Full job description available on our website.
Start Date: January 2023
Starting Salary: $45,000-$50,000 (benefits on page 3)
Position Type: Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Executive Director (ED)
Supervises, with support from ED: Seasonal Supervisors (adult), Near Peer Interns (youth), and Youth Interns
Schedule: 35-hour work week, typically M-F 9-5. Occasional Saturday and evening availability required.
The Youth Employment Program Coordinator will be team lead for planning and executing Taproot’s youth employment
programs, including curriculum development, scheduling and coordination, supervising youth, and providing
wraparound support to participants.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in youth education, supervision, and/or support services, and is highly
organized, committed to accountability, and passionate about partner- and community-based programing. Existing
knowledge of organic and regenerative practices for urban food production and landscaping, urban animal husbandry,
carpentry, and/or garden-based cooking and food preservation is beneficial but of secondary importance.
Our youth employment programs are designed to engage and build a young person’s connections with supportive
networks that will help them stay on track in school and identify areas of interest that could be pursued as a career.
Taproot’s dual-track garden-based internship programs include a 6-10 week summer employment program for 14 and
15 year old interns and an extended program for interns age 16 to 21. Taproot also provides technical and project
assistance to other ag-related youth employment programs in Rochester.
We are beginning a three-year project to scale up our summer youth employment, from 17 positions in 2023 to 51
positions in 2025, plus seasonal supervisors, and youth “near peer” leaders. The YEPC will work closely with the
Executive Director and partner organizations, to shape the growth, priorities, and outcomes of these programs over the
next several years.
Our Vision
A city filled with thriving neighborhoods where all people have equitable access to critical resources that support
opportunities for education, recreation, and food sovereignty.
Values
To operate with a central focus on stewardship, integrity, justice, community engagement, cultural humility, equity,
and excellence.
What We Do
We design shared urban greenspaces and the programming that unlocks its potential for:
● youth employment
● environmental justice
● food sovereignty
● racial equity
● community building
Responsibilities
● Work with ED and partner organizations to translate project goals into learning outcomes, and vice versa
● Develop curricula and schedules for summer and long-term interns
● Lead youth outreach, recruitment, and onboarding activities
● Lead seasonal supervisors and near-peer interns in day-to-day supervision of youth interns, including leading
work days and learning sessions.
● Co-lead (with ED/Board members) training for seasonal supervisors and near-peer interns
● Provide wraparound support for youth employees
● Manage scheduling, coordination, materials, set-up and take down for all youth shifts
● Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program data to ED (hours, attendance, deliverables, etc)
● Must have reliable transportation within the City of Rochester and a valid driver’s license
Essential Experience and Outlooks
(What you need from Day 1 to be successful in this position)
● Passion for and demonstrated success with supervising and engaging youth interns/employees. Experience
supervising adult staff is a plus.
● Highly organized and accountable, especially regarding making and keeping group schedules, coordinating
with community partners, and responding to needs and challenges faced by youth employees.
● Experience creating and adapting curricula, including ability to translate project planning goals into learning
goals and vice versa
● Excellent written and verbal communication, including speaking to groups and at outreach events
● Able to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity,
sexual orientation, class, ability, and religion; comfort working in the public eye.
● A commitment to cultural humility and inclusiveness, anti-racism, and equity.
● Enthusiasm for working outside in a range of weather, and a willingness to get dirty
Useful Knowledge and Skills
(Helpful to have, but if you don’t have them, we can train you)
● Knowledge of and experience in organic and regenerative practices for urban food production and
landscaping, urban animal husbandry, carpentry, and/or garden-based cooking and food preservation
● Proficiency with Google Suite and Slack
● Experience with youth-led models and restorative practices
Benefits:
● Health Care Coverage (you pick your plan, Taproot covers 100% of the premium cost up to $650/month)
● 4% Employer Match Retirement Stipend
● 30 days of PTO a year (some seasonal limitations apply), plus Federal Holidays
● Annual funding for professional development and training
● Flexible in-office/WFH work environment when not working with youth
● Mileage reimbursement
● Free produce and honey from our First Market Farm
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully
perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required
to:
● Work outdoors and work at a computer for extended periods of time
● Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and/or crouch, sometimes on uneven surfaces
● Lift 30-50 pounds safely
● Use wheelbarrows, long-handled garden tools, and hand tools, including small power tools
● Use hands to handle or feel items such as documents and seeds
● Talk and hear in outdoor and indoor settings, often with groups
● Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
How To Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to info@taprootcollective.org. You may write a traditional cover letter, or use another
format to introduce yourself to us, such as a video or slideshow. We will begin reviewing applications and reaching out
to schedule interviews on December 19, 2022, and will continue to accept applications until December 31, 2022.
We are an organization led by people with multiple identities. We strongly encourage members of marginalized
communities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
Questions about this position can be sent to info@taprootcollective.org.
Taproot Collective
20 First Street | Suite B
Rochester NY, 14605
585-370-6222
Taprootcollective.org
