Soul Food Project Crew Leader Indianapolis, IN · Part time Company website

Apply for Crew Leader

Soul Food Project (originally Temple Gardens) was founded in 2017 to increase food access in the neighborhood of our founder, Danielle Guerin. Since our founding, we have taught youth and adults how to grow food while establishing a system of urban farms throughout the city. Built on this foundation, our work and team have grown in many ways. Our overarching goal is to create a sustainable food system in our community by improving food security and nurturing biodynamic local agriculture while striving to improve the socio-economic status of the residents we serve.

​As an organization, SFP is rooted in service. We intentionally choose equitable pathways to food justice through growing, distributing, cooking, and eating with the hopes of advancing food sovereignty. We place the needs of our residents at the forefront of our work. We serve our neighborhoods by working to create stronger communities, more engaged citizens, and happier neighborhoods by focusing on leadership, partnership, and development.

Duties included but not limited to: 

• Guide and work side-by-side with crew on farm site tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, post-harvest handling, composting, and site maintenance four days a week. 
• Lead your crew in developing employability skills such as appropriate workplace behavior, attendance, communication, pace, teamwork, and workplace safety.
• Ensure all STL participants are held to the Soul Food Project standards agreement through weekly feedback. Crew leaders will document crew members’ performance and share written and verbal feedback with crew members every Saturday.
• Act as a resource for program information for project partners, community members, farm staff, and media. 
• Willing to work with all departments and/or at all farm sites at any time and any day. Expected to support in custodial work.
• Assist in executing a curriculum delivered by Soul Food Project and its partners
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, and partners in written form, email or in person
• Follow and enforce scheduled events, programs, and activities
• Perform various office duties including printing, making copies, and other tasks as assigned
• Site assignment, task list, and schedules may be subject to change depending on the needs of farm. 

Reports to: Seeds to Leader Coordinator

Supervises: Seeds to Leaders Crew

Location: 2436 Sheldon St, Indianapolis, IN 46218

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Agriculture & Gardening: Prior experience in urban farming, sustainable agriculture, market gardening, or landscaping.   
• Youth Leadership & Mentorship: Experience leading, teaching, or mentoring youth or young adults (e.g., in after-school, summer camp, or community programs).   
• Certifications:
• Valid Driver’s License (preferred if transporting produce, tools, or crew members).
• First Aid / CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Education: High School Diploma/GED preferred, or equivalent practical experience in community organizing, agriculture, or youth development.

Key Technical & Hard Skills

• Farm & Hand Tool Operation: Familiarity with basic farming tools and site maintenance equipment (e.g., hand tools, composting setups, irrigation basics).   
• Feedback & Documentation: Ability to observe crew performance, write constructive evaluations, and provide actionable feedback.   
• Basic Administrative Proficiency: Comfort with email, printing, file organization, and basic computer/office tasks.   

Essential Soft Skills & Personal Qualities

• Cultural Competence & Alignment: Strong understanding of and passion for food justice, community wellness, and empowering African-American youth and communities.   
• Communication & Conflict Resolution: Clear, empathetic verbal and written communication skills to effectively interface with youth crew members, community partners, and media.   
• Adaptability & Resilience: Flexibility to shift tasks, schedules, or locations based on farm needs, weather conditions, or seasonal demands.   
• Patience & Coaching Mindset: Dedication to teaching workplace standards (punctuality, teamwork, pace) with a supportive and encouraging tone.   
• Physical Readiness: Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions and engaging in physical labor alongside the crew.