Download School Garden Coordinator Job Description.

UGC School Garden Coordinator Position
About the Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition
The Urban Gardening Coalition (UGC) partners with numerous community organizations in and
around Waco, TX – planting gardens and building relationships – at the grassroots level. UGC connects
young people to the land while teaching them about agriculture, healthy eating, and sustainability. The
youth learn about food access, hunger in Texas, and how they can be part of the solution. The skills and
life lessons they gain from working with UGC empowers them to be lifelong advocates of community
service. UGC is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as the School Garden Coordinator.
School Garden Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
The School Garden Coordinator will work closely with the UGC Executive Director and
AmeriCorps*VISTA member to strengthen school gardening in and around Waco by:

Managing two after-school garden clubs with approximately 20 youth each (one at a public
middle school, one at a public high school) throughout the school year

Recruiting, hiring, training and supervising 5-10 high school youth in the spring and summer as
part of UGC's Youth Agricultural Training Program and Farm

Develop and lead ongoing gardening lessons and activities for students

Coordinate reflection activities with youth (including blogging and journaling)

Work with other program staff who will provide support at garden club and ensure programs
are implemented according to UGC plans

Coordinate with other school garden leaders around Waco for curriculum and programming
support

Participating in neighborhood and community events to connect with community members and
partners

Assisting the Executive Director in event planning and implementation for large community
garden celebrations (including the MLK Day of Service and the Harvest Celebration)

Evaluating programs with UGC staff and Board of Directors and incorporating results into
future programming so that programming stays true to UGC vision
The ideal candidate is someone who demonstrates strong leadership skills, is a creative problem-solver,
has “can do” attitude, and enjoys working with young people. This is a great opportunity for someone
who is passionate about youth empowerment and service, and wants to be part of an organization that
shares those values.
Skills and Qualifications

Strong teaching, leadership and communication skills

2 years of farm experience in diversified organic vegetable production, additional experience in
fruit production a plus.

Familiar with Central Texas growing seasons.

Experience working with inner-city public school students

Experience and ease working with diverse ethnic and socioeconomic communities and their
advocates, notably communities affected by poverty

Passion for connecting people with healthy food, from seed-to-table

Experience working with youth in outdoor settings

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize multiple tasks, and take initiative

Ability to work hard, lift 50 lbs

Ability to work in a start-up environment
Position is year-round and will begin August 2011. This position will be a 3/4 time, salaried position
(30 hrs/week) with a starting annual based on experience and available funding.
Compensation includes health stipend, paid vacation, holiday and personal time.
The Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to
creating a multicultural organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for this position,
especially candidates of color. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We will not discriminate
in our hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or
disability.
Please submit resume and cover letter by email to Bethel Erickson, HOT Urban Gardening Coalition
VISTA ([email protected]). Position is available until filled. Final hiring
decisions will be made by the HOT Urban Gardening Coalition Board of Directors. For more
information about the UGC, please visit the website: http://hotugc.org.