Vertical Farm Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity?

The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.

Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance).

Position Title:

Production Manager Urban Farm Center

Job Summary:

The Urban Farm Center Production Manager is responsible for the overall management and operation of the College of Lake County Urban Farm Center's controlled environment agriculture facilities. This position serves as the primary on-site authority for crop production, as well as staff supervision, hiring, budgeting, and operational decision-making as they pertain to the controlled environment agriculture production spaces. These spaces include the greenhouse, vertical grow room and mushroom production lab.
The Production Manager oversees all daily growing operations, ensures compliance with food safety and institutional standards, and provides leadership to staff, student employees, interns, and volunteers. Every farm in the Lancer Farms ecosystem is a learning and training space. This position supports instructional programming, workforce development, and community engagement through effective management of facilities, personnel, and resources as well as direct teaching and training in a hands-on environment.

Job Description:

Operations/Production Management and Training: 50%

• Direct and manage all daily operations of the Urban Farm Center's controlled environment agriculture facilities including greenhouse hydroponics, vertical farm hydroponics and mushroom growing operations.
• Serve as the primary on-site decision-maker responsible for production outcomes, operational continuity, and facility readiness.
• Establish production priorities, workflows, and schedules to meet production, workforce training, and programmatic needs and goals.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures related to crop production, facility operations, food safety, and safety compliance.
• Oversee all crop production activities from propagation through harvest within greenhouse, hoop house, and indoor growing environments.
• Establish and maintain optimal environmental and cultural conditions, including temperature, humidity, lighting, irrigation, fertility, and airflow.
• Ensure implementation of integrated pest management strategies and nutrient programs to support consistent plant health and yields.
• Review and analyze production and environmental data to guide management decisions and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, institutional policies, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain required records, logs, and documentation to support audits, inspections, and reporting requirements.
• Identify and address potential safety or compliance risks and notify appropriate leadership as required.
• Serve as trainer and educator in each of these duties and spaces for program participants (Youth Farmers, Farm Corps), students (Farm Fellowship and student workers), volunteers and staff.

Personnel Management: 30%

• Directly supervise regular staff, student employees, interns, program participants and volunteers assigned to the Urban Farm Center's growing/production functions.
• Exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, training, scheduling, performance evaluation, discipline, and recommendations for termination in accordance with College policies as pertains to the growing/production functions.
• Assign work, set performance expectations, and ensure accountability for operational results within growing/production spaces.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment that supports learning and professional development.

Strategic Leadership/Project Management: 15%

• Manage the Urban Farm Center's production/growing operating budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and controlling costs.
• Authorize purchases, manage inventories, and coordinate with vendors and internal departments to ensure adequate supplies and materials.
• Participate in planning for capital needs, equipment replacement, and facility improvements.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and partners to support instructional activities, applied learning experiences, demonstrations, and research conducted within controlled environment facilities.

Other: 5%

• Provide subject-matter expertise to support curriculum, workforce development, and community programs.
• Represent the Urban Farm Center in meetings and coordination related to operations and facilities as assigned.
• Engage in regular industry recognized professional development pertaining to controlled environment agriculture to stay at the forefront of industry trends

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in controlled environment agriculture, greenhouse operations, or related production systems OR Associate's degree plus minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, and scheduling.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, purchasing, and operational resources.
• Working knowledge of food safety practices, pest and disease management, irrigation systems, and nutrient management in controlled environments.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Over five (5) years of experience in controlled environment agriculture or greenhouse management.
• Experience in an educational, institutional, or workforce development setting.
• Experience developing standard operating procedures and training programs.
• Familiarity with data-driven growing systems and environmental control technologies.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in greenhouse and indoor growing environments.
• Exposure to warm temperatures, humidity, and agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and biological pest controls.
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Occasional work outside of standard business hours as required by operational needs.

Salary:

$66,800 - $82,300/year

Salary, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are highly competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate's background and experience.

This position is pending Board approval on June 23, 2026.

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full time

Total Hours Per Week:

40

Position Type:

Staff

Job Family:

Professional

Posting Date:

06/19/2026

Expected Start Date:

08/31/2026

Compensation Grade:

C43

Location:

Lakeshore Campus

Department:

Lancer Farms Department

EEO Statement:

College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law.