VENTURA — The County of Ventura opened a recruitment for two new fixed-term positions to staff the Farmworker Resource Program, which was approved unanimously by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in October 2018.
The program was developed by an eight-member advisory committee, facilitated by the County Executive Office, that included members appointed by the Ventura County Farm Bureau and the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project. The committee held 14 organizing meetings with Spanish and Mixteco interpreters available, to allow for public participation and comment in the development of the program. It will also monitor and evaluate the program as it moves forward. The program will be administered by the Human Services Agency.
The County is now seeking two bilingual employees knowledgeable in farmworker issues to help advance program goals, including: building trust and relationships with farm workers; promoting and enhancing the reputation of the local agriculture industry; and assisting farm workers in navigating public agencies and seeking resolution to workplace issues. Special attention will be given to resolving farmworker complaints regarding subjects such as payroll issues, working conditions and sexual harassment without fear of retaliation.
Candidates for the Agriculture Community Labor Relations and Resources Coordinator, and the Agriculture Community Labor Relations and Resources Assistant, must be fluent in English, and in Mixteco or Spanish, and must be able to work hours that fall outside of an eight-hour day or on weekends. Both positions will receive all applicable benefits as members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721.
Applications will be accepted continuously beginning today. The first review of applications will occur on or around December 14, 2018. Interested applicants should apply at www.ventura.org/jobs or call (805) 654-5129 to request a paper application.