Employment Opportunities at GCYC

Site Supervisor, GCYC / Make Miracles Grow Foundation

Position Summary

The Site Supervisor manages the GCYC/MMGF gardens to support a full range of educational activities. The key garden site is a 1.75-acre organic site with a fruit orchard, perennial plant production beds, unheated year-round hoop house, and over 5,000 square feet of vegetable beds.

Organization Background

Having opened its doors in June 2006, the state-of-the-art Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) offers positive extracurricular alternatives in a welcoming and safe environment. The mission is to provide the support for all members to graduate from high school, prepared to pursue college and careers. Located on Chicago’s South Side, the Gary Comer Youth Center draws its primary membership from the youth of the South Shore Drill Team, Paul Revere School and Alumni Association, and the local community. For more information, please review the GCYC site, as well as Gary Comer College Prep (GCCP).

The Make Miracles Grow Foundation, founded in 2010, is dedicated to urban agriculture and youth education on Chicago’s South Side to serve as a model for sustainable urban farming methods and youth career and education development.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

•Perform maintenance work at the various sites

•Prepare sites for youth programming instructional use

•Assist instructors to use garden sites for outdoor classes

•Manage a schedule of tasks and crew of young adults (ages 16-21) to include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, packaging and distribution of produce and other related goods and services

•Plant and maintain vegetables, perennials and/or fruits as assigned and as directed in the Garden Manager’s crop plan

•Manage site tasks including tool and machinery use and maintenance, deliveries and site development

•Maintain records, inventory and prepare reports relative to the work

Education and Experience:

•Bachelor’s (BA or BS) degree preferred, degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant science and/or field directly related to sustainable agriculture or social enterprise preferred

•Knowledge of youth development and programming principles preferred

•Demonstrated experience with growing vegetables, perennials and/or fruit trees

•Reliable self-starter, with good communication skills and ability to prioritize tasks, follow-through and meet deadlines

•Ability and willingness to work early mornings, evenings and weekends

•Ability to lift 50 lbs

•Must demonstrate cultural competency, dedication to working with youth, families and community members in our care

Hourly Wage: Dependent upon qualifications and experience.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume and references:

via e-mail to Hiring Manager

E-mail applications are preferred, however, applicant letters may be addressed to:
Hiring Manager c/o Gary Comer Youth Center

7200 S. Ingleside Avenue | Chicago, IL 60619