Rooftop Farm Coordinator, McCormick Place

• Requisition Number: 624
• Department: Windy City Harvest
• Job Status: Seasonal
• Hours: Full-time

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Implementing a 3/4 acre crop plan for shallow rooted rooftop annual vegetable crops
• Implementing and supporting in design of a acre rooftop terrace container planting that includes heirloom vegetables, flowers, hops, fruits and herbs
• Meet production goal of 5,000 pounds of harvested produce from farm operation
• Manage production of seedlings, transplants and direct seeding dates
• Utilize season extension methods to increase should season availability
• Follow production schedule to maintain 7 days of - irrigation, weeding, pest management, etc.
• Harvest and process vegetables and coordinate and track delivery to onsite restaurant
• Project and send out availability to chefs and windy city harvest team
• Maintain accurate records of harvest, food safety and sales, report monthly to partners and weekly to production team
• Maintain detailed daily farm logs for IPM, vermicompost system, food safety, bee maintenance, outside and inside logs, fall protection
• Maintain a 600 gallon vermicompost system
• Maintain 3 beehives to ensure a balance of optimal bee health and honey production
• Maintain microgreen production including harvest, logging and supply to on-site restaurants
• Manage WCH program participants including up 2 full-time Apprenticeship interns from May-September, one work-study participant and work with Farm Operations crew and their crew leader
• Coordinate & staff a weekly farmstand at nearby community market
• Manage and inventory site supplies and equipment
• Track expenses within budget, maintain copies of all receipts
• Act as a resource for program information for project partners, community members, CBG staff and the media as required
• Host and lead planned and drop in visitor farm tours alongside McCormick Place and Savor staff
• Create interpretive signage to enhance tour experiences
• Obtain OSHA training in competent person fall protection

Qualifications

• Candidate must be dependable, responsible, able to work independently, experienced with problem solving and adaptable to a flexible schedule
• Understanding and commitment to the mission of Windy City Harvest is essential
• Be available to work Full-Time March-November, potentially year round
• Experience with all aspects of organic vegetable production
• Experience leading tours and working in a public garden setting
• Experience with edible landscaping, vermicomposting, beekeeping, fruit and Hop production is preferred
• Commitment to being a supportive resource for program participants, community residents and project partners
• A Valid Driver's License with a good driving record
• A detail-oriented, flexible, dependable and punctual work ethic
• Experience following strict best practices for post-harvest handling and food safety standards
• Adaptable communication skills: Microsoft Office, Email, Phone, etc.

Key Garden competencies/behaviors desired:

• Communicates in a manner that gains the trust and support of others at all levels
• Works effectively with others despite differences of opinion and style; builds alliances
• Has a tolerance for opposing points of view
• Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively, as a positive contributor to the team
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions
• Makes decisions appropriate for level of responsibility
• Can effectively adapt to change; can shift gears comfortably; is flexible, and embraces change with a "can-do" attitude
• Is self-aware; knows personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to negative feedback as an opportunity for improvement
• Is cool under pressure; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is a settling influence during a crisis
• Recognizes problems, constructively identifies and articulates solutions
• Picks up garbage when it is seen regardless of position
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment and consistently demonstrates safe work behaviors
• Is welcoming of new hires

Physical Demands:

• This is an urban farm rooftop setting. Staff must be able to work on feet all day in all weather conditions performing manual labor
• There will be frequent lifting, standing, walking, bending, farm tool usage, small farm machinery operation as well as frequent speaking to public, staff and program participants
• There will also be daily use of post-harvest handling equipment
• Staff is required to lift, push, and pull items up to 50 lbs.