Urban Farm Manager

This is a full-time position that offers a competitive salary of between $65,000 and $75,000 based on the successful candidate’s background and experience and includes excellent benefits, including health, dental, PTO and 403(b).

Role: Responsible for overseeing sustainable growing practices at the Thornton Street Farm, ensuring fresh, nutrient-dense produce for various food distribution programs. Manage farm operations, supervising seasonal staff and teen farmers, and leading educational programs on urban agriculture for youth and community members. Collaborate with local partners, neighbors, and organizations to strengthen food justice initiatives and foster community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Using sustainable growing practices, steward a productive urban farm and implement, direct and coordinate all necessary farming duties
• Oversee contracting as needed for landed stewardship, including but limited to: snow removal, landscaping, tree care, bees, etc.
• Set and meet goals for coordinating and providing fresh, nutrient-dense produce for Haley’s House’s various food distribution programs: Highland Park Senior Distribution Program, Bakery Cafe, Soup Kitchen, Take Back the Kitchen, LiFT, etc. and programs of partner organizations
• Plan, manage and teach educational programs about sustainable urban agricultural practices and food systems for teen employees, local school students, community members and other local community partners
• Execute community building events and establish vision long term for the farm and garden
• Supervise and on-board 1-2 part time/seasonal farm and garden employees and teen farmers
• Work closely with Garden Education Coordinator, to plan and execute urban agriculture education events and programming
• Propose and design new urban farming initiatives as appropriate which contribute to Haley House’s mission
• Establish and maintain partnerships with partner organizations in urban agriculture, food access and community work
• Work closely with neighborhood based organizations and committees as needed
• Support other Haley House programs and events and attend meetings and contribute to building a collegial work environment

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of sustainable production farming experience
• 2+ years of teaching and educational experience in an ecological or farm setting
• Demonstrated community engagement/organizing experience
• Strong understanding of agricultural practices, crop planning, crop rotation, soil management, soil science and general ecological principles
• Ability to organize and run youth programming
• Experience teaching in an inclusive learning environment, working with students with learning disabilities, managing behavior through trauma-informed pedagogy
• Experience designing & teaching socially and culturally relevant curriculum on community, food & social justice, justice-mindful nutrition, culture and history
• Expertise in balancing physical labor, administrative duties and planning/guiding farm expansion
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and computer skills
• Experience at a organization that works youth development, community engagement and/or urban agriculture preferred
• Ability to work some late afternoons, early evenings, and weekends
• Committed to Haley House’s mission and challenging the existing systems of privilege and injustice.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to withstand varying weather conditions (rain, heat, wind)
• Ability to withstand prolonged periods of kneeling, standing, walking

Hiring Practices:

We encourage you to apply if you are committed to strengthening the mission of Haley House. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring practices..

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Operations Director, Alex Bezek at abezek@haleyhouse.org.

Note: Because the successful candidate will be working directly and without supervision with students any job offer will be contingent upon submitting to and completing a successful CORI background search.

Haley House is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Haley House fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.