At The Garden — Employment

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Grounds Crew Leader, Native Seed Farm, Windy City Harvest

PURPOSE: Join a team of enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-oriented horticulturists and youth workers to oversee the post-release phase of the Cook County Boot Camp Farm program. Windy City Harvest is looking for a dedicated, organized, flexible and hard working person to coordinate the post-release activities associated with Windy City Harvest and the Cook County Boot Camp farm. The crew leader will work with the Windy City Harvest supervisor, Chicago Botanic Garden grounds crew and the director of Community Gardening to be an integral part of coordinating duties at the Chicago Botanic Garden working with the grounds crew.

The crew leader should have high energy for and interest in working with this population, as well as a commitment to teamwork. The ideal candidate for this position will be well-versed in landscaping, able to demonstrate the ability to excite others about the work we are doing, and able to work as part of a team to foster respect for the earth and the communities we serve.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
Supervise and oversee a schedule of activities for 8-10 post-release participants who have graduated from the Windy City Harvest Cook County Boot Camp farm program.

Transport the crew to and from the Chicago Botanic Garden in a timely manner.

Coordinate with manager of the Grounds Department to determine work assignments once at the Garden.

Manage post-release participants' work assignments at the sites.

Manage related site tasks including tool and machinery use and maintenance, deliveries, and general security during operating hours.

Enforce Windy City Harvest standards through weekly feedback sessions. This will require detailed daily logging of performance.

Conduct weekly safety discussions with participants.

Act as a resource for program information for project partners, community members, Garden staff, and the media as required.

DEPARTMENT: Community Gardening

REPORTS TO: Director, Supervisor

SUPERVISES: Post release crew

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Familiarity with general horticulture and landscaping is essential. Degree in horticulture or related subject and experience in working with an underserved, difficult to employ population are highly desirable. A background in education or case management is helpful. Candidate must be dependable, responsible, able to work independently and adapt to flexible schedule. Work with a diverse student population. Must have a valid driver's license, have access to reliable transportation and be able to lift 40 pounds.

SALARY: $13-$15/hr. depending on experience
40 hours/week March-November, 2012
Contact: Send application, affirmative action questionnaire (optional), resume, and cover letter to employment@chicagobotanic.org. Application and affirmative action questionnaire can be downloaded from www.chicagobotanic.org/jobs/apply.