Rooftop Gardens Program Coordinator

Paycom; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

403(b) retirement savings plan

PTO 4 weeks

Job summary

YSS is seeking a Rooftop Gardens Coordinator to lead the daily operations of our rooftop garden program, including hydroponics and greenhouse growing. You will mentor young adults aged 18–24, helping them develop job-readiness, financial literacy, and housing stability.

You will build community connections, manage data and reporting, and coordinate events to showcase the program's impact. This role requires hands-on leadership and a commitment to equity and youth empowerment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field is required.
• Hands-on experience with irrigation, electrical, mechanical systems, or related equipment.
• Basic computer proficiency including Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Travel requirements: valid driver’s license and ability to transport participants.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of hydroponic and greenhouse systems.
• Supervise, mentor, and support young adults in a six-month workforce program.
• Facilitate curriculum-based learning and maintain a safe environment.
• Maintain records, track program data, and ensure compliance with funding and requirements.
• Develop relationships with local businesses and community organizations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Collaboration

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Word

Excel

Irrigation systems

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Food safety regulations

Job description

YSS is looking for someone who sees potential—in people, in plants, and in what’s possible to join us as our Rooftop Gardens Coordinator!This is more than a job in urban agriculture. It’s an opportunity to combine sustainable growing, workforce development, and youth empowerment in a program designed to help young adults build skills, confidence, and pathways to thriving futures.Reporting to the Director of Lived Experience Programs, as the Rooftop Gardens Coordinator, you’ll lead the daily operations of our innovative Rooftop Gardens Program, overseeing hydroponic and greenhouse growing while helping young adults grow their own potential along the way.You’ll work alongside Participants ages 18–24, many with lived experience in foster care or the juvenile justice system, as they build job-readiness skills, explore career opportunities, and work toward greater stability and independence.What you'll do...Lead Program Operations: Oversee the daily maintenance, growing, harvesting, and operation of hydroponic and greenhouse systems.Grow Participant Potential: Supervise, mentor, and support young adults throughout a six-month workforce development program focused on job readiness, financial literacy, and housing stability.Teach & Engage: Facilitate curriculum-based learning and create a safe, supportive environment where Participants can learn, contribute, and build confidence.Keep the Program on Track: Maintain accurate records, track program data, complete required reporting, and ensure compliance with funding and organizational requirements.Build Community Connections: Develop relationships with local businesses and community organizations that strengthen the program and create opportunities for Participants.Help Build the Cohort: Support outreach, marketing, and recruitment efforts to attract strong and diverse groups of Participants.Showcase the Program: Coordinate and participate in special events, community activities, and internal meetings that highlight the program and its impact.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, adaptable leader who can balance program operations with building meaningful relationships. You’re organized, collaborative, and comfortable solving problems and supporting young adults. You understand that growth takes time, patience, consistency, and opportunity—and you’re excited to help young adults build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to grow.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.Hands-on experience with irrigation, electrical systems, mechanical systems, or related equipment.Basic computer proficiency, including Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel.Working knowledge of food safety regulations and practices.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:At least one year of experience working in a controlled-environment greenhouse, hydroponic facility, or commercial-scale agricultural operation.Experience with hydroponic growing systems and knowledge of urban agriculture.Experience working with youth, particularly youth who have experienced challenges or barriers to success.Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and processes under tight deadlines.Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with coworkers, partners, and other stakeholders.Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to a variety of audiences.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/.