financial Wellness Program
- Sense of Community & Belonging
- Build Workforce & Industry Partnerships
- Opportunities to Acquire & Develop Workforce Skills Mentorship & Peer Support
- Subsidized Housing
- Access to Mental Health Service
- Support with Personal & Professional Goal Development
- Assistance with Transportation
- Benevolence
- Meal assistance – one a day
The Driver & Support Specialist will primarily be responsible for transporting employees between various locations throughout the workday. In addition to driving duties, the role will involve assisting with routine maintenance and supporting farm activities. The ideal candidate will be reliable, proactive, and adaptable, with a strong commitment to contributing to the organization’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
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Driving Duties:
- Safely transport employees between designated locations in a timely manner.
- Ensure the vehicle is in good working condition, conducting routine inspections and reporting any issues.
- Adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Maintain a clean and organized vehicle interior.
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Maintenance Support:
- Assist with routine maintenance tasks, including basic repairs and upkeep of facilities.
- Collaborate with maintenance staff to identify and address any issues that arise.
- Ensure that all maintenance activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner.
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Farm Support Activities:
- Provide assistance with various farm-related tasks, such as planting, harvesting, and general farm upkeep.
- Operate farm equipment as needed and follow safety protocols.
- Assist with inventory management and supplies related to farm operations.
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Additional Tasks:
- Support other operational needs of the organization as required.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to planning and execution of organizational activities.
- Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors to support the mission of the organization.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Proven experience in a driving or transportation role.
- Basic mechanical knowledge and experience with maintenance tasks preferred.
- Ability to operate farm equipment safely and effectively.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to adapt to varying tasks and responsibilities.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40lbs pounds.
- Comfort with working in various weather conditions and environments.
- Capability to perform manual tasks associated with farm and maintenance activities.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Our Mission
Transform lives by disrupting systems of inequity, laying a foundation where change yields health, wholeness and opportunity as the norm.
Vision
The change in Bonton becomes the change in the World.
Core Principal
Our values are bathed in our Christian faith, born out of a passion for people and guide how we put them into action.
What is Bonton?
For the last 200 years, racial injustice and systemic oppression prevented opportunities in Bonton, a community in South Dallas, that were a given elsewhere. People here experienced higher rates of diabetes, stroke and cancer, and 48% of residents lived in poverty. Residents have been denied access to the seven human essentials that are necessary to survive and thrive - health & wellness, economic stability, safe and affordable housing, transportation, a sense of belonging, education and access to fair credit. Today, the community is transforming, and healing is coming from within.
Who We Are
Bonton Farms is on a mission is to transform lives by disrupting systems of inequity, laying a foundation where health, wholeness, and opportunity are the norm for all people. While many nonprofits work to solve one issue, Bonton Farms focuses on place-based interventions to build community capacity for long-term change. As the ecosystem of community resources improves, the neighbors in Bonton use these resources to build successful, self-sufficient lives, ultimately interrupting the impact of decades of disenfranchisement. Bonton Farms’ programs focus on the all of the seven human essentials that the community has been denied for so long. We invite you to come and join us in the transformation!
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