Hybrid Gardens & Greenhouse Manager na Alfond Youth and Community Center

Description

 Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture, youth education, and community wellness? The Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Garden & Greenhouse Coordinator to lead the maintenance and growth of our on-site gardens, greenhouses, and beekeeping program. This full-time position plays a vital role in supporting AYCC’s food programs, offering hands-on agricultural learning experiences for youth and families, and ensuring community access to fresh, local produce. If you have a strong background in horticulture or greenhouse operations and enjoy working with young people and community partners, we invite you to bring your skills to a mission-driven team making a real impact. 

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance (including an option for a plan with an HSA)
• Dental insurance
• Employer paid life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Supplemental critical illness insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts with Fabian Oil
• Free AYCC Membership
• FREE childcare for school-age children

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the gardens and growing spaces. Provide fresh produce for the various kitchen/food programs. This position also coordinates access to the AYCC Community Gardens to members and local community partners, and community members as well as managing all aspects of the AYCC Beekeeping program. The Gardens & Greenhouse Manager as works with the Afterschool Children and teaches them about agriculture. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee and maintain the gardens at the AYCC main building to include the Community Gardens and youth program gardens and the parking lot growing areas. 
• Provide for youth instruction in AYCC childcare programs in agricultural program development and sustainability, as well as providing opportunities for youth to be hands-on in the garden spaces.
• Plan and implement an Annual AYCC Seedling Sale each spring presented to the community and AYCC members by the ASP staff and youth. 
• Establish an interest-based youth gardening/greenhouse club that will run weekly during school year and summer programming and communicate the results with stakeholders. 
• Oversee and maintain the bee program and products by offering learning opportunities, access, and experiences for youth, staff, teens, and community members.
• Encourage and motivate youth and community members to think independently and begin to take personal responsibility for their health, nutritional wellness, and lifestyle choices, appropriate for their age and maturity.
• Competence in safe handling of large garden/greenhouse equipment and materials and be willing to train or become certified in areas that are required to uphold safety or OSHA standards. 
• Work with the Child & Youth Development Director and HR to plan, train, and coordinate the work of interns and volunteers as assigned to the garden and greenhouse program.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication skills along with an understanding of youth development. 
• Organizational skills & attention to detail
• Computer competency including the ability to prepare & produce reports.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Independent and critical thinking skills.
• Flexibility.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean record.

Requirements

 KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or a closely related field or 4 years of experience working in agriculture/greenhouses. 
• Current CPR and first aid certification, or be willing to become certified.
• Effective skills and knowledge in growing and maintaining a productive garden and greenhouse and knowledge and experience with different greenhouse growing techniques.
• Master Gardener certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years of experience overseeing an agricultural setting or program along with some experience working with youth and community members. 
• Prior successful instructional and curriculum experience with elementary and middle school age students is desirable.

 WORK SCEHDULE:

• 40 hours per week full-time position with varying hours. Weekends & evenings may be required. This is a full-time position that at times, throughout the growing season, may require attention to the garden seven days a week.