JOB SUMMARY:

The WGVF program provides agriculture and horticulture-based training for individuals with developmental disabilities in a comfortable and supportive integrated environment, so they will be prepared for meaningful employment and involvement in the community. The Lead Grower is responsible for oversight of all plant management by coordinating with wholesale customers, overseeing plant care, preparing staff schedules, and mentoring staff as needed. The Lead Grower works with colleagues to provide mentorship and training in plant care to Individual “Crew” Program and group participants who visit WGVF. Must demonstrate good independent judgment, an ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, an ability to handle multiple tasks, and an ability to be self-motivated and well organized.

POSITION CONTEXT:

The position reports directly to the Executive Director. The position is required to work a full-time work week, as designated by the DCCG Employee Handbook, typically averaging 40 hours per week. However, during certain parts of the growing season this position will be required to work 50 or more hours a week. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and odd hours. Travel of distance throughout the DeKalb County region is sometimes required. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information and will represent DCCG in a variety of capacities to the community. In addition, this position is responsible for direct oversight of other staff.

EXAMPLES OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the WGVF program.
• Schedule, plant, and care for greenhouse crops. Record and maintain greenhouse crop records.
• Direct all facets of the garden including planning, planting, care, harvesting, and distribution of produce.
• Work cooperatively with the Programming Director to provide on-farm training for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Manage WGVF seasonal and part-time employees.
• Assist with the preparation of the WGVF annual budget in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Oversee greenhouse sales. Operate the cash register. Handle cash transactions. Balance register daily.
• Greet and assist customers.
• Oversee spring and fall open houses.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of:

• Customer service practices and procedures.
• At least 1 year of greenhouse and plant management experience is preferred

Skills:

• Project management and organizational skills preferred
• Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make public and private presentations and to prepare comprehensive documents and reports.
• Related to problem-solving, planning, researching, supervising, organizing and scheduling
• Computer skills, especially Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to:

• Work with people of diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrate a strong interest and show compassion for the issues of food insecurity and poverty.
• Be self-directed and interested in growing into organizational leadership opportunities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working environment is a mixture of office and field work. While performing the office duties of this job, the employee works in a temperature controlled, non-smoking environment. Field work may require exposure to inclement weather conditions. The noise level varies but is generally moderate to loud. Local and county travel is required using a DCCG vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and occasionally driving a motor vehicle for extended periods of time. Requires lifting or moving objects up to 50 lbs. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

EQUIPMENT USED:

General office equipment including personal computers, scanners, copiers, faxes, and software programs. Must have ability to operate a variety of motor vehicles and farm machinery including tractors, mowers, and a snow plow. Training will be provided.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

: At minimum a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

An Associates degree in Greenhouse Management or an equivalent field is preferred.

Valid Illinois driver's license required by date of hire. Must have a clean driving record.

1 year of greenhouse or plant management experience is preferred.

Preferred some experience with the social service sector and working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person