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Description
Position Overview:
To manage and maintain urban agricultural sites that grow a variety of seasonal produce, train teens and difficult to employee adults in sustainable horticulture, entrepreneurship and food preparation techniques, and function as a resource for community education and outreach about health, nutrition and food security issues.
Responsibilities
* Plan a bedding plant and organic crop production cycle that optimizes production and use of a pilot greenhouse and of greenhouses to be located on the 15 acre master site
* Work with CEO and other staff, advisors and partners to develop greenhouse and hoop house site plan for 15 acre site master site
* Plan and oversee low-impact/IPM methods for floriculture production
* Plan and implement year-round, hoop house production of organic lettuce/mesclun and other vegetable crops as determined for wholesale and retail market
* Plan and oversee standard organic crop growing methods, enforce organic certification requirements and implement new site specific organic growing techniques as appropriate
* Develop and enforce required greenhouse management procedures
* Work with CEO and other staff, advisors and partners to develop ideas for other food-based revenue streams, e.g., through cash CSA shares, farmers markets, or other food enterprises.
* Work with trainers to develop production and maintenance methods that support both yield and client training goals
* Plan and monitor overall production budget
* Oversee purchase and inventory of supplies and materials
* Oversee receiving and shipment procedures
* Maintain a computer tracking, scheduling and communication system
* Supervise assistant production manager and grower staff
* Advise on development of client training protocols and SOP's
* Manage a schedule of tasks for interns, volunteers and teen participant work assignments at the site, including planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting of produce;
* Manage related site tasks including tool and machinery use and maintenance, deliveries and general security during operating hours;
* Aid in development of 15 acre site planning and development of educational farm
Qualifications:
B.S. in horticulture minimum and 5 years relevant work experience. Strong work record in organic agriculture and demonstrated familiarity with greenhouse production and management. Knowledge of standard database systems (e.g., Excel) required as well as up-to-date licenses. Familiarity with Chicago-area organic agriculture and marketing culture, jobs training and broad human service issues is a big plus.
To Apply
Please email (preferred) or mail an application package that includes the following:
- A resume
- Photos or other documentation of recent gardens
- A cover letter or statement of purpose explaining your beliefs or approaches to agriculture
- Names and contact information for at least three references.
Human Resources
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road,
Chicago, IL 60022