Urban Garden Director, Norris Square Neighborhood Project

Posted by on February 03, 2014

Urban Garden Director Position FY14

Norris Square Neighborhood Project is seeking a dynamic, energetic bilingual Urban Garden Director to oversee our six urban gardens and farms.  The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Latino culture, especially Puerto Rican; organic and sustainable growing practices; experience in community empowerment and outreach; and enjoy sharing their knowledge with community members, students, youth, volunteers, and visitors.

About Norris Square Neighborhood Project
Norris Square Neighborhood Project promotes positive change through youth education, community leadership, green space, the arts and the celebration of Latino culture.

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP), a non-profit, community-driven, bilingual learning center in North Philadelphia that offers innovative youth and community programming including after school programs for youth K-8th grades, arts and media programs for youth 14 and up, and urban gardening for community residents of all ages, is seeking an experienced Urban Garden Director. For information on programs go to http://www.myneighborhoodproject.org.

Position Description:
The Urban Garden Director will be responsible for overseeing all programming, activities, and events within the gardens of NSNP.  This position will have a key role in designing new programs and envisioning the future role of garden spaces.  In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the gardens, the Urban Garden Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, Youth Programs and the community to develop culturally relevant programming and educational opportunities in the gardens, and plan and implement long-term sustainability plans for the gardens.

Responsibilities include the following:
Garden production & sustainability
•    Maintain a high standard of aesthetic for the gardens.
•    Engage individuals and volunteers in garden related activities.
•    Oversee all aspects of crop production, ornamental care, soil management, and produce marketing on the gardens including: soil amending, cover crop management, bed preparations, seeding, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, etc.
•    Working in conjunction with youth programs and NSNP’s ED, develop a sustainable garden business / marketing plan.
•    Assist in marketing culturally relevant produce (e.g. culantro, tomatoes, yams, etc.) through farm stands, farmer’s markets or other opportunities.

Community Engagement
•    Facilitate community garden meetings with the goal that the group becomes more self-led.
•    Support trainings and workshops to garden members and community members on issues associated with food justice, nutrition, empowerment, gardening, and more.
•    Serve as a support and liaison to the garden membership and NSNP.

Cultural Preservation & Programs:
•    Maintain the garden spaces as outdoor cultural spaces to actively share the Latino and Afro-Caribbean history and culture.
•    Preserve and share Puerto Rican and Latino culture, while creating a space to explore other cultures.
•    Engage youth, community members, and visitors by sharing the history and story of the gardens.

Educational Programming:
•    Collaborate with NSNP’s Garden Educator to design youth programming and educational opportunities in the gardens that incorporate elements of STEAM, Latino culture, and permaculture.
•    Maintain existing and build new partnerships with schools to bring groups of youth into the gardens.
•    Develop tools such as lesson plans for teachers to use when bringing groups of students.

Administrative / Other
•    Maintain financial and operational records as appropriate.
•    Oversee detailed garden records, crop yields, and harvest reports.
•    Assist the Development staff in coordinating and organizing events in the garden spaces.
•    During winter months, assist the Executive Director and Development Director with proposals and grants associated with the gardens.
•    Represent NSNP at public events, conferences, and workshops.
•    Be prepared to lend a hand throughout the organization as needed.

Minimum Requirements/Preferred Experience:
•    Fluent or superior proficiency in Spanish
•    Experience in the Latino community
•    Knowledge of the Puerto Rican culture, as well as general Latino culture
•    3-5 years experience in organic food production and garden management
•    Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers
•    Ability to balance multiple projects
•    Experience managing and building programs
•    Previous organizing & education experience
•    Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a farm or garden setting
•    Energetic communication as well as confidence in speaking in public
•    Interest and familiarity with issues relating to youth leadership development, social justice, food access, and urban agriculture

Our Benefits
NSNP is committed to staff learning, growth, and development. Our investment in staff includes
•    A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
•    Ample opportunities to connect with program staff members and clients.
•    Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
•    Medical, and dental insurance.
•    Generous paid vacation days, sick days, and holidays.

How to Apply:
Please submit the following as single PDF document via email to NSNP’s Executive Director, Justin Trezza: justin@myneighborhoodproject.org
1.    Cover letter
2.    Resume
3.    Three employment references

Electronic submissions only.  No phone calls, please. We will begin contacting applicants on Feb 3 to schedule interviews.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability.