Austin Grown Specialist

Description

Austin Grown Specialist (AGS)  (30-35 hours, Full-time) Non-exempt

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.      

Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation. 

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Austin Grown Specialist to support our urban farming and food access efforts on the west side of Chicago. The Specialist provides individualized youth support, mentoring, and referral services for participants in Austin Grown Programs. This includes providing targeted support to youth experiencing social-emotional, behavioral, or engagement challenges through one-on-one and small-group interventions. This role also involves working directly with youth and community members to teach gardening skills, promote sustainability practices, and advocate for food justice. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement, have experience working with youth and be familiar with growing food. Join us in growing a greener, more sustainable community through hands-on gardening and education! The Austin Grown Specialist is a member of the Enrichment Team and will report directly to the Manager of Austin Grown.

Responsibilities are but are not limited to: 

• Gardening Maintenance: Support the ongoing maintenance of garden plots, including planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Ensure that garden spaces are clean, safe, and productive. 
• Gardening Education: Facilitate hands-on gardening activities and workshops for youth and community members. Teach fundamental gardening techniques, sustainable practices, and principles of food justice. 
• Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with community members and local organizations. Encourage participation and foster a sense of ownership and pride in community gardening projects. 
• Resource Management: Assist in managing gardening supplies, tools, and materials. Take the lead on gathering seeds and material donations to provide to home gardeners who participate in Austin Grown workshops and events. Maintain accurate records of garden activities, inventory, and participant progress. 
• Outreach: Recruit youth to participate in Austin Grown’s after school and summer youth program in partnership with the Austin Grown Coordinator. Promote the benefits of gardening and sustainability through community outreach and      educational materials. Advocate for food justice and environmental awareness within the community. 
• Advocacy: Monitor participant engagement and identify youth who may benefit from additional interventions or support      services. Assist facilitators in addressing participant engagement challenges, behavioral concerns, and social-emotional needs      during programming. Work collaboratively with program staff to implement strategies that support youth success and maximize participation. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with other staff members, volunteers, and local partners to coordinate gardening activities and integrate gardening programs into broader community initiatives. Assistant with other BUILD and department events such as Enrichment Family Nights and Spooky Farm. 

Requirements

Requirements

• Minimum high school diploma or GED required with at least 2 years of gardening experience and garden certificate a plus.
• Previous experience in urban agriculture, community gardening, or related field. Experience working with youth and community groups is highly      desirable. 
• Some knowledge of gardening techniques, sustainable practices, and food justice principles. Strong communication skills and willingness to engage diverse      audiences. 
• A genuine enthusiasm for gardening, sustainability, and community education. Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and interest in supporting the organization’s mission. 
• Ability to perform physical tasks related to gardening, including lifting, bending, and working outdoors in various weather conditions. 
• Successful completion of a background check and other required clearances. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to Carry/Move up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to climb up to three flights of stairs 
• Frequent required prolonged sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs. 
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in any weather 
• Reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case      basis.  

Benefits: 

• 401(k) plan + 2% match
• Paid Vacation 
• Wellness Days 

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training.
 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis. 

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.