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Rooftop Gardens Farm Coordinator (56680)

YSS


Job Location:

Des Moines, IA - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 20 - 22
Posted: 29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

YSS is looking for a nuturing 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 1824 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 youll 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. Youll balance the practical work of growing and harvesting with the relationship-building and leadership needed to help young adults succeed.

What youll do...

  • Oversee the daily operation maintenance growing and harvesting of the programs 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...

Youre a hands-on compassionate and dependable person who enjoys both working with your hands and working with people. Youre 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 patient adaptable and organizedand 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


Qualifications

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 wed love to see what you bring to the team. Heres what were looking for:

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

  • Bachelors 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 drivers 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.

TheIDEALCandidate

  • 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 instabilityYour 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 youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants viaemail- straight from our Paycom 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 to your list of safe may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions Reach us anytime at .

Learn more about YSS and our hiring process at Experience:

IC


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At YSS, we strengthen families by providing education, counseling, and stability through a wide variety of youth mental health services.

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