Community Garden Education & Outreach Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Community Garden Education & Outreach Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Health & Human Services
LOCATION: Toledo, WA
REPORTS TO: Registered Dietitian
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $29.05 - $33.40 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

***If you are a Native American/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Community Garden Program by providing program education and information to the tribal community and creating and implementing a community garden outreach program. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT and of the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plans, designs, and facilitates educational programs for youth and adults of all abilities and learning styles; assists in the development and implementation of a communication strategy.
• Develops and oversees education and outreach activities; cultivates relationships with other tribal programs and seeks and develops partnerships with other tribes, state, and federal agencies or programs.
• Works to identify stakeholders and build partnerships with schools, agencies, and other community programs around the community garden.
• Updates, creates, and monitors social media messaging as needed to include, but not limited to, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and Constant Contact; creates Public Service Announcements regarding the Community Garden and Health & Wellness program activities.
• Produces publications and printed material for program use and distribution in the community
• Assists in organizing and planning outreach and community wellness activities, events and trainings; represents the program during outreach events and activities.
• Evaluates program goals and objectives; adapts and implements program changes to increase accessibility, educational opportunities and community building activities.
• Assists in securing additional funding and grant monies for continuation and expansion of program services; tracks and monitors budgets and expenditures.
• Prepares and presents reports on the status, activities and plans for current and future operations to leadership, committees, and other stakeholders.
• Assists with daily garden operations, including planting, irrigation, pest and disease management, field cultivation, proper maintenance and storage of garden equipment, and harvest and post-harvest handling for row crops, herbs, berries, and orchards.
• Assists with the maintenance of records of all garden production activities, including planting logs, harvest logs, food distribution, and soil amendments.
• Manages the produce distribution list and assists with produce deliveries, including contacting interested individuals to arrange pick-up and updating the list as necessary.
• Assists with project planning and ongoing capacity-building activities.
• Schedules, coordinates, and leads visits to the garden, including group visits and youth field trips.
• Organizes and maintains document resource database, including project paperwork, histories, data, reports, and photos.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of organic farming practices, gardening principles, tools and production management techniques.
• Knowledge of garden planning, irrigation and equipment maintenance and operation.
• Skill in using standard gardening equipment, including hand tools, tractors, small engine equipment, and irrigation systems.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets and database software programs.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in horticulture, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years’ experience in gardening, farming, health and wellness or a related field required.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Experience working within Native American and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Experience with farming equipment, including tractor, brush hog, rototiller, cultivator, plow, and disk, is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distances.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed outdoors with frequent exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Work is frequently performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Weekend work is occasionally required.

Salary : $29 - $33