Garden Coordinator (Volunteer; unpaid)

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Overview

We are looking for a Garden Coordinator to manage garden and food production, as well as garden participant engagement. At Grace Grows, a 501(c)(3) organization in Alachua County, Florida, we empower individuals who are experiencing homelessness or food insecurity through horticulture. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.gracegrowsgnv.com .

Core Responsibilities

• Possess knowledge of garden strategy practices
• Plan garden initiatives in accordance with GRACE Grows’ mission and operational goals
• Coordinate with the Program Director and other relevant parties to synchronize scheduling with: (1) food production, and (2) planting and harvesting objectives within the Horticulture Vocational Course
• Harvest produce while ensuring minimal food waste and maximum production
• Be on-site to facilitate volunteer workday activities
• Maintain a roster of garden participants and recruit participants as they engage
• Work with garden participants to maintain their garden beds
• Update and maintain quantifiable metrics to reflect food production, garden participation, and impact

Experience & Education

• Minimum of 2 years of vocational school, certificate program, and/ or 2+ years of experience in agriculture, horticulture or related field

• Ideally, focus of degree reflects the responsibilities of the position, including but not limited to: Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Agriculture, Master Gardener Certification, Social Science/ Sociology

• Academic focus on marginalized populations, food and resource economics, sustainability, and other related topics preferred

Skills

• Balance of compassion and accountability, and a combination of strategic and practical abilities

• Understanding of North Central Florida growing conditions, agricultural & horticultural principals, and culturally appropriate food crops

• Clear communication skills, with the ability to successfully interact with program target populations

• A scientific perspective & fact-based communication and decision-making

• Comfortable with occasional chaotic moments which will occur because of the at-risk population being served

• Trauma-informed approach to working with participants, exemplary listening skills, prioritizing participant engagement

• Competent at setting boundaries in communications, behaviors and interactions

• Understanding social issues related to homelessness and power dynamics in order to enable empowerment