Facilities Manager, Windy City Harvest - Chicago, IL

Chicago Botanic Garden•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Windy City Harvest Facilities Manager is part of the Windy City Harvest (WCH) team. They will work closely with the operations team and all members of our urban agriculture programs. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing shared-used facilities. The Facilities Manager oversees operational facilities, including custodial, maintains vendor and site maintenance relationships at Farm on Ogden, and supports facilities management for the rest of WCH farms repairs. This role is responsible for managing all of WCH vehicle fleet in collaboration with maintenance department at the main campus, overseeing WCH department-wide site tool inventories, support with WCH site production needs relating to production, repairs, irrigation, sales and distribution of over 100,000 lbs. of produce from over 12 sites annually, and supports department production and earned revenue goals.

Requirements

Three years of sustainable farming and management experience.
Familiarity with all aspects of maintaining sustainable farm sites to designated organization standards and food safety compliance.
A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and at least two years of experience operating large vehicles.
The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively to coordinate site production as part of a dedicated urban agriculture training team.
Detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, and has punctual work ethic.
Experience following strict best practices for post-harvest handling and food safety standards.
Experience following and tracking budgets accurately with Excel.
One year of experience in facilities maintenance or equivalent related functions.
Knowledge of OSHA and other environmental regulations.
Knowledge of general maintenance methods, operating requirements, and safety precautions related to facilities management.
Proficiency with repair tools and techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak with all levels of employees, guests, vendors and team members and the ability to communicate effectively via email, phone, virtual video meeting, in-person, etc.
Able to efficiently use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Outlook email system.

Responsibilities

Setting and enforcing departmental equipment protocols, including WCH fleet management
Manage aggregated WCH tool inventories, assist staff with container organization and train in proper tool maintenance. Organize maintenance and repair logistics for tools and equipment.
Manages ticketing system for facilities at WCH.
Oversee the maintenance of irrigation systems properly working at all WCH sites, including landscaping areas, working collaboratively with other managers, site coordinators and growers.
Oversee facility operations of Farm on Ogden food hub – aggregation room, greenhouses, landscaping, custodial, outdoor farm, aquaponic system, and general repairs. Work collaboratively with staff based out of Farm on Ogden and meet regularly with team to foster efficiency.
Maintain operational vendor and maintenance relationships for Farm on Ogden and support team with billing and budget tracking.
Serve as the primary point of contact to manage contracts with vendors and land use partners to ensure efficient use of resources, collaboratively managing maintenance schedules with fellow managers.
Monitor and oversee site security system at Farm on Ogden; maintain a good relationship with vendors, security team at Glencoe campus and community partners.
Support with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) compliance in the aggregation room at Farm on Ogden.
Repairs and upkeep to wash pack areas at all sites and commercial kitchen, along with protocols of compliance at all WCH sites
Make deliveries and transport produce, equipment, and staff as necessary.
Support all WCH sites in the maintenance of upholding site aesthetic standards.
Train and manage Facilities Assistant
Enforcing WCH staff standards of performance and support direct reports to feel empowered to uphold standards.
Review and approve payroll for all reports, ensuring payroll best practices are being followed.
Report out updates and support direct reports to effectively communicate and report out at weekly meetings.
Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding staff as appropriate.
Support with management in other areas as needed and is capable of training individuals with varying levels of work experience.
Organize staff training for all department protocols including equipment management and site facility maintenance.
Maintains good relationships with community partners and residents. Serve as a resource for community partners, lead tours as needed.
Make decisions appropriate for level of responsibility with self-awareness; knowing personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to constructive feedback as an opportunity for improvement. Builds capacity in program participants to operate similarly.