About Urban Growers Collective

Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. We aim to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and in communities of color. Rooted in growing food, our mission is to cultivate nourishing environments which support health, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture.

We provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunities for youth, beginner BIPOC farmers, and men who are at high risk for gun violence. Our aim is to provide jobs while working to mitigate food insecurity and limited access to affordable, culturally-affirming, and nutritionally-dense food.

Our team cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’s South Side. These farms are production-oriented but also offer opportunities for staff-led education, training, and leadership development. Our produce is available at farmers’ markets, in our Collective Supported Agriculture program, and at the Fresh Moves Mobile Market.

Position Summary

The Farm Stand Sales Associate to load, sell produce, and reconcile end of day sales at Farmers’ Markets located at various locations on the Southside of Chicago.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Load and unload cooler and vehicle with fresh produce for markets;

Timely set-up of market with an emphasis on creating beautiful, abundant and engaging displays for customers;

Conduct quality management of produce;

Restocking of produce throughout the market;

Creation of produce signs;

Clean-up at the end of the market;

Follow food safety handling regulations;

Ensure all equipment is organized and inventoried at the beginning and end of each market;

Develop strategies to maximize sales;

Rectify bank/sales sheet at the end of the market and place in safe;

Represent UGC in a professional, inclusive and respectful way.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Ability to do basic math in a busy work environment; Basic accounting and ability to follow through on cash-handling protocol;

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 50-75 pounds; and most importantly a

Passion for food justice, youth development and urban farming.

Preferred: Previous knowledge or the ability to understand and use Square POS;

Preferred: Conversational in Spanish

Preferred: Knowledge of Produce Handling

Required: A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a cargo van;

Required: Able to work on holidays and weekends (if needed).

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 able to safely lift 50-75 pounds;

Must be willing and prepared to work outdoors;

Comfort working in all weather conditions, (hot, humid, rainy, cool);

Position will require frequent walking, standing and lifting;

Position will require a high level of engagement with partners and community members.

Schedule:

This is a part-time hourly position

16 hours per week

Hours: Wednesday, 3-8p, Thursday 3-8p and Saturday, 8-5p

Additional hours may be available for special events.

Orientation / Training week of May 22

Market Schedule June 3rd - October 28th