Urban Harvest STL
Urban Harvest STL builds community around inclusive and resilient local food systems. We believe all members of our community should have equitable access to fresh, healthy food regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or location and the ability to grow it, if they desire. We grow healthy food and community in St. Louis through urban agriculture, environmental sustainability and public programming. We manage a network of urban farms and distribute the majority of food we grow to communities in need through partnerships with other nonprofits to improve fresh food access for St. Louisans impacted by food insecurity.
Position
The Director of Urban Agriculture is responsible for overseeing farm operations across all Urban Harvest STL sites, ensuring productive, community-centered, and mission-aligned stewardship of each space. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director and in deep alignment with the surrounding St. Louis community, this full-time (40 hours/week) permanent position leads crop production, staff and volunteer coordination, food distribution, and the ongoing development of current and future farm sites. The role supports both the organizational vision and the broader urban agriculture movement through thoughtful leadership, strong relationship-building, and a commitment to equitable, sustainable, and community-driven practices.
Compensation
The position requires 40 hours/week year-round. Compensation is $60,000 annually and includes a monthly healthcare reimbursement, paid wellness days, holidays and vacation. Use of a personal vehicle may be necessary for Urban Harvest STL business, with reimbursement for mileage at the federal
mileage reimbursement rate.
Accountability
The Director of Urban Agriculture is directly accountable to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
Leadership: (25%)
● Participate in the Executive Team to identify and craft organizational goals.
● Identify and cultivate relationships to help organizational capacity and growth.
● Be a lead advocate of the organization; articulate the organization’s vision, and provide thought-leadership for the urban agriculture movement.
● Direct day-to-day operations of multiple food producing sites, including oversight of staff farmers and Federal Work Studies in support of the mission; build a strong connection between the farm and the local community.
● Develop and foster relationships with community partners and vendors.
● Provide guidance to staff on the maintenance, care and upkeep of farm sites.
Product and Management: (30%)
● Oversee a crop plan and harvest schedule in collaboration with farm staff.
● Conduct purchasing of seeds, tools, and supplies in accordance with budget.
● Ensure sufficient site maintenance, safety and staffing.
● Oversee on-time harvest and optimal post-harvest handling.
● Resourcefully coordinate builds, maintenance and repairs as needed
Planning & Record Keeping: (35%)
● Assist with annual budgeting activities to estimate costs of farm inputs.
● Maintain a work-log to plan to record field work and other activities.
● Ensure entry of data pertaining to harvest, distribution, sales, and donation as well as sustainability
metrics pertinent to work.
● Maintain an inventory of seeds and other supplies.
● Vetting, designing, and budgeting opportunities for current and future farm sites.
Education & Community Engagement: (10%)
● Model and foster a cooperative, enthusiastic, and hands-on work environment.
● Uphold a positive and engaged work style, and an ethical, respectful, and inclusive organizational culture.
● Engage volunteers, Board of Directors, and members of the public to be champions of UHSTL.
● Conduct educational tours for community groups.
● Supervise regular and periodic volunteers, including master gardeners and groups.
● Assist in leading various events on the farm.
● Assist in providing education in farming and leadership skills for program participants.
Qualifications & Skills
● Two full seasons of organic vegetable farming or gardening experience REQUIRED.
● Experience with farm site design and budgeting REQUIRED.
● Strong organizational management skills with a track record of managing on time and on budget.
● Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people and stakeholders.
● An action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and adaptable personality that excels in a dynamic and
innovative environment.
● Degree in a relevant field or combination of experience and training resulting in equivalent
knowledge and skills.
● A passion for urban agriculture, health, and community development.
● Exceptional verbal communication skills; a passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal
and multidisciplinary project skills.
● Ability to work independently and inspire others while contributing to the team effort.
● Experience in greenhouse production preferred.
● Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Google Drive and databases.
● Willingness to work year-round in St. Louis outdoor weather conditions.
● Valid driver’s license REQUIRED.
● Ability to lift at least 50 lbs without difficulty, use a ladder, and perform physical tasks as needed.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to: careers@urbanharveststl.org with the subject titled “Director of Urban Agriculture – Your Name”. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The priority application date is April 10th and anticipated start date is April 27, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
