At The Garden — Employment

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Garden Educator, Seasonal Position — FILLED

PURPOSE: To coordinate a small urban agricultural site that grows a variety of seasonal produce, train adolescents in sustainable horticulture, entrepreneurship, and food preparation techniques during six-week summer program, and function as a resource for community education and outreach about health, nutrition, and food security issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop planting and maintenance plan for succession plantings for the schoolyard garden.

2. Assist interested teachers in using the garden space as a classroom.

3. Deliver weekly workshops during Jr. GYF season including the daily snack prep using garden-raised produce.

4. Manage a schedule of tasks for Jr. GYF participant work assignments at the site, including planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting of produce.

5. Manage related site tasks including tool and machinery use and maintenance, deliveries, and general security during operating hours.

6. Act as a resource for information for project partners, community members, Garden staff, and the media as required.

7. Assist with distribution of food to local food pantries and school lunch system where/when possible.

8. Lead team-building exercises.

9. Lead after-school garden club activities twice a week (May – June and Sept. – Oct.).

10. Plan and coordinate weekly field trips during six-week summer program.

12. Keep accurate records of produce harvested and donated.

DEPARTMENT: Community Gardening

REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator

SUPERVISES: Jr. Green Youth Farm participants, volunteers, and Garden Club participants

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Organic vegetable production and experience in working with youth are essential. Degree in horticulture or related subject is highly desirable. Candidate must be dependable, responsible, able to work independently and adapt to flexible schedule. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to lift 40 pounds. Dependable transportation is a must. Some weekend and evening work required to implement the program.

APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ONLINE

Updated December 17, 2009