Rooftop gardens program coordinator

Job Details:

Job Location: Rooftop Gardens - Des Moines, IA

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Travel Percentage: Minimal

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Direct Care - Supportive Housing

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 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.
• 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 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/.