Youth Conservation Corps Ag. Crew Manager, Trustees, Boston

About the Boston Youth Conservation Corps:
The Boston Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), now in its 23rd year, is one of two youth development programs The Trustees run in Massachusetts. The YCC program offers high-quality, paid, seasonal employment and educational opportunities to urban youth. The program is designed to provide young people experience in a variety of conservation, agricultural, and recreational activities and inspire them to become life-long stewards of their local communities.

Summary of Position:
The Agriculture Crew Supervisor oversees a team of 8-10 youth ages 15 to 18 as they maintain school and community gardens in and around Boston. The YCC introduces youth to organic farming methods and larger issues of food systems and food justice. This position is based at City Natives garden in Mattapan and is part-time during the months of May, June, September and October and full-time during July and August.

Essential Functions:
Provide leadership development, job training, and mentoring for youth between the ages of 15 and 18
Train and supervise youth as they carry out cultivation tasks and develop an understanding of the urban food system
Develop seasonal soil preparation, crop management, irrigation and harvesting plans for gardens using organic practices
Propagate plants and perform nursery maintenance tasks
Develop and integrate YCC curriculum onto daily activities
Set and maintain clear expectations for work attendance, appearance, language and behavior
Educate youth about the importance of conservation and foster a deeper connection between young people, the land and their community
Lead environmental education lessons, teambuilding activities, group discussions and reflections
Serve as a role model by setting a positive example and representing The Trustees and the YCC at public events and programs
Attend pre-summer staff trainings in late June and weekly supervisor meetings
Coordinate food deliveries to local food pantries and assist with selling produce from The Trustees mobile market.
Work closely with stewardship managers, community partners and volunteers to plan and implement garden projects such as composting, pest control, and installation of fencing and raised beds.
Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation

Qualifications
Bachelors’ degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Horticulture, Education or related field
Two or more years of organic farming or related horticulture experience
Experience working with and positively motivating urban youth from diverse backgrounds, preferably in agricultural or other outdoor setting
Proficiency in use of farming tools and equipment
The ability to work independently and unsupervised, as well as part of a team
Sound judgment and adaptability under changing conditions
Proven success building a team, including conflict resolution, leadership, and behavior management skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
Enjoy working in fast paced, multi-generational, multi-cultural urban setting

Other:
A valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy
Satisfactory background check required
Current First Aid/CPR certification by start of the program season
Ability to work on Saturdays

Working Conditions:
Variable outdoor weather conditions
Ability to meet the physical requirements of outdoor garden work including planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and carrying of vegetables.

Benefits and Salary:
This is a seasonal, non-exempt, hourly paid position, with an optimal start date in early May. The position is approximately 20 hours per week during the months of May, June, September and October and 35 hours per week in July and August. Pay is $18 to $20 per hour, based on experience.

To apply: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=1977...