Crew Leader

Soul Food Project; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Soul Food Project is seeking a part-time Crew Leader in Indianapolis to guide a Seeds to Leaders crew across urban farming tasks, curriculum delivery, and community engagement. You will mentor youth, document performance, and coordinate with partners to ensure program goals are met.

Responsibilities include hands-on farm work, safe operation of tools, and timely communication with supervisors. Occasional office duties and flexible site assignments may be required to support program needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in urban farming, sustainable agriculture, market gardening, or landscaping.
• Experience leading, teaching, or mentoring youth or young adults.
• Valid Driver’s License preferred.
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Guide and supervise crew on farm tasks (planting, weeding, harvesting, post-harvest handling, site maintenance).
• Develop employability skills in crew (attendance, communication, teamwork, safety).
• Provide weekly written and verbal feedback on crew performance.
• Act as information resource for project partners, community members, farm staff, and media.
• Support in custodial work and curriculum delivery as needed.
• Coordinate with supervisors and partners in written form and in person; adhere to events and schedules.
• Handle office duties such as printing and document organization.
• Site assignments and schedules may change based on farm needs.

Skills

Agriculture

Youth leadership

Communication

Documentation

First Aid

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Job description

Duties included but not limited to:

• Guide and work side-by-side with crew on farm site tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, post-harvest handling, composting, and site maintenance four days a week.
• Lead your crew in developing employability skills such as appropriate workplace behavior, attendance, communication, pace, teamwork, and workplace safety.
• Ensure all STL participants are held to the Soul Food Project standards agreement through weekly feedback. Crew leaders will document crew members’ performance and share written and verbal feedback with crew members every Saturday.
• Act as a resource for program information for project partners, community members, farm staff, and media.
• Willing to work with all departments and/or at all farm sites at any time and any day. Expected to support in custodial work.
• Assist in executing a curriculum delivered by Soul Food Project and its partners
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, and partners in written form, email or in person
• Follow and enforce scheduled events, programs, and activities
• Perform various office duties including printing, making copies, and other tasks as assigned
• Site assignment, task list, and schedules may be subject to change depending on the needs of farm.

Reports to: Seeds to Leader Coordinator

Supervises: Seeds to Leaders Crew

Location: 2436 Sheldon St, Indianapolis, IN 46218

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Agriculture & Gardening: Prior experience in urban farming, sustainable agriculture, market gardening, or landscaping.
• Youth Leadership & Mentorship: Experience leading, teaching, or mentoring youth or young adults (e.g., in after-school, summer camp, or community programs).
• Certifications:
• Valid Driver’s License (preferred if transporting produce, tools, or crew members).
• First Aid / CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Education: High School Diploma/GED preferred, or equivalent practical experience in community organizing, agriculture, or youth development.

Key Technical & Hard Skills

• Farm & Hand Tool Operation: Familiarity with basic farming tools and site maintenance equipment (e.g., hand tools, composting setups, irrigation basics).
• Feedback & Documentation: Ability to observe crew performance, write constructive evaluations, and provide actionable feedback.
• Basic Administrative Proficiency: Comfort with email, printing, file organization, and basic computer/office tasks.

Essential Soft Skills & Personal Qualities

• Cultural Competence & Alignment: Strong understanding of and passion for food justice, community wellness, and empowering African-American youth and communities.
• Communication & Conflict Resolution: Clear, empathetic verbal and written communication skills to effectively interface with youth crew members, community partners, and media.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Flexibility to shift tasks, schedules, or locations based on farm needs, weather conditions, or seasonal demands.
• Patience & Coaching Mindset: Dedication to teaching workplace standards (punctuality, teamwork, pace) with a supportive and encouraging tone.
• Physical Readiness: Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions and engaging in physical labor alongside the crew.