Seasonal Coordinator, Green Youth Farm Requisition

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Community Gardening Department seeks an innovative team player to coordinate the operations for its Lake and Cook County sites.

The Green Youth Farm (GYF) program offers students the opportunity to learn all aspects of organic farming - from planting seeds and starts to managing a hive of bees, from cooking with the food they grow to selling it at farmstands and markets. 

Since 2003, the GYF has served as a youth development program for urban high-school students in and around the city of Chicago. The summer employment opportunity exposes 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 and special events. Students participate in daily team-building activities led by program staff and the creation of a safe, positive, and supportive environment is of utmost importance. 

Position Overview:

This is a split position, 50% research and 50% administration: Plant Conservation Research Technician & Conservation and Land Managegement Internship Program Coordinator/Analyst. 

Responsibilities:

• Develops and leads a team of two 3-month interns, one 6-8 month seasonal grower, and a team of regular volunteers, including providing regular opportunities for feedback and team growth.
• Works in partnership with area high schools and service providers to recruit Green Youth Farm participants. 
• Participates in recruitment, training, and management of volunteers on-site, including regular communication and follow-up.
• Oversees administration of student documentation, including collection of employment information and processing student pay.
• Participates in all training workshops and other requirements from partner agencies including but not limited to: orientations, technical assistance workshops, safety training such as CPR, first aid, etc.
• Participates in planning meetings and assists in special events with partner organizations.
• Oversees garden planting and maintenance in cooperation with full-time grower.
• Coordinates and leads educational workshops and field trips.
• Plans cooking days including menu planning, food procurement, training interns and students on proper food safety and tool safety in the kitchen and time-management skills.
• Coordinates on-site tours and field trip opportunities for outside groups.
• 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.
• Collects and organizes written, anecdotal, and photographic documentation for education, publication, and reporting purposes.

General requirements:

• 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; maintains current knowledge of industry trends, practices, and policies relevant to department operations.
• Support department and institutional projects as requested.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required, bachelor's degree preferred.
• 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 of experience working with teenagers in mentor-ship or supervisory role.
• Willingness to work in all neighborhoods of Chicago and surrounding communities with diverse audiences.
• Availability for evening and weekend work, particularly from May to October.
• MUST be a licensed driver, with constant and reliable access to personal vehicle, willingness to commute to several locations within the week or day and familiarity with Chicago area a plus.

Compensation: This is a nine-month, full-time position from March 4 to November 22, 2013. $18/hour, 37.5 hours/week

To Apply:

Please apply online at link below. Use Reference Number 114. Please mention that you saw this listing on Green Dream Jobs!