Youth Farm Specialist

~ Urban Roots is a rapidly growing non-profit organization that uses food and farming to transform the lives of young people and inspire, engage, and nourish the community. ~

On a 3 1⁄2 acre urban farm, Urban Roots provides teenagers and young adults paid service opportunities that strengthen them as leaders while building professional and life skills. Urban Roots engages young people to practice meaningful hard work, to connect with the land and food, and to serve their community. In addition, each year we engage more than one thousand volunteers through farm work days, provide educational tours to school and community groups, and donate thousands of pounds of farm-fresh produce to local hunger relief agencies.

The Guiding Principles of Urban Roots:

1. We provide a High Quality, Transformational Experience for youth and community members.
2. We celebrate “Rigor” and Meaningful, Hard Work.
3. We build Strong Relationships.
4. We cultivate Intentionality in our work.
5. We engage our work with a Spirit of Celebration and Joy.
6. We Honor and Respect Diversity.

Position Overview

Urban Roots is currently seeking a Youth Farm Specialist.

Responsibilities

• The Urban Roots Youth Farm Specialist (YFS) ensures the success of youth and community members engaged in Urban Roots’ unique ecosystem of multiple year-round youth leadership development programs and supports Urban Roots’ agricultural activities, using sustainable farming practices to maintain a productive community farm.
• Working closely with the Programs Director and the Farm Director, the YFS coordinates and leads young people (14-23) through UR innovative youth development techniques, integrating farm work, field trips to local soup kitchens, and farmers’ markets and provides critical agricultural support in crop management, harvesting, processing, irrigation, and farm and orchard maintenance work.
• This position will be the key liaison between the farm and program teams during youth programming on the Urban Roots farm, requiring a love for growing food and meaningful hard work and the ability to share and model this interest and passion to youth.

Qualifications

• You love building meaningful relationships with young people and supporting their personal and professional growth, and know how to balance effective supervision with building strong relationships.
• You thrive when leading groups, and enjoy creating empowering opportunities for others to accomplish challenging tasks efficiently.
• You are committed to justice and sustainability, have a great sense of humor, and view yourself as someone still learning and growing.
• You possess supreme organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with grace.
• You have one or more seasons of experience with organic or sustainable food production and one or more years working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• You are willing to work Saturdays and weekday evenings and are energized by working in a fast-paced, outdoor environment in all types of weather.
• You have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, ability to safely drive a UPS-style box truck and a 15-passenger van, and are able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Compensation: This is a full-time position with a salary range starting at $30,000. Benefits include paid time off, a healthcare salary adjustment, farm fresh produce, and a fun and flexible work culture.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume and a detailed cover letter describing your team leadership style and explaining what inspires you about this role and reference “Youth Farm Specialist Search” in the subject line. No Phone calls please.

~ Urban Roots is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to creating a culturally responsive and inclusive organization. People of color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. We will not discriminate in our hiring on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, pregnancy, mental or physical disability or political affiliation. ~