top of page
IMG_1382.jpg

Working Toward A Healthy
Food System in Laredo

Help us Build a Greener Laredo

Our function is to create and promote an urban food system for the City of Laredo
by increasing access to local fresh food for low-income citizens and the community at large. 
This takes all of us.

What Are Food Systems?
 
Food systems encompass all the processes and actors involved in producing, processing, distributing, consuming, and disposing of food.

Our mission is to strengthen the local food system through community-building, strategic planning, and resource-sharing to work toward a bountiful and prosperous Laredo. 

Laredo FPC logo_edited.png
WHO WE ARE
​

Founded in 2018, the Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture & Sustainability (LCUAS) is a local government corporation, meaning we are a government-backed organization created to serve the people of Laredo.

 

While we operate independently, we work on behalf of the City of Laredo to support sustainability efforts, urban agriculture, and community-based environmental initiatives.

 

Think of us as a bridge between public resources and local solutions—helping residents grow food, improve green spaces, and create a healthier, more self-sufficient community.

OUR KEY FUNCTIONS

Per Article IV of the City of Laredo charter 

I. CREATE AND PROMOTE AN URBAN FOOD SYSTEM

We increase access to local fresh food for low-income citizens and the community at large through the Canseco Demonstration Farm.

 

You can volunteer every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30am to 11:00am. Sign up here.

Volunteer
Teaching

II. OFFER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR FARMERS, GROWERS, GARDENERS, AND CONSUMERS

Offer educational programs for farmers, growers, gardeners and consumers from all parts of the city to actively learn and participate in the development of local and regional food systems by supporting urban agriculture, community gardens, home gardens, farmer's markets, and farm to school as economic generators for local food security

III.  PROVIDE ENTREPRENEURIAL FOR URBAN FARMERS

We do this by developing Community Supported Agriculture, employee-owned cooperative programs, and other revolving financing structures that support local income expansion. Join us at the next farmers' market! Every third Saturday of the month - hosted by Laredo Main Street.

LCUAS Farmer's Market Stand
Produce

Our Gardens

Explore Our Beautiful Gardens

Take a tour of our community gardens and see the beauty of sustainable urban agriculture in action. Our gardens are a testament to the power of community and the potential of sustainable living.

JOB DESCRIPTION

​

Position Title: Executive Director
Location: 1413 Chihuahua St, Laredo, Tx
Reports To: Board of Directors
Employment Type: Full Time

Salary: $55,000 - $70,000

Benefits: Stipends for health, car mileage, and cell phone available.

 

Job Summary:

LCUAS is a Local Government Corporation (LGC) and a Tx501c3 created by resolution by the Laredo City Council. Resolution R-2019-064 is dedicated to the development of a local food system for the City of Laredo.

The Executive Director of the Laredo Center for Urban and Agricultural and Sustainability, a Local Government Corporation, is responsible for overseeing the corporate responsibilities as defined in the LGC’s bylaws and the corporate management of the TX 501c3.

​

The Executive Director shall:

(a) be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the control of the Board, shall be in general charge of the properties and affairs of the Corporation. The Executive Director has management and control of the properties and operations of the Corporation, including the powers of a general manager. The Executive Director will be responsible for implementing all orders and resolutions of the Board, and all other powers that are not specifically reserved to the Directors or the City will be executed by the Executive Director within the general guidelines and policies of the Board and the City.

(b) Responsible for hiring and supervision of Employees. The Executive Director shall be

responsible for hiring and terminating the employees of the Corporation. All employees hired by

the Executive Director shall be terminable at-will and not be provided any term or promise of employment.

(c) Spending Authority. The Executive Director is authorized to approve expenditures, make purchases, and enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation which require an expenditure not to exceed $500 without Board approval as long as funds are budgeted and are available for the expenditure.

(d) Annual Budget. The Executive Director is responsible for the preparation of the Corporation's annual budget.

(e) Annual Business Plan. The Executive Director shall prepare a Corporation business plan (the "Business Plan") on an annual basis for review and approval by the Board. The Business Plan shall include such items and matters required by the Board and, at a minimum, shall include the following: (i) performance measures and benchmarks; and (ii) possible future activities.

​

I 0.02 Corporation Employees.

(a) The Executive Director shall be a full time employment position of the Corporation, except that the Board may contract with a person or entity as an independent contractor to serve as an Executive Director.

(b) The Corporation may contract with the City for utilization of employees of the City. The Corporation may, without compensation, use the services of employees of a City with the prior written consent of the City Manager. The Board is authorized to employ or contract for project specific personnel to manage or operate a service provided by the Corporation. This role involves strategic financial planning, budgeting, and management of resources to ensure the center’s sustainability and effectiveness. The Executive Director will work closely with the Urban Agricultural Education Director and board on program development that address each function on which it needs to make progress, and to implement policies, manage financial risks, and support the center’s mission to develop a local food system.

​

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: DUTIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

● Program Management: Manage administrative requirements, including preparing Board agendas for public meetings. Memorialize existing activities at Canseco House Demonstration Farm with farm and Food cultivation coordinator into written curriculum, policy and programs, Organize and manage all files, and by-law requirements, Manage and measure to meet LGC requirements and report to the City Council, Manage Committee meetings, create meeting notes and invites. Develop document standard operating procedures and develop a performance dashboard for the website. Manage hired staff, consultants, and volunteers. Perform all other job duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

● Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Urban Agricultural Education Director to achieve results needed to perform on goals and measures of the Healthy Food System Plan and purpose of the LGC and report progress to the board.

● Facilitation: Facilitate the Laredo Food Policy Council with monthly meetings, encourage joint event coalitions, and cross collaborations in workshops that help with the achievement of the healthy food system goals, public and civic engagement experience.

● Professional Development: Organize and conduct training sessions and workshops for staff and volunteers to improve their skills. Develop job descriptions for paid office staff and volunteers.

● Assessment and Evaluation: Develop assessment tools and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness using data to explain improvement. Develop programs and measures for each that indicate the food system is being addressed in an integrated manner and that goals of the Healthy Food System Plan are being met. Develop all forms required to measure key performance indicators (KPI).

● Budget Oversight: Manage program budgets, including securing funding through grants and partnerships, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability. Have grant experience. Manage resources in quickbooks, and work with the organization's accountant. Develop and budget track of programs and monthly evaluations of progress.

● Research, Advocacy and Outreach: Promote the importance of education through community outreach, advocacy, and engagement initiatives. Work with experts and community members on education curriculum, Research, develop and implement food security and sustainability-related policies, Manage community outreach and public relations, social media, and website, Manage public information advisories with news outlets. Foster partnerships with schools, agricultural organizations, private organizations, and community groups to enhance program offerings and opportunities.

● Event Coordination: Plan and assist in coordinating events, such as Food Town Laredo, Tx Symposium, workshops, subject matter expert talks, and other types of events. Cross collaborations with organizations in the LFPC in workshops that help with the achievement of the healthy food system goals.

● Resource Development: Have grant experience, meet and develop relationships with agencies, organizations, and public entities.

● Grant Management: Oversee the financial aspects of grants and funding proposals, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and reporting obligations.

● Reporting: Prepare and submit reports on program activities, outcomes, and impacts to stakeholders and funding agencies.

​

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, communications, marketing, political science, education, nutrition, agriculture, non profit management, or related field.

  • Certifications in applicable fields.

  • Civic and community engagement experience.

  • Cross marketing and silo busting experience with organizations and individuals engaging in similar work.

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish. (proficient in Spanish acceptable)

  • Proficient in MS Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Quickbooks and a performance dashboard software.

  • Excellent writing skills; 1-page writing sample requested.

  • Work regular evenings, weekends, and flexible hours.

  • Travel out of town as needed for training and workshops.

  • Maintain a valid TX Driver’s license.

  • Personal vehicle with and required state of Texas minimum auto liability insurance.

​

DESIRED PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • A passion for making a difference. 

  • Highly motivated self-starter. Demonstrate creative and strategic problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent people skills; warm, approachable, professional, believes success is a team effort.

  • Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills.

  • See tasks through to completion in a timely and detailed manner.

  • Ability to work independently and in close collaboration with a team.

​

​

HOW TO APPLY

Email: Cover letter, resume (maximum 3 pages), and contact information for three references to: felizondo1@ci.laredo.tx.us -Please save your documents in one file with the following format: Your Name, and Name of Position

Three references required

Accepting applications until the position is filled.

Position will have the following exposures

  • Occasional outside work.

  • Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Frequently

  • Office or similar indoor environment

Often

  • Outdoor environment

  • Vehicles

  • Lunch Meeting Presentations to Community Orgs

​

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

 

Sometimes

  • Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

 

Position will require the employee to travel

Possibly

  • International travel

 

Sometimes

  • Regional travel

  • National travel

 

Often

  • Local travel

 

Required Licenses or Certifications

  • Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 2 months of employment

​

​

LCUAS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

​

​

Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability

1415 Chihuahua, Laredo, Texas, 78040

https://www.laredourbanag.org

Head Office

1415 Chihuahua Street

Laredo, TX, 78040

956-307-7322

Inquiries

For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call:

956-307-7322

©2025 by Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture & Sustainability. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page