Senior Farmer & Project Manager

Senior Farmer & Project Manager

Location:

Southside Blooms Farm Sites – Chicago, IL

Reports To:

Operations Supervisor / Head of Operations

Southside Blooms is seeking an experienced Senior Farmer who also serves as the Farm Project Manager. This role is ideal for a systems-minded agricultural leader who thrives in both the field and the planning process. The position oversees daily farm operations while design, coordination, and execution of farm infrastructure projects that support long‑term productivity, sustainability, and workforce development.

This role is central to ensuring our farms are efficient, safe, and scalable while advancing Southside Blooms’ mission of job creation, education, and community impact.

• Lead daily farm operations across assigned sites, ensuring timely, high-quality crop production
• Supervise, train, and mentor farm staff, apprentices, and seasonal workers
• Enforce standard operating procedures for planting, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and site maintenance
• Execute crop planning and production schedules in alignment with sales and program goals
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive farm environment
• Support workforce development by modeling professionalism, leadership, and accountability

• Plan, manage, and execute farm infrastructure projects such as greenhouses and high tunnels
• Irrigation systems
• Tool sheds, storage areas, and work spaces
• Cold storage, wash/pack areas, and fencing
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, city agencies, and internal teams
• Oversee installations, repairs, and upgrades from concept through completion
• Ensure all projects meet safety, compliance, and sustainability standards
• Track project progress and report outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned

• Oversee preventative maintenance schedules for tools, equipment, and infrastructure
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, durability, and environmental impact
• Implement systems that support long‑term farm resilience and growth
• Support data collection and documentation for operations and infrastructure

• Work closely with leadership, sales, education, and community partners
• Support tours, volunteer days, and educational programming as needed
• Uphold Southside Blooms’ mission, values, and community‑centered approach

• 5+ years of experience in farming, urban agriculture, or horticulture
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing people and projects
• Hands‑on experience with farm infrastructure (irrigation, structures, tools, systems)
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills
• Commitment to equity, community engagement, and mission‑driven work
• Valid Driver’s License

• Experience managing construction or infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with urban farming and Chicago‑specific growing conditions
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and vendor coordination

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to perform physically demanding farm work
• Comfortable standing, walking, bending, and working outdoors for extended periods

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Health benefits and paid time off

• Meaningful work with measurable community impact

Southside Blooms is more than a farm, we are a social enterprise using agriculture to create jobs, build skills, and strengthen communities. This role offers the opportunity to shape the physical and operational foundation of our farms while mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders.