The Urban Agriculture Instructor serves as a key member of the innovative urban agriculture initiatives at the Gary Comer Youth Center. The ideal candidate will have a strong background and interest to engage diverse youth with their local environment and to develop opportunities for future leaders in areas such as community development, food access, environmental and social justice, along with broader STEM fields. This is a year-round position within a five-member urban agriculture department. The Urban Agriculture Instructor will develop hands-on, inquiry-based programs for middle and high schoolers to be implemented during in- school and out-of-school-time settings. The instructor will lead teens in work-readiness programs in urban agriculture, landscaping, agriculture-based social enterprises, and related green careers. The Instructor will work alongside teens and young adults in the GCYC network of sustainable outdoor learning environments, which include: a ¼ acre intensive rooftop garden; the Comer Campus, which includes an environmental education garden with woody plants, herbaceous perennials and a culinary garden; along with a 1.75-acre youth education garden featuring a fruit orchard, perennial beds, high tunnels and about 20,000 square feet of vegetable beds.
Urban Agriculture
• Instruct groups of 10 to 20 teens during school, after school and school vacations.
• Develop and implement urban agriculture curricula and program activities utilizing the GCYC network of gardens.
• Work both independently and with youth to lead urban agriculture tasks including plant propagation, site preparation/maintenance, planting/transplanting, weed management, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation, harvesting, washing and packing, distribution and food safety.
• Collaborate with GCYC culinary department to support seed-to-table programming.
• Assists with the management of part-time instructors, contracted partners and interns.
• Lead volunteers, groups, tours, workshops and demonstrations.
Core Competencies
• Must possess genuine care and concern for youth – especially pre-teens and teens.
• Program area management skills that are engaging, non-oppressive and age appropriate.
• Strong project management and organizational skills. Must be able to initiate and finish projects.
• Able to communicate effectively with youth, co-workers, stakeholders and families in a respectful and culturally competent manner via written and verbal communication.
• Must enjoy working with teams but can also work independently.
• Enjoys being the leader but is also confident enough to take directions from others.
• Must be able to take initiative and problem solve. Must be a creative thinker.
• Demonstrates strong accuracy in all areas of work.
• Must possess adaptive vitality.
• Demonstrates understanding of the positive youth development philosophy.
• Demonstrates an understanding of guidance and discipline principles & conflict resolution strategies.
• Must demonstrate cultural competency, dedication to working with youth, families and community members in our care.
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture education, environmental science/studies, sustainability or related field required.
• Minimum of five years’ professional work experience, with a minimum of 2 years working directly with school-aged youth.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as instructor of urban agriculture or related field in-school or out-of-school classes.
• Experience leading conservation and stewardship activities with school-aged youth, teens preferred.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna, to include trees, shrubs, perennial plants.
• Experience participating in / leading FFA and other agriculture education programs is preferred.
• Preference will be given to applicants with significant experience growing food in an urban environment.
Please visit www.garycomeryouthcenter.org/employment and click urban agriculture instructor to apply. Application is open until position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Nov. 20, 2019.