Job: Youth Farms Coordinator, Chicago Horticultural Society

Posted on December 5, 2009 by in Employment // 3 Comments

CHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: COORDINATOR, GREEN YOUTH FARMS

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Community Gardening Department seeks an innovative team player to coordinate the operations of its two south side Chicago locations.

ABOUT GYF:
Since 2003, the Green Youth Farm has served as a youth development program for urban high schoolstudents in four sites in and around the City of Chicago. This summer employment opportunityexposes youth to various issues around food systems and leadership through: using sustainable growing practices to raise a variety of food crops, selling produce to community residents and other local buyers, cooking with the food grown on the farm, and participating in public speaking opportunities. Students participate in daily teambuilding activities led by program staff and the creation of a safe, positive, and supportive environment is of utmost importance.

WASHINGTON PARK GYF:
2010 will be the second season for the Washington Park/Dyett High School Green Youth Farm. The site consists of 35 4’x16′ raised beds and 500 square foot ornamental planting area. 20 youth will be employed at the site, overseen by a staff of 4: Coordinator, Grower (6 month position), and two interns (3 month position). Students work after school 4 hours/week May-June and September-October, and 20 hours/week for 9 weeks during summer vacation.

McCORKLE ACADEMY Jr. GYF:
This mini farm is entering its 4th year of production in a much more limited space (30’x30′, 15 raised beds). During the school year, CBG opens and maintains the plantings for garden club and teacher use and closes the garden in the fall. 10 students participate in a six-week summer Jr. Green Youth Farm Mondays-Thursdays and plant, maintain and eat from the garden during this time.

DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Washington Park Green Youth Farm:

Works in partnership with area high schools and service providers to recruit Green Youth Farm participants

Oversees administration of student documentation, including collection of employment information and processing student pay

Coordinates educational workshops and fieldtrips

Coordinates procurement and delivery of materials necessary for program delivery (i.e. plants, soil, building materials, etc)

Tracks program expenditures and advises on annual budgets

Oversees garden planting and maintenance in cooperation with full time Grower

Collects and organizes written, anecdotal, and photographic documentation for education, publication, and reporting purposes

McCorkle Academy:

Works with teachers on ad hoc basis to assist with the use of growing space for curriculum enhancement

Coordinates once weekly after school garden club from March-June with ten students to grow plants in school greenhouse for use in summer program

Oversee six-month seasonal instructor in charge of six-week summer Jr. GYF program (includes teambuilding, workshops, growing, and fieldtrips)

General:

As necessary, assists with the coordination of on-site and off-site symposia, presentations, classes, workshops, demonstrations, contests, fairs, and other special events that educate, support and/or recognize urban gardeners and gardening efforts.

Supports the establishment of horticultural standards for the Community Gardening Department; maintain current knowledge of industry trends, practices and policies relevant to department operations.

Represents the Chicago Botanic Garden as requested on external committees and advisory boards that impact urban greening policy and planning issues and/or result in program partnerships.

Support department and institutional projects as requested.

POSTION REQUIREMENTS:

Excellent organizational, presentation, written and verbal communication skills

Ability to thrive in a team oriented environment where flexibility is a must

Strong knowledge of urban agriculture with at least one season of vegetable production experience

Familiarity with issues surrounding local food systems

At least one year experience working with teenagers in a mentorship or supervisory role

Willingness to work in all neighborhoods of Chicago and surrounding communities with diverse audiences

Availability for evening and weekend work, particularly May-October

MUST be licensed driver, with constant and reliable access to personal vehicle and familiarity with Chicago area a plus.

DEPARTMENT:        Community Gardening

REPORTS TO:           Manager, Community Gardening

SUPERVISES:            Volunteers, interns, 2 six-month seasonals, 2 three-month interns

COOPERATIVE
RELATIONSHIPS:    Center for Teaching and Learning, Development, Horticultural Therapy, Horticulture and Grounds, Production, Construction and Maintenance, Collaborative Agencies, Subcontractors and Vendors.

For More information visit the website at https://www.chicago-botanic.org/greenyouthfarm/