School Garden Coordinator

Job Summary Job Summary The Golden Charter Academy is an innovative start-up charter school that opened in Fresno, CA in August 2021. It is a place-based, science-oriented school that emphasizes environmental stewardship, social justice, and equity. The instructional approach employs Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a strategy to provide successful pathways for student success in all learners. GCA has a formal partnership with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where students utilize the zoo as a living, educational laboratory. The School Garden Coordinator will be responsible for creating and managing a thriving garden program that serves as a hands-on learning environment for scholars and a hub for sustainability initiatives within the school and broader community. This role will inspire scholars and staff to connect with nature, develop an understanding of environmental responsibility, and actively participate in creating sustainable solutions. Requirements / Qualifications Requirements / Qualifications * Two (2) years of completed study in an institution of higher education; or an Associate degree (preferred) • Bachelor's degree not required, but may increase starting pay • Relevant certifications or trainings in Garden or Environmental Education preferred • 2 years work experience with youth required • Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills. • Ability to communicate and interact effectively with multiple constituencies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Curriculum Development & Instruction • Design and deliver engaging, standards-based garden curriculum that immerses scholars in hands-on learning experiences while reinforcing classroom instruction. • Collaborate with teachers to incorporate grade-level learning goals and tailor garden activities to meet scholars' academic and developmental needs. Garden Management • Plan, maintain, and enhance the school garden to ensure it serves as a vibrant, educational space for scholars. • Coordinate staff and volunteer efforts to create opportunities for scholars to contribute to the care and development of the garden. Sustainability Leadership • Facilitate school wide initiatives such as composting, waste reduction, and stewardship education, engaging scholars as active participants and leaders in these efforts. • Partner with school leadership to develop policies and systems that encourage scholars to adopt sustainable practices within the school and beyond. Community Engagement • Organize events and outreach efforts that involve scholars, families, and local organizations, highlighting scholars' contributions and achievements in the garden program. • Build partnerships that provide additional resources and learning opportunities for scholars. Professional Development & Collaboration • Facilitate training for staff to integrate the garden program into their teaching practices, emphasizing its value for scholars' academic and personal growth. * Letter of Introduction * Resume Requirements / Qualifications * Two (2) years of completed study in an institution of higher education; or an Associate degree (preferred) • Bachelor's degree not required, but may increase starting pay • Relevant certifications or trainings in Garden or Environmental Education preferred • 2 years work experience with youth required • Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills. • Ability to communicate and interact effectively with multiple constituencies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Curriculum Development & Instruction • Design and deliver engaging, standards-based garden curriculum that immerses scholars in hands-on learning experiences while reinforcing classroom instruction. • Collaborate with teachers to incorporate grade-level learning goals and tailor garden activities to meet scholars' academic and developmental needs. Garden Management • Plan, maintain, and enhance the school garden to ensure it serves as a vibrant, educational space for scholars. • Coordinate staff and volunteer efforts to create opportunities for scholars to contribute to the care and development of the garden. Sustainability Leadership • Facilitate school wide initiatives such as composting, waste reduction, and stewardship education, engaging scholars as active participants and leaders in these efforts. • Partner with school leadership to develop policies and systems that encourage scholars to adopt sustainable practices within the school and beyond. Community Engagement • Organize events and outreach efforts that involve scholars, families, and local organizations, highlighting scholars' contributions and achievements in the garden program. • Build partnerships that provide additional resources and learning opportunities for scholars. Professional Development & Collaboration • Facilitate training for staff to integrate the garden program into their teaching practices, emphasizing its value for scholars' academic and personal growth. * Letter of Introduction * Resume Comments and Other Information PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT • Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities. • Physical stamina sufficient to sustain medium physical labor for up to 8 hours, stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time. • Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment (office, district, school site to site) for sustained periods of time on hard flooring, climb slopes, stairs, ramps, and to respond to emergency situations. • Physical strength sufficient to regularly lift and/or carry 15 pounds of material or supplies; occasionally lift 40 or more pounds with assistance. • Indoor/outdoor work environment. (*Overnight trips, hikes, outdoor activities).

Created: 2025-02-04