Durango School District 9-R - Durango, CO
posted 3 days ago
About the position
Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for a Community/School Garden Manager for the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab community garden program. Position is full time, 251 Days, includes full benefits and starts January 13, 2025 or asap. The Garden Manager will create a solid foundation from which to nurture the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab community garden program. The ideal candidate for this position will be versed in systems creation, organization and management and will believe in and be excited to promote the mission and potential of the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab: to grow a garden based program that is rooted in community engagement, educational and economic opportunity, multigenerational collaboration, cultural and ecological stewardship, and healthy living practices.
Responsibilities
- Oversee garden operations: regular maintenance, scheduling of specific maintenance needs, ordering of necessary supplies
- Run a regularly scheduled garden open house/orientation for the public: supervise and answer questions
- Work with volunteers and community participants to achieve SOIL's objectives
- Maintain a comfortable and collaborative work environment
- Coordinate garden activities, projects and engagement
- Lead garden meetings and orientations
- Organize educational opportunities such as workshops for gardeners and the community
- Coordinate with the Project Manager to create/plan student activities, educational opportunities, and mentorship programs
- Develop and oversee policy around use of garden beds, i.e. assigning them, making sure they're being utilized and cared for, etc.
- Regular inspections of garden beds to ensure that all beds are being properly maintained
- Develop monthly and annual maintenance plans for the garden
- Coordinate and work with current partner organizations
- Act as a liaison in the community: promote SOIL, network with related businesses/organizations, develop meaningful partnerships and identify new collaborations
- Coordinate and supervise interns in developing curriculum, conducting community outreach, and delivering programs
- Other potential roles: fundraising, grant writing
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Education and/or training/experience in at least one of the following: gardening, nature education, regenerative agriculture, or community outreach and organization
- 5+ years of experience in a similar profession/project preferred
- Experience creating and implementing community awareness and education programs/events
- Experience developing and managing operational and organizational systems
- Experience creating and implementing strategic plans/programs
- Experience with (or willingness to learn) various tech platforms, e.g. Google Drive, social media content creation and posting platforms, etc.
Nice-to-haves
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders verbally and in writing
- Commitment to SOIL's mission, vision, values, and potential
- Ability to seek out and develop strategic and collaborative relationships
- Able to perform garden maintenance and basic repairs
- Ability to engage the public via experience in marketing and/or communications
- Ability to build and engage in relationships that connect with and support SOIL
- Ability to work within and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment
- Proficient writer/content creator. Examples of writing needs include but are not limited to community correspondence, advertisements, brochure development, learning resource materials.
Benefits
- Full benefits included
