Farm Lead

Just Roots envisions caring communities that motivate and support all residents to participate and access food in ways that promote and sustain the holistic health of people and the environment. Guided by that vision, we strive to support our community in three primary ways:

1. Improved holistic health and well-being for residents through the production, harvest, and consumption of healthy, culturally affirming food.
2. The development of a thriving community that learns and shares about local, healthy, regenerative food practices together.
3. Greater collaboration and resource sharing among urban farmers working to support the development of a more local, regenerative, and community driven food system.

We are a young, growing organization that was founded in 2017. We are a team of ten staff and nine board members, with invaluable support from a host of seasonal staff, interns, volunteers, and community partners. To learn more, visit https://justrootschicago.org/our-team/

Workplace Values

Honesty (Candor), Authenticity, Empathy, Inclusion, Continued Growth, Respect

Organizational Values

Interdependence, Equity, Responsibility, Collaboration, Restoration, Joy

Position Description

The Farm Lead works closely with the Farm Manager at It Takes A Village Community Farm to support all aspects of farm production, including bed prep, planting, IPM, harvest, buildout projects, and other daily farm tasks. This is a 40 hour/week seasonal position, with potential opportunities for growth within the organization.

Primary Qualifications

• Believes in Just Roots’ vision, mission, and values.
• Has the ability to do outdoor physical labor at an efficient pace.
• Has a minimum of 1 year of experience working at an urban farm/garden, preferably in the Chicagoland region.
• Committed to ongoing personal and professional growth.
• A self-motivated individual who’s able to work independently and complete tasks in an efficient manner.
• Is able to work with and help lead people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
• Can work in outdoor weather conditions and move supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Lives in Chicagoland, preferably in a south suburban community or on the south side of Chicago.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supports the Farm Manager in making regular updates to the crop plan, weekly farm plan, food safety plan, standard operating procedures, and other key materials.
• Works closely with the Farm Manager to complete daily tasks in a timely and efficient manner and keep clear and consistent logs.
• Regularly leads interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff in completing tasks on the farm.
• Supports buildout projects, in coordination with the Farm Manager and Farm Operations Manager.
• Supports weekly harvests and food distribution for all market channels.
• Assists the Farm Manager with routine IPM sprays and treatments.