Rooftop gardens farm coordinator

Job Details:

Job Location: Rooftop Gardens - Des Moines, IA

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $20.74 - $22.50 Hourly

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Direct Care - Supportive Housing

YSS is looking for a nurturing, 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 Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

Are You Who We're Looking For?:

At 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 Candidate

Is 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 systemmessage@paycomonline.com 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 yss@yss.org. Learn more about YSS and our hiring process at https://yss.org/ysscareers/the-hiring-process/.