Job Description:

Do you have a passion for urban agriculture? Do you like getting your hands dirty, while also equipping youth with the skills and confidence needed to help bring sustainable projects to life? 

Spark-Y is seeking a Sustainable Systems Manager to do just that. This role will lead the charge in the design, construction, and management of gardens, greenhouses, and sustainable systems with youth throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding area. 

The Sustainable Systems Manager will take accountability for the health of all Spark-Y sustainable systems including: gardens, greenhouses, aquaponic and hydroponic systems, compost, and more in both indoor and outdoor settings. In addition to system care, they will also coordinate and execute sustainable system build projects, oversee Spark-Y’s aquaponic microgreen operation, and be closely involved with other real-world, hands-on projects. The ability to troubleshoot, train, answer technical questions, and provide support to program and curriculum staff is essential.

The Sustainable Systems Manager should feel confident planning, coordinating, and executing projects working both with teams and independently, with the ability to take a vision and bring it to life. Attention to detail, timely communication, problem solving / critical thinking skills, and an understanding of sustainable systems are key to success in this role. The Sustainable Systems Manager will have the opportunity to interact with and utilize students, interns, and volunteers in driving project results toward completion; training, communication, mentorship, and coaching will be essential functions of the role.

Send cover letter and resume to: jobs@spark-y.org by 9/27/2021.

Essential Job Functions:

Sustainable System Management 

  • Maintain and troubleshoot sustainable systems including, but not limited to: aquaponics, hydroponics, edible gardens, rain gardens, greenhouses, compost and vermicompost systems

  • Manage Spark-Y’s onsite “Urban Agriculture Lab” and continue its growth through expansion of its established microgreen production business, and other revenue-generating opportunities

  • Provide a deep level of knowledge on the operation, science, and mechanics of indoor aquaponic systems and outdoor gardens, especially specific issues and benefits facing urban farming

  • Oversee our internal “Sustainable Systems Excellence” process, tracking the health of all active sustainable systems

  • Provide troubleshooting support and assistance to educators and staff as needed - recommend solutions to sustainable systems issues, and assist with their implementation

  • Provide weekly system testing, keep accurate records, analyze data, and take action on systems that are not meeting quality standards

  • Carryout traditional gardening and greenhouse tasks as needed, including: planting, harvesting, seeding, weeding, watering, cleaning, temperature and humidity control, mitigation of pests and disease, etc

Sustainable System Construction / Installation 

  • Coordinate sustainable system construction including project team management, design development, supply procurement, stakeholder communications, scheduling, staffing, training, and execution 

  • Regularly use power tools and provide power tool safety training and oversight to staff, volunteers, and youth 

  • Design and execute projects including youth builds, volunteer engagement opportunities, seasonal garden / greenhouse installations, and more 

  • Utilize design software (i.e. Sketchup) or similar tools to design sustainable systems

  • Implement safety policies on build sites and ensure all regulations and safety protocols are adequately followed 

  • Pull permits and acquire appropriate approvals for projects as needed

Education, Training and Collaboration 

  • Facilitate staff, youth, volunteer and community engagement in project execution

  • Coordinate and execute tours of Spark-Y’s Urban Agriculture Lab and other sustainable systems 

  • Provide safety training on worksites, including power tool safety for all build participants  

  • Troubleshoot, train, and answer technical questions as needed

  • Assist program and curriculum staff with training and program execution as needed

  • Assist with youth internship development and execution, managing interns on a frequent basis, and engaging them in systems and project work

General 

  • Build and develop partnerships with community stakeholders, volunteers, interns, and staff 

  • Understand goals, scope, sequence, and strategic importance of projects and partnerships 

  • Manage project budgets and timelines 

  • Provide data and reporting metrics for impact measurement and grant writing/ reporting purposes

  • Utilize our internal project management process to implement, track, and record status of current projects

Necessary Skills and Requirements:  

  • Experience building and managing aquaponics systems 

  • Experience working with outdoor gardens

  • Knowledge of food production business management - food safety, packaging, sales, distribution, etc.

  • Experience and confidence using power tools, teaching others how to use power tools, and overseeing safe power tool usage. 

  • Skilled in carpentry and/ or construction 

  • Excited about youth empowerment 

  • Ability to identify common garden weeds in Minnesota 

  • Comfortable teaching and guiding youth, staff, interns, and volunteers through sustainable system build and maintenance projects

  • Ability to prioritize, delegate, and execute as needed

  • Strong time management and organization skills 

  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions 

  • Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stretch, lift, crouch, push, and pull

  • Reliable transportation 

  • Must be able to lift and haul up to 50 lbs on occasion

Desired Skills and Knowledge Areas 

  • Hydroponics 

  • Food Systems

  • Permaculture or rain garden experience 

  • Experience using Sketchup or similar design software 

  • Education / youth training 

  • FSMA training certificate of completion 

  • Project Management/ PMI training 

  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certified 

Education: 
Bachelor's Degree and minimum 3+ years experience working with sustainable growing systems (aquaponics, gardens, rain gardens, permaculture, indoor systems, greenhouses, or similar). 

Salary and Benefits:
$36,000-$39,000 (Commensurate with experience). Organization-wide time off including federal holidays. PTO includes 12 vacation days and 5 personal days. Flexible schedule. Health care stipend available upon one year of employment.

To apply, send a resume, and a cover letter to jobs@spark-y.org with the subject line “LAST NAME Sustainable Systems Manager”. Within the cover letter please detail your experience with sustainable systems care, construction, and management, and tell us why you’re a good fit for this role.

Applications due by 5pm 09/27/2021

At Spark-Y we value: being of service, providing solutions, advocating for youth, exemplifying balance, At Spark-Y we value passion, community, balance, integrity and growth. Our leadership and staff build collaborative relationships with our partners and team members to empower ourselves and others. We’re a forward-thinking organization fueled by resourceful innovators that take the initiative to better serve our mission. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, including women and applicants of color. | EEOC Employer.