We’re hiring!

Value-Added Product Development Associate

Job Posting: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Anticipated start date: September 30, 2025 (or sooner, if available)

Salary and Benefits: $19.50 an hour DOE. This is a seasonal position through mid-March of 2026. We are hoping the candidate can start by end of September

Agri-Cultura Network (ACN) is New Mexico’s largest farming cooperative and is a community-driven model, building New Mexico’s small farming economy through sustainable and regenerative food justice.

ACN seeks a Value-Added Product Development Associate. This is a full-time, seasonal, position starting in September, 2025 through Mid-March, 2026.

Goal: The Value-Added Product Development Associate reports to the Distribution/GAP Manager, who leads the research and development of Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network’s value-added products. The Value-Added Product Development Associate will support the development, production, and distribution of ACN’s value-added products through local, state, and regional markets, including, but not limited to retail, farmers’ markets, CSAs, and institutional buyers.

Value-added products are dried fruits and vegetables, created through methods including dehydrating and freeze-drying. The Value-Added Product Development Associate will be involved in all aspects of the product development, including the drying, processing, packing, and labeling of products.

Responsibilities:

·       Knowledge of or interest in learning about local produce & food access

• Knowledge of or interest in learning about value-added food products and their production

• Experience working with produce at grocery stores or co-ops and familiarity with produce washing and quality control (preferred, but not necessary)

• A positive attitude

• Valid driver’s license

• Dependability, responsibility, honesty, and integrity

• Basic math skills

• Ability to stand for the entirety of the work shift

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

• Willingness to work as a team player

• Good personal hygiene to comply with food safety standards

We know it's impossible to convey every task for a particular job. Our hope is that as your role evolves over time we can adjust your job description accordingly.

Requirements and Skills:

·       Food handler’s license, or ability to receive one within 30 days of hire

·         Independence

·         Bilingual is preferred but not required

·         Professionalism

·         Organization

·         Proficiency in problem-solving 

·         Time management

·         Interpersonal skills

·         Proficiency in written communication 

·         Proficiency in verbal communication

Physical Qualifications:

·         Standing for most of the day. 

·         Walking for most of the day.  

·         Crouching/stooping. 

·         Kneeling.

·         Moving heavy objects - pushing and pulling up to 50 lbs. 

·         This position works in a shared kitchen and may be exposed to extreme heat and cold temperatures. Similarly, the Value-Added Product Development Associate may be exposed to sharp and loud tools, machinery, and equipment. It is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. 

Please apply with a resume and letter of interest at hola@agri-cultura.org, and include the job title “Value-Added Product Development Associate” in the Re: line. Apply by 9/23/25

Agri-Cultura Network provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.