Garden Coordinator

GARDEN COORDINATOR

Position Description

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. 

PEAK VALUES & BELIEFS: At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. Below are the core values that we operate under at PEAK. Staff are expected to embrace and exhibit these values toward each other, participants, caregivers, and all stakeholders. 

• Every living being has inherent value.

We honor the unique identities of every person and uphold their right to a safe and fun environment where everyone belongs. We also treat our natural environment with care and respect.

• The community is better when everyone contributes.

We unite in sharing responsibilities, creating a strong community. We inspire one another to embrace our authentic selves, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and experiences we each bring forth.

• We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes.

We accept accountability for our actions, look for ways to improve, and have opportunities to grow.

• Everyone has the power to change their world.

We all have the ability to influence and make a difference in our own lives and our communities around us.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Garden Coordinator’s goal is to instill an awareness of food and nature and a connection to the earth. The main objective of the garden program is to promote growing and consuming fruits and vegetables as a way to be good to oneself and the planet and to provide a space for creative expression through meal preparation.

POSITION AVAILABILITY: 

• This position goes from February to mid-November. Outside the camp season, the schedule is part-time at 5-20 hours a week. During camp season, June-mid-August, the schedule is 8-10 hour days Monday-Friday and occasional weekends.
• This position is initially offered on a one year basis, allowing the candidate and the organization to ensure a strong mutual fit. After the first year, there will be an opportunity to discuss the potential for a longer-term commitment.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY 

• Provide pre-season garden planning, including: draft of garden lay-out, selection and ordering of seeds and timely propagation of transplants, or partnering with professional greenhouse to provide transplants.
• Communicate with the camp kitchen manager regarding collaboration with the garden program to plan for modest vegetable and herb production for use in the camp food service.
• Provide input for Garden Intern program alignment between Milwaukee-based trainings and the Summer internship.
• Recognize and report to the Assistant Director of Camp Programs and Facility Manager any program hazards and ensure those hazards are addressed before the program continues.
• Terminate the garden after all summer and fall camp sessions and ensure completion of tasks for overwintering and needed prep for the following season, e.g. cover cropping, perennial care.
• Provide age-appropriate garden classes to campers prioritizing hands-on activities focused on basic skills and knowledge from seed to harvest to table, including an emphasis on sensory experiences and garden produce tastings and snacking. 
• Responsible for all garden maintenance activities, including; planting, weeding, watering and all necessary care to ensure a productive and beautiful teaching garden environment.
• Supervise and guide teen Leadership Trainee Interns as they work on their facilitation and youth development skills. 
• Provide guidance to the Leadership Trainee Interns as they maintain a teaching garden, including weeding, watering, and planting.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This position is compensated at a rate of $21.25/hour, pre-tax, from February 10 - June 7 & August 10 - November 15 and then from June 8 - August 9 this position is compensated at a rate of $850/week, pre-tax. 
• Summer seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees.
• All meals are provided during the employee’s scheduled hours when camp is in session.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives. 
• Ability to support and work with all camper age ranges at camp.
• Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership.
• Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary.
• Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible. 
• Demonstrated experience and/or training in garden-based and experiential education. 
• Demonstrated experience in fruit, vegetable and herb production.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for mentoring young people.

REQUIREMENTS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Current age-appropriate CPR, AED and First Aid Certification (PEAK will provide during staff training if needed)
• Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma or GED to apply.

• Must have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in garden management including propagation, growing, weeding and care, problem solving, and farm to table procedures.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from Lake Valley Camp in Boscobel, WI.

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

• The Garden Coordinator reports to the Assistant Director of Camp Programs with feedback and guidance from the Garden Consultant
• The Garden Coordinator will support and guide LT Garden Interns while they are working in the garden
  
  

 PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS 

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy all summer long.
• Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5 miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings.
• The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning. 
• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 
• Staff must be able to eat in a dining hall setting with 100 people. The dining hall will be very busy and very noisy during these times and staff are expected to supervise and sit with their cabins throughout the meals.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.