We’re Hiring!

Project Manager, Part Time & Seasonal
​Teen Apprentice Program & Water Wise Mini-Grants

The School Garden Network of Sonoma County (SGN) has diligently served school gardens since 2013 by providing direct funding and mentorship to garden and nutrition educators, hosting and facilitating professional development workshops for educators, sharing resources freely, and demonstrating the immense value of garden-based learning to students, schools and local communities.  The Teen Apprentice Program, now in its 4th year, is a very dynamic and impactful program that uses school gardens as the framework for training and mentoring high school youth.  


PROJECT MANAGER POSITION OVERVIEW:
The School Garden Network is seeking an energetic, organized and motivated person with at least 2 years of experience managing a garden using chemical free & low intensive techniques. This position requires physical labor and the ability to work a full day outside in the heat, as well as lifting up to 50 pounds.  Drip irrigation experience is required, as this position will also be responsible for supporting design and installation of drip irrigation systems in school gardens.

Great communication skills and administrative computer proficiency is also essential, as is a passion for school gardens and the mission of SGN. Experience working with teens is a plus, while experience managing a small team is a must!  

This part-time contract position from mid-March to mid-Aug 2019 for 250 hours at $26 per hour.

Responsibilities:

• With the support of the Program Director, review the scope of the Water-Wise & T.A.P. programs and further develop the workplan, timelines, teen applications, surveys, and outreach activities.
• Coordinate outreach/recruitment efforts to schools/teens and manage all communications regarding the program.
• Coordinate and manage the selection process for teen applicants.  Help by SGN Program staff if needed.
• Design and schedule garden/farm/irrigation trainings, including all materials and handouts.
• Promote the Water Wise program and schedule site visits to applying schools in order to assess and evaluate the scope of the project and to inform the design.
• In collaboration with SGN Program staff, select school gardens to be funded for water wise irrigation mini-grants.
• Schedule workdays at school gardens over the summer.
• Provide mentorship and ongoing support to a group of 8-12 teens.
• Take photos and send regular written updates for SGN board, social media and website.
• Complete program evaluations to quantify program metrics and outcomes.
• Track and report all program activities, including teen worklogs, hours, expenses, etc.
• Identify and maintain relationships with key community partners.

Skills and Strengths:

• At least two years of experience managing a garden using chemical free and low intensive techniques.
• Experience installing and using drip irrigation.
• Great communication and listening skills are essential as is the ability to facilitate a small group!
• Project coordination skills and the ability to delegate tasks effectively.
• Self motivated and energetic person with the ability to stay grounded and compassionate during high stress and labor intensive work.
• Ability to work well with tight timelines, shifting priorities and diverse teams.
• Proven ability to take initiative and solve problems.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
• Integrity, credibility and a commitment to and passion for the mission of the School Garden Network

This position will begin Mid-March 2019

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 4th, 2019 AT 12 NOON.
ALL QUESTIONS, RESUMES & COVER LETTERS TO: sue.davis@schoolgardens.org


MISSION & VISION OF THE TEEN APPRENTICE PROGRAM
By promoting opportunities for teens to develop a skill set that inspires a connection to place and the natural cycles of the seasons, the School Garden Network believe this program cultivates leadership, confidence and resilience in our youth.  The mission of the Teen Apprentice Program (T.A.P.) is to provide job preparedness skills for high school teens with the long-term goal that participants will receive enough training and hands-on experience that it could inspire a career path linked to sustainable agriculture and eventually a viable pathway for employment.   

T.A.P. weaves together on-the-job training in gardening and irrigation installation.  SGN will offer a comprehensive introduction to gardening fundamentals that focus on seasonal tasks and projects, plants & propagation, and irrigation design and installation.  Exploring this information through the lens of school gardens offer a unique perspective with regards to setting, scale and function.  In conjunction with school worksites, we integrate field trips to local farms and educational gardens as an opportunity to observe design, infrastructure and production at several scales and in various landscapes; thereby illustrating and emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability for the resilient grower.

T.A.P. directly supports and complements our Water Wise Mini-Grants program, both in partnership with Harmony Farm Supply.  Thanks to the expertise of the irrigation specialists at Harmony Farm Supply we can offer eligible schools free irrigation design. This partnership also provides special pricing for school gardens on irrigation materials so that this funding goes a long way in the garden.  

Upgrading to an automated irrigation system helps prevent garden program staff burnout by freeing them from countless hours of hand watering, as well as encouraging water conservation on school campus.  

Teen Apprentice Program Objectives:

1. Provide high school youth with meaningful employment that builds their job readiness capacity
2. Skill building with practical hands-on training in garden maintenance with emphasis on drip irrigation design and installation
3. Serve the needs of school gardens for much needed summer maintenance
4. Provide a pathway from the early experiences in school garden programs to degree programs in agriculture
5. Facilitate leadership opportunities for youth