Windy City Harvest Field Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Chicago Botanic Garden•Chicago, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest is looking for dedicated field supervisors to work with our transitional jobs and workforce development program. Field supervisors are part of a collaborative team that works closely with all members of our Windy City Harvest program and operations teams. The Windy City Harvest Corps program employs 30 to 40 justice-involved individuals and veterans for two 14-week cohorts each year in closely mentored, full-time, paid transitional jobs. Our goal is to support our graduates in finding full-time, long-term employment. WCH seeks field supervisors who are prepared for hard work and are self-motivated with high energy to train and educate participants by working with them side-by-side. Experience working with adults returning to or entering the workforce is preferred. The ideal candidate for these positions is well versed in leading others and enforcing workplace standards. Field supervisors will work on multiple Windy City Harvest sites with farm coordinators to train Corps participants in workplace skills related to local food systems. The field supervisors also assist with job development classes. Corps programming generally runs from April through November, with field supervisors supporting crews four days a week at farm sites and dedicating one day each week to classroom-based learning. In addition to supporting the Corps program, field supervisors will also lead programming and operational aspects of the other Windy City Harvest workforce development programs including the Apprenticeship and production assistants. For more information on the Corps program, please visit: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/programs/corps [https://www.chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/programs/corps]

Requirements

Available to work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with flexibility for site assignments, weather-related schedule changes, and operational needs
One year of experience gardening, farming, landscaping, working outdoors, or in the local food system
Understanding of and commitment to the model of transitional jobs
Demonstrated experience in leading others, enforcing workplace standards and providing constructive verbal and written feedback
Strong relationship-building skills with team members, program participants, and employment partners
A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Commitment to being a supportive resource for program participants, community residents and project partners
Excellent written and typed communication skills; strong professional reliability
Willing to work with all departments and/or at all farm sites depending on the operational needs

Nice To Haves

Experience working with adults returning to or entering the workforce is ideal

Responsibilities

Supervise five to ten Windy City Harvest Corps participants daily, ensuring adherence to workplace standards, including coaching and feedback, to reinforce standards and employability skills.
Document performance in required systems, applying program accountability as written in policy and team standards.
Support in supervising other Windy City Harvest participants as needed.
Oversee timekeeping and approve timecards, ensuring accurate payroll and grant compliance.
Deliver assigned workforce development programming, including scheduled classes, study hall, and Roots of Success.
Reinforce connections between farm-based skills and participants’ long-term employment goals.
Provide hands-on coaching to support employment readiness, placement, and retention, including soft skill development, job-readiness activities (resumes, interview prep, etc.) and connection resources for employment.
Conduct one-on-one weekly check-ins with crew members to support employment goals.
Assist Workforce Development manager and Outreach coordinator with participant recruitment activities including partner outreach, work shadows, info sessions, and onboarding, and providing feedback to support hiring decisions.
Participate in on-site visits, tours, or outreach events as requested.
Provide hands-on guidance and work alongside Corps participants, production assistants, and apprentices to complete farm-site tasks and meet production goals including planting, weeding, harvesting, post-harvest handling, composting, and site maintenance.
Demonstrate best practices in market gardening and train participants in diversified vegetable production.
Follow established crop plans, task lists, and production schedules.
Give weekly safety talks. Complete required production and safety logs to meet food and safety standards.