Austin Grown Specialist

Role Overview

Austin Grown Specialist (AGS) (25 hours, Part-time) Non-exempt

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.

• Empathy
• Passion
• Persistence
• Innovation

This part‑time role involves working directly with youth and community members to teach gardening skills, promote sustainability practices, and advocate for food justice on the west side of Chicago. The Austin Grown Specialist reports directly to the Manager of Austin Grown.

• Garden Maintenance: support the ongoing maintenance of garden plots, including planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Ensure that garden spaces are clean, safe, and productive.
• Garden
  
  Education:
  
  assist with facilitation of hands‑on gardening activities and workshops for youth and community members. Teach fundamental gardening techniques, sustainable practices, and principles of food justice.
• Community Engagement: build positive relationships with community members and local organizations. Encourage participation and foster a sense of ownership and pride in community gardening projects.
• Resource Management: assist in managing gardening supplies, tools, and materials. Maintain accurate records of garden activities, inventory, and participant progress.
• Outreach & Advocacy: recruit youth to participate in Austin Grown’s after‑school and summer youth program in partnership with the Austin Grown Coordinator. Promote the benefits of gardening and sustainability through community outreach and educational materials. Advocate for food justice and environmental awareness within the community.
• Collaboration:
  
  work closely with other staff members, volunteers, and local partners to coordinate gardening activities and integrate gardening programs into broader community initiatives.

• Minimum high school diploma or GED with at least 2 years of gardening experience; a garden certificate is a plus.
• Experience in urban agriculture, community gardening, or related field. Experience working with youth and community groups is highly desirable.
• Successful completion of a background check and other required clearances.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and support multiple garden sites while completing administrative work.
• Knowledge of gardening techniques, sustainable practices, and food justice principles. Strong communication skills and willingness to engage diverse audiences.
• Enthusiasm for gardening, sustainability, and community education.
• Physical ability to perform tasks related to gardening, including lifting, bending, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Carry/Move up to 50 pounds.
• Climb up to three flights of stairs.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
• Work indoors and outdoors in any weather.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided on a case‑by‑case basis.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job‑specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case‑by‑case basis.

BUILD, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran…