Urban Garden Coordinator, Scholar Academies

Posted by on April 23, 2012

Urban Garden Coordinator, Scholar Academies

Posted on: April 11, 2012

Young Scholars Frederick Douglass is seeking a part-time Urban Gardener who will oversee and maintain the school garden and coordinate volunteer and educational programming for members of the school community. The garden is located on school grounds. This is an ideal position for a graduate student or professional looking for part-time work.

Young Scholars Frederick Douglass Charter School, located in North Philadelphia, is a part of the Scholar Academies network of high-performing schools that use a focused, progressive educational approach designed specifically to close the achievement gap for low-income students who come to us severely under-prepared. As a part of the Renaissance Initiative, Scholar Academies was given the opportunity to turn Frederick Douglass Elementary into one of the highest achieving schools in Philadelphia. Our model develops students into smart and dedicated scholars, determined to succeed on their PATH to academic achievement.

This position is a part-time position of 15-20 hours per week at $15/hour. This position would start in April/May and extend into December (or until garden is harvested and winterized). Key responsibilities of this position include:

Plan and prepare the garden for planting
Coordinate community and student volunteers for planting and weekly maintenance
Maintain the garden on a weekly basis
Work closely with Young Scholars Douglass staff to integrate the garden into the school community
Develop and execute programming for students and families regarding healthy eating, food justice and urban gardening during after-school or weekend hours.
Conduct outreach and education to school community about the gardening project and benefits of vegetable gardening.
Maintain basic records such as attendance or volunteer contacts
Other related duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

Comfortable working with school aged children and community members.
Good oral communications skills.
Capable of physical aspects of gardening work.
Comfortable working independently with students and families
Good organizational skills, ability to work as part of a team.

EXPERIENCE:

Interest and training in nutrition .
At least one year community nutrition experience preferred, teaching experience in schools or other educational settings a plus
Must have expertise and experience with vegetable gardening, from planning to harvest.
Community experience and familiarity working with low-income populations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Personal commitment to healthy eating and physical activity
Willingness for a flexible schedule, including some weekend hours if needed (TBD)
Clear child abuse clearance, criminal history background check, and FBI clearance
Some heavy lifting required when materials are transported to schools

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

BS/BA degree in food and nutrition, dietetics, nutrition education, health education, horticulture or equivalent is required; equivalent experience in lieu of a degree acceptable

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/wWSSTGxZWnH4/