The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is seeking an individual to supervise a teen work crew at the JD Rivers’ Children’s Produce Garden located in Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minneapolis to do the following:

• Manage, guide, and supervise a team of 4 to 6 youth workers (ages 16-19) in the maintenance of a 1-acre produce garden and the running of a public on-site produce market
• Ensure maintenance of the garden and orchard, completing tasks including weeding, watering, mowing, weed whipping, pruning, and harvesting
• Manage and care for the garden infrastructure and tools, including hoses and drip-tape systems, mower, weed whip, and other tools. Communicate with program coordinator about garden and supply needs
• Act as a role model for youth crew members, motivating the crew, enforcing program and safety rules, implementing day-to-day operations, and offering job readiness lessons and evaluations
• Provide outstanding customer service to garden and market visitors and lead the crew in doing the same
• Follow the cash handling protocol for the produce market
• Assist garden educators with programming and group management in the garden as needed and involve the youth crew members in assisting with programs
• Give tasks to and guide volunteers in the garden
• Complete evaluations for the produce market, crew updates, and any garden volunteer sessions
• Additional duties as assigned

Work Location

Work site is JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden on Glenwood Ave in Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis. You and the crew will be outside all day, every day. The Wirth Pavilion will be used as a shelter in cases of inclement weather.

Work Season and Hours

This is a seasonal position averaging 32-40 hours per week Monday-Friday June through August and 10-20 hours per week May and September. Normal work week hours are Monday-Wednesday 7:30am-4pm and Thursdays 10:30am-7pm and various times on Fridays, as needed. Spring and fall availability is preferred, but minimum availability must include June through August and you must be able to work the week before the crew starts, and the duration of the crew’s season, which includes June 9th through August 28th.

Compensation

$24.50 per hour. You are eligible to receive sick and safe time per the Minneapolis City Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time, and will earn one (1) hour of sick and safe leave for every thirty (30) hours worked. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience working with and motivating teens and diverse populations
• Ability to work and teach alongside youth while modeling expected behaviors and work ethic
• Ability to recognize, and respond in a positive manner, to the needs of teens and youth
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting (including during hot and/or rainy weather) all day, every day
• Working knowledge of organic garden maintenance and gardening for food production
• Ability to follow directions, complete assignments, and meet deadlines with little direct supervision
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Enthusiasm, creativity, problem-solving skills, positive attitude, and flexibility
• Ability to lift 30 lbs., hike uneven terrain, kneel, and teach effectively in all weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic training or experience in high school education, special education, and/or work readiness programs.
• Academic training or experience in farming and agriculture science.
• Experience in customer service, retail, and/or cash handling.
• Ability to communicate fluently in a second language (Spanish, Hmong, or Somali preferred).