Community organizer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Community Orchardist (CO) will support the development and lead the implementation of UGC’s Community Orchards Program. In collaboration with volunteers, partners and staff, the CO will plan and facilitate community orchard events and workshops, to provide learning opportunities for participants and maintain and improve the orchards. This will include actively managing UGC’s existing orchard, leading future plantings, activating UGC’s tree nursery and creating educational materials related to fruit, nut and native trees. The CO will provide assistance with orchard design, sourcing of plants and other materials, and the direct supervision of planting, installation and ongoing maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following :

Orchard Maintenance & Management :

Lead orchard design, tree selection and onsite implementation and care

Train & support staff in orchard maintenance and care

Identify and secure project materials, as needed

Lead planting, maintenance and harvesting events, including coordinating communication, logistics and materials / tools.

Ongoing, regular orchard maintenance, including weeding, watering as needed, pest and disease monitoring and management, and other general upkeep

Provide ongoing expertise regarding the care and maintenance of the orchard

Activate nursery to grow out tree whips, train growers and volunteers to support

Education :

Develop orchard educational materials to aid staff and volunteers, including orchard and plant signage, seasonal orchard care guide, pruning guide, pest & disease identification guide, and weed identification guide; orchard harvest tracking sheet; and a variety of website resources including downloadable lesson plans and plant info sheets;

Provide opportunities for Community Partners, volunteers, youth and workforce development participants to receive training on best practices in the care and maintenance of orchards;

Work with Outreach Staff to recruit diverse participants and partners, and build volunteer leadership for the program.

Grow knowledge base of orchard care through through attendance of educational opportunities and resources; shadowing of other orchards, and via additional research with guidance of UGC staff and partners;

Guide and educate volunteers during planting events with strong presentation and instructional skills.

Administrative :

Maintain tracking / information systems and administer participant surveys

Recordkeeping of trees planted, distributed and in inventory

Assist with program reports and program evaluation

Report regularly on the status, challenges, needs, and successes of the orchard

Design and facilitate maintenance, planting, and educational activities

Lead planting, maintenance and harvesting events / workshops, including coordinating communication, logistics and materials / tools.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Extensive knowledge of fruit tree production and care

Familiarity with pruning and care of fruit and nut trees

Preferred : At least 3 full seasons working at a production orchard or nursery

Preferred : ISA Certified Arborist

Experience leading group volunteers in tree planting and maintenance

Demonstrated ability to create educational materials and events for diverse groups

Excellent organizational, communication and follow-through skills;

Maintains appropriate professional boundaries in working with co-workers and teens;

Ability to think critically and creatively;

Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but have the ability to work unsupervised to complete the job;

Basic familiarity with Google Workspace & GSuite, and / or willingness to learn;

Must be able to lift 50 pounds; and most importantly a

Passion for food justice, youth development and urban farming.

Required : Valid Driver’s License and willingness to drive.

Required : COVID-19 Vaccination or approved medical / religious exemption with mandatory weekly testing

Required : Able to work on weekends

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions :

Must be willing and prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, humid, rainy, cold, snowy);

Hours vary throughout the season but are generally 8 : 30-5p, with (2) - 20min paid breaks and a 30min unpaid lunch break. Evenings may be required for community events.

This position requires excellent physical stamina, and the ability to regularly lift 50 pounds.

This position requires daily use and safe-handling of farm tools including wheelbarrows, tools, hand-tools, grafting tools, irrigation equipment;

Schedule (IF FIXED)

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week

5 days / week (weekend day required), Tentative schedule may be : Tue-Saturday, 8 : 30-5 : 00p

Breaks : 2 - 20 minute breaks (paid) + 30 minute lunch (unpaid)

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others