Gardening Specialist

The Garden Specialist will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children's Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. As a Gardening Specialist, you will play a key role in helping scholars, educators, and community members connect with nature, learn about sustainable gardening practices, and cultivate healthier lifestyles. Your work will contribute to the overarching mission of HCZ, empowering youth to thrive academically, socially, and personally. For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children's Zone? Here's 7 Things You Need to Know. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's or higher in Horticulture, Botany, Environmental Science, Nutrition, or a related field Who you are * Certification or coursework in garden education, sustainable agriculture, or community health is a plus * 1-2 years of experience teaching or facilitating group activities with youth (ages 10-18), particularly in outdoor or environmental settings; experience working with diverse, urban populations is preferred. * Expertise in small-scale organic food production, urban gardening, and sustainable agriculture practices, with a passion for food systems, environmental science, and sustainability. * Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, workshop facilitation, and working with diverse groups; able to explain complex topics in an engaging, accessible way. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, community members, and external partners; flexible, organized, and creative problem-solving skills. * Experience working effectively with diverse populations, including youth, families, and staff in urban settings. * Commitment to promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and overall well-being, empowering communities through gardening and nutrition. What you'll do * Develop and implement hands-on gardening and nutrition curriculum for HCZ scholars (ages 10-18) in school and community garden settings, integrating plant science, environmental stewardship, and connections between food and health. * Oversee daily operations of HCZ's school and community gardens, including planting, maintaining, harvesting crops, managing supplies, and coordinating garden schedules to ensure thriving educational spaces. * Mentor students in plant biology, nutrition, and environmental science, fostering a collaborative and health-conscious environment that empowers them to take ownership of garden projects and develop lifelong gardening skills. * Design and lead professional development workshops for HCZ staff, equipping them with tools to integrate gardening and wellness into their work with youth and families. * Plan and execute community gardening events and volunteer opportunities, collaborating with local organizations, vendors, and gardening experts to enhance educational experiences. * Support HCZ's Healthy Harlem initiative by advocating for healthy eating, active living, and incorporating gardening into wellness activities promoting nutrition, physical activity, and sustainability. * Supervise volunteers and student helpers in the garden, provide mentorship, and ensure a positive, productive garden experience for all participants. * Track and report on program participation, student engagement, and the impact of gardening education, regularly assessing effectiveness and aligning programs with HCZ goals. * Contribute to special events, outreach efforts, and broader HCZ initiatives to deepen community engagement and extend the organization's mission. Schedule * Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for events and activities. Benefits As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families - and our staff - thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth. Our exceptional full-time benefits include: * Highly competitive base salaries * Paid time off * Employee referral bonus * Career advancement * No-cost health insurance * Life Insurance * Short-and long-term disability * Additional voluntary benefits * Wellness discounts * Commuter benefits * Financial wellness perks * Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.) The salary range for this position is $45,000 - $55,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone is an EOE.

Created: 2024-11-29