Program Specialist - Garden

Monday - Friday 8am-12pm

Position Title: Program Specialist

Reports To: Program Manager

Position Summary: This role is responsible for executing key gardening initiatives, including seasonal planting, maintaining the sensory garden, maintaining rainwater catchment systems, leading composting efforts, and driving the Gardening for Good program. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, with a strong background in gardening, sustainability practices, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Spring and Fall Planting:
• Ensure execution of seasonal planting activities, including preparing garden beds, selecting plants, and managing plant installation for the spring and fall seasons.
• Collaboration with key leadership to identify appropriate crops for each season.
• Perform data collection identifying how many pounds of each crops is successfully harvested.
• Ensure proper care and maintenance of plants, including watering, fertilizing, and pest control.
• Develop and maintain planting schedules, ensuring all activities are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Sensory Garden Maintenance and Development:
• Take full responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and development of sensory garden, ensuring they provide a rich, multi-sensory experience for all visitors.
• Regularly assess and adjust the garden layout, adding new features and plants as necessary to enhance the sensory experience.
• Ensure accessibility and safety for all visitors, including those with disabilities, and maintain the garden’s overall aesthetic appeal.
• Rainwater Catchment Systems:
• Manage and maintain the rainwater catchment systems, ensuring they are functioning optimally for water conservation and sustainability.
• Conduct regular inspections and make necessary repairs or adjustments to the systems.
• Educate visitors and community members about the benefits and use of rainwater harvesting, while promoting sustainable water practices.
• Composting Efforts:
• Lead composting initiatives by establishing and maintaining compost bins, ensuring proper composting conditions for decomposition.
• Monitor the composting process, adjusting materials and techniques to optimize results.
• Develop and implement educational programs or workshops to encourage sustainable composting practices within the community.
• Gardening for Good:
• Implement Gardening for Good Classes providing community education on gardening.
• Assess impact of classes.
• Conduct follow up to ensure success of program participants.
• Holiday Events Planning and Execution (Off-Season):
• Take a leadership role in planning and executing holiday events during the off-season, including all aspects of setup, decoration, and coordination.
• Ensure the smooth operation of each event, working with community members and volunteers to ensure successful outcomes.
• Lead promotional efforts for holiday events, engaging with local organizations and the community to drive attendance.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Horticulture, Sustainability, or a related field preferred).
• Proven experience in gardening, landscaping, environmental management, or similar roles.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable practices, including water conservation, composting, and organic gardening.
• Experience leading programs or projects and managing community engagement.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to independently manage multiple tasks.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to educate and engage community members effectively.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks, including planting, lifting, and maintaining garden spaces.
• Flexibility to support off-season holiday event planning and execution.

Client Service and Special Events

• Builds and maintains relationships with ministry and community partners.
• Represents FeedNC in the community as needed.
• Greets members, assesses their needs, and assists them directly or refers them to the appropriate staff member.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned by the direct supervisor.
• Assists with additional programs as needed.
• Supports special events and functions when required.
• Participates in fundraising events as necessary.
• Takes on other duties as assigned.

Additional Qualifications:

• Understanding and passion for the organization’s mission, vision, and spirit; demonstrated empathy and compassion for the less fortunate.
• Ability to keep guest and donor information confidential.
• Ability to understand and communicate well with people from various backgrounds.
• Team player who will develop and maintain effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven written and oral communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, ability to multitask.
• Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent client service skills.
• Microsoft Office applications.

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including computer, printer, and telephone. May utilize commercial equipment

Working Conditions: Possible exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions due to frequent contact with staff and guests. Occasional local and regional travel required. Ability to work weekend and evening hours as needed.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Mooresville, NC 28117: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17