Freelance Farmer
Location: Chicago, IL (Primarily South and West Side urban farm locations)
Company: Southside Blooms
Job Type: Freelance/Contract
Compensation: Competitive; based on experience and project scope
Reports to: Farm Manager / Director of Operations
About Southside Blooms
Southside Blooms is a social enterprise dedicated to transforming vacant lots into productive, sustainable flower farms. As part of the broader Chicago Eco House initiative, we empower at-risk youth through jobs in sustainability, urban farming, and floriculture. Every bouquet we sell creates jobs, converts blight into beauty, and helps create a greener, more equitable Chicago.
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate, self-motivated Freelance Farmer to support our urban farming operations during peak growing seasons and special projects. This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who thrives outdoors, values sustainability, and wants to contribute to community-based agriculture. The ideal candidate has experience in small-scale or urban farming, is reliable, and can work independently or in small teams.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain farm infrastructure, including irrigation systems, raised beds, and composting areas
Perform regular weeding, pruning, watering, and pest management tasks
Support greenhouse operations and propagation work
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Qualifications
Proven experience in farming, gardening, landscaping, or similar hands-on work
Familiarity with organic and regenerative farming practices preferred
Ability to lift 40 lbs, work in varying weather conditions, and perform physical labor
Strong work ethic, punctuality, and communication skills
Comfortable working independently or with diverse teams
Passion for sustainability, social justice, and community empowerment
Bonus Skills (Not Required but Preferred)
Experience with floral design, bouquet making, or flower processing
Background in permaculture or regenerative agriculture
Prior involvement in youth mentoring or community work
Familiarity with farm tools and small machinery (tillers, trimmers, etc.)
Schedule & Commitment
Flexible, based on farm needs and availability. Seasonal hours may vary; peak periods are typically spring through early fall. This is a freelance/contract position with project-based scheduling.
How to Apply
Upload your resume and cover letter about why you’re interested in working with Southside Blooms. Please include any relevant farming or gardening experience.
Southside Blooms is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
About Nehemiah Group
Southside Blooms, a project of the 501c3 nonprofit Chicago Eco House, was started as a love story by its founders Quilen and Hannah Blackwell. Quilen and Hannah were moved by their Christian faith to relocate to the inner city of Chicago to bring hope and healing to places that are plagued by violence and poverty. This passion for the inner city is what brought them together as a couple and laid the foundation for the work that we do today: creating jobs for vulnerable youth in the floral industry by growing and arranging sustainable flowers! Our blooms signify more than mere aesthetics – they symbolize a commitment to social impact, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Join us in this journey where every petal purchased contributes to a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities.
