 Garden Coordinator
Position Summary:
The Garden Coordinator works directly with other AmeriCorps members and youth from NYC’s OutDoor School in the daily operation and maintenance of the garden, nursery projects and landscape maintenance activities. Produce from the farm is sent to NYC field crews, donated to local food banks, and sold to generate revenue for the program. The Coordinator interacts with the Laurel Valley community to distribute community plots, organize workdays, recruit and manage volunteers and facilitate workshops.
The Garden Coordinator reports primarily to the AmeriCorps Program Manager and the ODS Principal regarding specific site duties. S/he works shoulder to shoulder with students in the two acre Laurel Valley farm. Emphasis is on leading and instructing youth on organic farming practices while developing, planning and potentially marketing products which can be sold to local area buyers
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for leading the safe and efficient completion of nursery and garden projects
- Responsible for planning and leading education activities with youth and young adults
- Connect with local grade and middle schools to come visit the garden
- Teach a garden elective for Outdoor School Students
- Find opportunities for Outdoor School students to teach local school youth in outdoor education topics
- Operate a cost-effective agricultural program with a focus on sustainability and revenue generation
- Plan and lead activities for Outdoor School students during field education and work weeks
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Development of infrastructure and curriculum to promote program identity
- Partner with other organizations, such as Salmon Watch and the School Garden Project, to better serve our students and local community
- Support Outdoor School staff in field education and in creating field education activities
Minimum Qualifications:
- Two years of college. Degree in agriculture, forestry, science, ecology or related field preferred. (Relevant experience can be substituted for college background)
- Knowledge and experience in propagation of local native species and community gardening
- Experience teaching and leading young adults
- Experience in organic farm operations (including greenhouse work, soil building, composting, and harvesting)
- Ability to establish positive rapport with diverse groups of young people and volunteers
- Ability to develop extensive work plans and work independently
- Desire to help youth develop leadership and job skills and make a difference in their communities
- Good physical condition and ability/willingness to participate in intense physical labor.
Schedule Requirements: Full time (40-45 hours a week) with a minimum of 1700 hours and 10 month term with occasional night and weekend hours from late August to mid June. Exact dates are subject to slight change.
Program Benefits:
- Up to a total of $11,800 living allowance dispersed evenly on a monthly basis
- Health insurance plan; Training; Child care, Loan forbearance, 15 days of break
- $5,350 Education Award (upon completion of the 1700 hours of service)
- The living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing housing, food, work clothes, and a pair of 8 inch tall leather work boots. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of National Sex Offender Public Registry, criminal and driver’s background check.
To apply: Please click on the application button on the bottom right of this page or contact Andrew King at andrewk@nwyouthcorps.org.
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