Preschool Educator and Garden Program Assistant

About Urban Growers CollectiveUrban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. We aim to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and in communities of color. Rooted in growing food, our mission is to cultivate nourishing environments which support health, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture.

We provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunities for youth, beginner BIPOC farmers, and men who are at high risk for gun violence. Our aim is to provide jobs while working to mitigate food insecurity and limited access to affordable, culturally-affirming, and nutritionally-dense food.

Our team cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’s South Side. These farms are production-oriented but also offer opportunities for staff-led education, training, and leadership development. Our produce is available at farmers’ markets, in our Collective Supported Agriculture program, and at the Fresh Moves Mobile Market.
To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume and three professional references on our Career page:  https://urbangrowerscollective.apscareerportal.com/jobs   Only complete applications will be considered.
Position Summary  The Educare Educator position encompasses curriculum execution and all aspects of small farm maintenance.  We are looking for a dynamic individual who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, maintains a positive attitude, has strong communication skills with an ability to receive constructive criticism, timely, and a strong work ethic. The ideal candidate has experience working with preschool children, teaching in a garden setting, and is interested in this position as a recurring seasonal role.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Execution of preschool curriculum on Wednesdays and Thursday mornings;
• Maintenance of Educare site including seeding, planting, and tending and irrigating crops;
• Harvesting and post-harvest handling and record keeping of crops for family distribution;
• Pest management including hand-picking, maintaining row cover, and spraying of organic pesticides;
• Weekly reporting to supervisor;
• Willingness to work and preparation for working outdoors in all weather conditions;

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Experience working with preschool aged children;
• At least one-year of on the job training at a farm or garden;
• Experience and knowledge of food systems and organic sustainable farming;
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with children, teachers, and community partners;
• Excellent organizational, communication and follow-through skills;
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries in working with co-workers and children;
• Ability to think critically and creatively;
• Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but have the ability to work unsupervised to complete the job;
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds; and most importantly a
• Passion for food justice, youth development and urban farming.
• Basic familiarity with Google Workspace & GSuite, and/or willingness to learn;
•  Valid Driver’s License, preferred.
• Required: COVID-19 Vaccination 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions:

• Must be willing and prepared to work outdoors or from a sheltered outdoor office in all weather conditions (hot, humid, rainy, cool); 
• Position will require frequent walking, standing and occasional lifting;
• Position will require a high level of engagement with partners and community members.

Schedule: 

• This is a part-time hourly position, 12 hours per week
• Hours: 8:30am-12:30pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays.
• Occasional evening hours will be required to participate in farm and community events. 

 Compensation: $17/hr - $20/hr (commensurate with experience)
Benefits:   Paid Holidays, Personal/Sick Pay