Urban Agriculture Coordinator

Walnut Way; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Community engagement opportunities

Flexible hours

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization in Milwaukee seeks an Urban Agriculture Coordinator to manage its urban agriculture program. The role includes overseeing daily farming operations, coordinating produce for sales, and engaging with the community through educational programs. A degree in horticulture and experience in program management are required. This position is Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Proficient in horticultural practices and urban agriculture.
• Experience in program management and supervision.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage urban agriculture operations and coordinate production.
• Oversee harvesting and post-harvest handling.
• Promote produce sales at farmers' markets and local events.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Program management

Teamwork

Communication skills

Sales and marketing

Education

Degree in Horticulture or related field

Job description

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

▪ Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.

▪ Interact professionally with other employees, customers, and suppliers.

▪ Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.

▪ Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Program Overview

Environmental Stewardship is a core program of Walnut Way Conservation Corp, where residents have transformed vacant lots into production gardens and orchards. Walnut Way operates sub‑acre production gardens and teaching gardens, promoting urban agriculture as a means to provide fresh, locally grown foods. The program integrates wholesale fresh produce and herbs into Walnut Way’s community market, Taste of Lindsay Heights, to support sustainable local food systems.

Basic Function

The Urban Agriculture Coordinator manages all aspects of Walnut Way’s urban agriculture program, overseeing farming operations from land preparation to harvest, and works to align the program’s produce for sale and preparation at Taste of Lindsay Heights. This role requires expertise in horticulture, program management, and administrative skills.

1. Horticulture Operations

Day‑to‑Day Growing Operations

Coordinate and implement all aspects of growing operations on the urban Milwaukee‑based campus.

Planting and Production Plans

Develop planting layouts, crop selection, timing, and succession plans.

Seed and Starter Plant Management

Inventory, order, and start seeds; order starter plants when necessary.

Field Management

Cultivate fields, amend soils, and manage crop maintenance tasks such as:

• Weeding and pest control
• Watering/irrigation
• Trellising and staking
• Pruning and training plants

Harvest and Post‑Harvest Handling

Oversee the harvesting, post‑harvest handling, and storage of crops to ensure product quality.

Hoophouse and Hydroponics

Manage operations of passive solar hoophouses and indoor hydroponic growing units.

Wholesale Produce for Taste of Lindsay Heights

Implement and align urban agriculture production with sales and preparation needs at the Taste of Lindsay Heights café. Coordinate the provision of fresh produce and herbs for their menu and wholesale offerings.

Composting Operations

Support composting by monitoring, turning, screening, and utilizing finished compost for the program’s needs.

2. Program Management

Offseason Business Planning

Conduct offseason planning, maintain relationships with customers, and ensure smooth vendor coordination.

Sales and Marketing

Promote weekly availability of produce, coordinating sales at:

• Farmers' markets
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs
• Restaurants
• Local events

Canning and Preserving

Support canning and preserving activities, adding value to products for sale at markets.

Supervision of Interns and Volunteers

Supervise Growing Youth Leadership interns, Blue Skies staff, and volunteers in the urban agriculture program.

Educational Programs and Volunteer Engagement

Collaborate with Walnut Way staff to plan and implement educational workshops and volunteer programs for both youth and adults.

3. Administrative Duties

Recordkeeping and Data Management

Maintain detailed records, including:

• Work logs
• Production tracking
• Sales spreadsheets

Coordination with Environmental Specialist

Regularly coordinate tasks and program updates with the Environmental Specialist to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

Customer and Vendor Communication

Communicate with customers and vendors regularly to ensure efficient business operations. Other duties: perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall success of the urban agriculture program and environmental stewardship initiatives.

Requirements

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, it will typically be in an office setting. Frequently required to operate a computer and file and retrieve written documents. The physical demands include, but are not limited to, standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching and bending. The positions can be mentally challenging. As a result, this position is more mentally challenging than physically challenging.

There will be extended periods of sitting required when performing administrative tasks and while attending meetings. Non‑physical demands include a work environment where the noise level is usually quiet to moderate but may be loud on occasion. The nature of the position may expose moderate levels of tension when dealing with issues. The level of tension is usually moderate, with high levels of tension occurring occasionally.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

About Walnut Way Conservation Corp

Walnut Way Conservation Corp. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization founded in 2000 by Lindsay Heights residents to reclaim and redevelop the economic health and vitality of their community.

In the years since, Walnut Way and its partners have rolled out a series of successful and innovative programs and initiatives addressing the neighborhood’s most pressing economic, environmental, and health issues.

Walnut Way is located inside a renovated house situated in the residential neighborhood of Lindsay Heights. Grounded in grass‑root principles, Walnut Way properties extend additional blocks and include an orchard, carry‑out cafe, print shop, and construction and landscaping business.

The ideal candidate will typically work Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends as needed.