Rooftop Farm Coordinator

Chicago Botanic Garden•Chicago, IL

just now

About The Position

Windy City Harvest is looking for a farm coordinator to grow vegetables and herb crops, using sustainable management practices. The purpose of this farm site is to educate the public about urban agriculture, grow beautiful and delicious food, and provide a training site for Windy City Harvest program participants. This coordinator should be knowledgeable and comfortable with practicing at multiple sites including rooftops and production farms.

Requirements

Minimum three seasons of sustainable vegetable production on a ¼-acre site or larger
A valid driver’s license with good driving record
Ability to strategically plan and work full days independently while performing physically demanding tasks in all types of weather
Experience following strict best practices for post-harvest handling and food safety standards
Experience selling produce to a wide variety of markets, including walk-up customers at farm stands, restaurants, small grocery retailers, and/or wholesale markets
Experience projecting availability and following crop plans
Experience training and managing individuals from varied backgrounds and skill levels
Flexibility and comfort with shifting demands and schedules. Working outdoors and in an urban farm setting is dynamic. Early and weekend shifts are part of this position
Detail-oriented, flexible, dependable, and punctual work ethic

Nice To Haves

PSA Grower Alliance grower certified preferred
Beekeeping, compost, hoophouse, and greenhouse management experience preferred

Responsibilities

Create and implement annual crop plan using input from Executive Chef.
Implement and support edible landscape design of a ¾-acre rooftop terrace of concrete raised beds and two tiers of vegetable production.
Meet hospitality group contract expectations.
Manage production of seedlings, transplants, and direct seeding dates.
Follow production schedule to maintain five days of irrigation, weeding, pest management, etc.
Harvest, process vegetables, coordinate and deliver to Executive Chef.
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/inside logs, and sales; report monthly to partners and weekly to production team.
Responsible for fall protection.
Maintain beehives to ensure a balance of optimal bee health and honey production.
Maintain microgreen production including harvest, logging, and supply to on-site restaurants.
Supervise, teach, and be involved in the Apprenticeship program from February to October.
Manage and inventory site supplies and equipment.
Track expenses within budget and maintain copies of all receipts.
Act as a resource for program information for project partners, community members, Chicago Botanic Garden staff, and the media as required.
Host and lead planned and drop-in visitor farm tours.
Create interpretive signage to enhance tour experiences.
Obtain OSHA training in competent person fall protection.