Rooftop Gardens Farm Coordinator

Paycom; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

YSS seeks a Farm Coordinator to lead six hydroponic farms, train Participants, and deliver curriculum-based activities that build workforce readiness and life skills. You will partner with community organizations to expand opportunities and manage outreach, while ensuring records and reports meet funding requirements.

The role emphasizes hands-on farming, mentorship, and collaborative leadership in a supportive, trauma-informed environment that empowers young adults toward stability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field.
• At least 1 year in a controlled-environment greenhouse, hydroponic facility, or commercial operation.
• Experience operating irrigation, electrical, and mechanical systems in greenhouse/ag operations.
• Basic computer proficiency, Word/Excel; data entry basics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation, maintenance, growing, and harvest of six hydroponic farms.
• Provide hands-on training and guidance to Participants building work and life skills.
• Plan and deliver curriculum-based activities and events supporting Participant goals.
• Build relationships with businesses and community organizations to expand opportunities.
• Assist Participant recruitment, marketing, and community outreach as needed.
• Maintain records, collect data, and complete required reports for funding.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Hydroponic farming knowledge

Irrigation systems experience

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Hydroponic equipment

Job description

YSS is looking for a nuturing, hands-on Farm Coordinator to help young adults build skills, confidence, and pathways toward greater stability and self-sufficiency through our innovative Rooftop Gardens program.Rooftop Gardens combines hydroponic farming and workforce development to create meaningful opportunities for young adults ages 18–24, including those with lived experience in foster care or the juvenile justice system, those experiencing homelessness, and others facing barriers to stability. Through a six-month apprenticeship, cohorts of young adults gain hands-on employment experience while building skills in workforce readiness, financial capability, housing stability, and healthy living.As the Rooftop Gardens Farm Coordinator, you’ll bring the program to life by leading the day-to-day operation of our six hydroponic farms while teaching, mentoring, and supporting Participants as they develop skills for work and independent living. You’ll balance the practical work of growing and harvesting with the relationship-building and leadership needed to help young adults succeed.What you'll do...Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, growing, and harvesting of the program’s six hydroponic farms.Provide hands-on training, guidance, and encouragement as Participants build workplace and life skills through the apprenticeship program.Help plan and deliver curriculum-based activities, special events, and other program experiences that support Participant goals.Develop and maintain relationships with businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen the program and create opportunities for Participants.Assist with Participant recruitment, marketing, promotional activities, and community outreach as needed.Maintain accurate records, collect program data, and complete required reports to support funding and program requirements.Participate in required meetings and work closely with YSS staff, program partners, and external stakeholders.Implement and follow YSS and Rooftop Gardens policies, procedures, and program requirements.This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.Who You Are...You’re a hands-on, compassionate, and dependable person who enjoys both working with your hands and working with people. You’re comfortable getting into the details of growing and farm operations while also building relationships, teaching new skills, and encouraging young adults as they work toward greater stability and independence. You’re patient, adaptable, and organized—and you see potential in every Participant you work with.What We Provide...Supportive Culture & Work EnvironmentSupportive leadership team and mission-driven cultureFlexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environmentEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employeesHealth & Wellness BenefitsComprehensive health insuranceVoluntary dental and vision insuranceLife insurance and long-term disability coverageSupplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) optionsFlu shots and mental health support resourcesTime Off & Work-Life BalanceGenerous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)Paid holidays, including a birthday holidayVolunteer time offFinancial & Retirement BenefitsCompetitive salarySupplemental compensation award403(b) retirement savings planProfessional & Career SupportProfessional liability insurance coveragePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employerAt YSS, our work is grounded in Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit. We believe in trauma-informed care and in creating relationships and environments where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered to build on their strengths and move toward healthier futures.If that sounds like the kind of work you want to be part of, we’d love to see what you bring to the team. Here’s what we’re looking for:Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field.At least one year of experience in a controlled-environment greenhouse, hydroponic facility, or commercial-scale agricultural operation.Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting irrigation systems, electrical components, mechanical equipment, and other systems used in greenhouse or agricultural operations.Working knowledge of food safety regulations and practices.Basic computer proficiency, including data entry and Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel.Travel, including transporting participants, is required. For YSS insurance purposes, you must be 21+, have a valid state-issued driver’s license, and maintain a clean driving record.Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:Experience with hydroponic growing systems; knowledge of urban agriculture is a plus.Experience working with youth, particularly in positive youth development programs.Lived experience with the foster care or juvenile justice systems.Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage resources, and meet deadlines.Strong communication and collaboration skills, both verbal and written.Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions and respond effectively to challenges.Experience coordinating the work of others or providing informal leadership.The IDEAL CandidateIs rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).We Celebrate Your Story...Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.Stay Connected...We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add [e-mail] to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [e-mail] more about YSS and our hiring process at https://yss.org/ysscareers/the-hiring-process/.