Youth Community Agriculture Program – Farm Cultivator Cohort


A black background with a black square AI-generated content may be incorrect.POSITIONS: Youth Community Agriculture Program (YCAP) Farm Cultivator Cohort   

TERMS: Seasonal, March 2nd – December 1st 2026 

HOURS: 20 hours per week, 1-2 evenings and 2-3 morning shifts Monday-Thursday required weekly in the spring and fall, 4 morning shifts Tuesday-Friday weekly in the summer 

Compensation: $17/hour, IRA match available 

SUPERVISED BY: Farm and Facilities Manager 

ENVIRONMENT: In-person at the Food Literacy Project Farm:  
       4606 East Manslick Rd, Louisville, KY 40219 

THE ORGANIZATION: The Food Literacy Project’s mission is youth transforming their communities through food, farming and the land. Working toward a vision for a healthy and equitable community where people and places thrive since 2006, FLP engages youth, their families, schools and neighbors in hands-on learning and leadership development experiences with farming and fresh foods in outdoor classrooms. The Food Literacy Project’s values include:  

ENERGY: We are bold and inspired by our community.  

ROOTS: We are grounded and purposeful, connected with people and dedicated to sustainably addressing community needs.  

DISCOVERY: We embrace the joy of learning by doing.  

CULTIVATION: We bring great care to our work and relationships; we nourish growth in our community, and in turn are nourished ourselves.  

ABUNDANCE: We leverage our community’s diverse assets to achieve personal and social change. 

JUSTICE: We pursue fairness and equity. 

To learn more about our commitment to equity, click here: https://foodliteracyproject.org/about/mission-vision/   The Youth Community Agriculture Program (YCAP): YCAP Crew Members and the Cultivators Cohort work together to grow food, facilitate community programming, and deepen their understanding of food justice. Participants build gardening, culinary, career, leadership, and civic engagement skills, work experience, and a foundation for ongoing success. 

Job Summary 

Three YCAP Farm Cultivators will work under the direction of the Farm and Facilities Manager and in close collaboration with other staff and YCAP participants in the production of diversified annual vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and other products using organic growing methods. In this role, YCAP Farm Cultivators will receive thorough training from the Farm and Facilities Manager to build skills in food production and land stewardship, as well as leadership development training to support other youth and volunteers in performing tasks on the FLP farm.  

Farm Cultivators will start seeds, transplant seedings, weed crops, harvest, wash, and pack produce for distribution and support the overall maintenance of the property including mowing and line trimming. Farm Cultivators will also partner closely with YCAP Crew Members to facilitate their engagement on the farm.  

Job Responsibilities 

  • Support the Food Literacy Project’s diverse vegetable production using sustainable, organic, and agroecologically inspired growing methods. 
  • Participate in preparing fields, planting, watering, cultivating, harvesting, and distributing produce at the FLP Farm.  
  • Conduct general property maintenance, including mowing grass and trimming brush.   
  • Support YCAP Crew Members and volunteers during farm workdays to fulfill tasks.  
  • Assist in the implementation of workshops, educational activities, and opportunities for fellow youth participants in the Youth Community Agriculture Program, Field-to-Fork Clubs, and other community engagement efforts; lead volunteer crews in on-site projects.   
  • Work collaboratively and promote teamwork with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. 
  • Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with community partners and stakeholders. 
  • Alongside YCAP Crew Members, investigate and share knowledge with community members about food justice issues that affect the Louisville community.  
  • Demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and punctuality.  
  • Adhere to the Food Literacy Project’s YCAP Handbook.  
  • Complete other job duties as assigned, including administrative tasks associated with managing a small nonprofit and urban farm.  

Job Qualifications 

  • Age 18-24 between March-November 2026.  
  • Ability to perform rigorous and demanding outdoor physical farm labor including: digging, bending, lifting (less than 50 lbs.), squatting and kneeling. 
  • Prepared to work outside in all Kentucky weather conditions. 
  • Possesses great communication and active listening skills–willing to give and receive feedback. 
  • Thrives in a collaborative environment; establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with others. 
  • Embraces a high level of responsibility and seeks and accepts direction as appropriate. 
  • Shares a commitment to the Food Literacy Project’s mission and vision. Embodies our core values: energy, roots, discovery, cultivation, abundance and justice.   
  • Possesses a valid driver’s license, access to vehicle, and auto insurance. 
  • Interest in food systems, food access, and sustainable agriculture.  
  • Openness to personal growth & desire to build job and leadership skills.  
  • Ability to work and communicate in a team as well as independently. 
  • Must pass criminal background check.  

Equal Opportunity Employer.  The Food Literacy Project emphasizes diversity in both our programs and staff, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws. 

FLP values an equitable and inclusive workplace. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. FLP is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who bring unique experiences to youth development and community-based work. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. 

To Apply. Email your resume, a cover letter describing your interest in the Food Literacy Project’s mission and the YCAP Farm Cultivator role, and 3 professional references to Kelsey Voit (they/them), Farm and Facilities Manager, at kelsey@foodliteracyproject.org.  

Applications will be accepted through February 10, 2026, or until the positions are filled.