Summary

Support Staff | ISD 423 Hutchinson Public School District

Description

Garden Assistant Manager

 

ABOUT THE POSITION: This is a part-time, seasonal position. The Assistant Manager will share responsibility of garden operations, field maintenance, labor management, and student learning opportunities at the District’s Farm to School Garden. The Assistant Manager reports to and works closely with the Farm to School Coordinator, summer teachers and administrators to develop and carry out food production goals and student visits. 

The Farm to School Garden is a .75-acre garden producing fruits, vegetables, and herbs for summer food service needs, seasonal preservation for school year use, the local food shelf, a new Farm to Early Care project, and a Farm Stand. Crops are grown without the use of harmful chemicals and will serve as a community demonstration of sustainable, diverse, and small scale agriculture.  We strive to evolve as district needs and inspiration develop, cultivate a sense of belonging for all staff and students,  and share knowledge about the importance of local food systems. 

 

The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Farm to School Coordinator, community volunteers, and student workers to: 

• Meet garden needs of teaching, food production, student activities, and community events; 

• Make sure the Farm to School Garden and its surroundings are well-maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful to maximize student learning and community engagement; 

• Support Farm to School program needs within food services; 

• Demonstrate best practices for environmentally sound food-production.

 

The Assistant Manager will work independently some of the time, lead/supervise student employees, and facilitate student visits. Most of the work will be during the morning hours with occasional afternoon or evening hours may arise for community work days or irrigation needs. This position will require dedication from May through September, averaging 12-15 hours weekly. 

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

GARDEN OPERATIONS (65%) 

• Identify and address garden needs day to day. 

• Monitor plant health and implement methods to improve garden production over time. 

• Maintain up-to-date garden task lists, checklists, and purchase lists. 

• Keep garden harvest + production records. 

• Help plan and prepare employee and volunteer work day projects. 

• Complete tasks not finished with staff, students, or volunteers as needed.

 

STUDENT EMPLOYEE OR VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT (25%) 

• Support the Farm to School Coordinator with managing and training employees

• Co-Supervise staff and volunteers in the garden two to three days a week 

• Direct gardening tasks including but not limited to: propagation, soil care, composting, plant care, harvesting, equipment/tool maintenance and repair, etc. 

• Compile volunteer task lists and farm stand harvest list;

• Motivate staff and volunteers to complete tasks at hand.

 

PROGRAM SUPPORT + COMMUNICATIONS (10%) 

• Communicate w/ garden teachers about garden jobs to be done during classes and after-school, and follow up as needed on student garden projects. 

• Work to identify systems, practices and projects that will improve garden production and expand community impact;

• Welcome staff, student, and community visitors at the garden and answer questions kindly; 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Two years agricultural experience (preferably in small, diversified, urban, or teaching farm settings).

*Must have a cleared background check from within 12 months prior to the start date, or must complete one through Hutchinson Public Schools upon receiving an initial offer.

 

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Strong people skills and a positive attitude and outlook.

• Possess a passion for agriculture, stewardship, and outdoor opportunity

• Able to communicate ideas and information effectively both verbally and in writing. 

• Energetic, hard worker, with excellent organizational and management skills. 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and simultaneously supervise a variety of tasks. 

• Ability to stand, stoop, reach and bend. 

• Ability to stand for long periods and walk for long distances. 

• Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects, which may be approximately 50 pounds. 

• Ability to work outdoors and tolerate varying weather conditions. 

 

COMPENSATION

The Farm to School Garden Assistant Manager will be paid $19.50 an hour and work 200-250 hours from May to September. 

 

Any questions can be directed to the Farm to School Coordinator at aimee.haag@isd423.org. We’re looking forward to an awesome growing season!