Farmers Market & Volunteer Manager

 

Employment Type: Seasonal, Part-Time, Hourly
Compensation: $22–$25 per hour (based on experience)
Schedule: 14–16 hours per week | May 1 – October 15

 

About the Role

Growing Solutions Farm (GSF) is seeking a Farmers Market & Volunteer Manager to run and
grow our on-site and off-site farmers markets and volunteer program. GSF is a program of
Urban Autism Solutions (UAS), whose mission is to build real-world pathways to independence,
work, and community for young adults with autism and related disabilities.

This customer-facing role serves as a key brand ambassador for GSF – cultivating relationships
with farmers market partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders to grow earned revenue,
expand engagement opportunities, and strengthen our public presence.

This position will initially work closely with both the Executive Director and Lead Grower and
Educator with responsibilities and day-to-day supervision, and gradually reporting to the Lead
Grower and Educator once programs are established and integrated into ongoing farm operations.

 

About Growing Solutions Farm

Growing Solutions Farm is a 1.2 acre urban produce farm located in the Illinois Medical District
and operated by Urban Autism Solutions. The farm combines sustainable agriculture with
hands-on job training, growing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers while supporting
workforce development for young adults with autism and related challenges. Through daily farm
operations, Growing Solutions Farm promotes skill-building, community engagement, and
access to fresh, locally grown food.

​

Key Responsibilities

​

• Coordinate and manage on-site and off-site farmers markets, including scheduling, set-up, breakdown, and staffing

• Prepare produce for sale in coordination with farm staff

• Operate Square POS and track basic sales data

• Support CSA distribution and customer-facing communication

• Recruit, schedule, and coordinate individual and group volunteers

• Serve as a clear, professional point of contact for customers, volunteers, and partners

• Support marketing and outreach efforts, including signage, flyers, and basic graphics

• Strengthen community relationships and the farm’s public presence

• Coordinate closely with farm staff to align market and volunteer activities with production needs

• Additional responsibilities as needed and related to role​

​

​

Qualifications

• At least one year of growing experience at a farm

• Experience working at a farmers market or farm stand, or a demonstrated history of selling products in a retail or community-based setting

• Experience leading volunteer groups

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Comfortable serving in an outward-facing role and representing the farm professionally

• Experience with or interest in marketing, communications, or basic graphic design a plus

• Ability to work outdoors, lift market equipment (up to 40 lbs), and adapt to changing conditions

• Availability to work required weekday hours and weekends during markets and volunteer events

• Comfort using basic technology, including email, Google Docs, and Square (training provided)

• Valid driver’s license required

• Must be able to pass a background check

• Alignment with the mission and values of Urban Autism Solutions​

​

Schedule & Compensation

• Season: May 1 – October 15

• Hours: 14–16 hours per week

• Set hours: Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Fridays: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Additional weekly hours (may include some evenings and/or weekends): Off-site farmer’s markets; Hosting volunteer groups

​

No employer-provided benefits. Paid sick leave and PTO accrued in accordance with Chicago law.
Employees receive one box of farm-grown produce per week during the harvest season, subject to availability.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Urban Autism Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national
origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Please send a resume and a brief cover letter to jennifer@urbanautismsolutions.com
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of April 1.

​

How to Apply

Please send a resume and a brief cover letter to jennifer@urbanautismsolutions.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of April 1.