Community Education Specialist - Half Moon Bay, CA,

Position Summary

This position will be in charge of the management, development, and community engagement of the Phoenix Garden, a six-acre garden site in San Mateo, CA. The role combines hands‑on horticultural work maintaining the site with youth development, education, program coordination, and partnership development.

Responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of garden maintenance—watering, propagation, pest management, composting, beekeeping, and ongoing site beautification—while also leading the development and delivery of community educational programming.

In collaboration with other education staff, the CES 3 develops and delivers garden‑based educational programming for youth from vulnerable demographics, including those who have been incarcerated, are at risk of justice system involvement, or are in residential treatment settings. The position works to expand program opportunities with partners and manages budget oversight and purchasing for garden operations and program needs.

This is a dynamic, community‑focused role requiring strong horticultural knowledge and skills in program coordination, volunteer management, and partnership development. The appointment is a 50% variable contract. Pay is $62,700.00/year to $84,400.00/year.

• 25% Oversees ongoing care and upkeep of the garden to support program activities.
• 25% Plans, develops, and delivers curriculum for youth, volunteers, and community members.
• 15% Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers in the garden.
• 10% Actively participates in long‑range strategic planning for the site and programs.
• 5% Participates in developing strategic market plans and target audiences.
• 5% Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through participant evaluations and level of interest.
• 5% Develops, prepares, and reconciles the budget for the program.
• 5% Develops and maintains new and existing program partnerships.
• 5% Facilitates and supports special program events in the garden.

• Associate degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience.
• Thorough knowledge of gardening, youth development, and community engagement.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge and skill in gardening and delivering programs.
• Knowledge of current community educational programs and trends.

• Continuing education in related field required.
• Knowledge of organization policies and procedures.
• Skill in using business software systems (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Spanish language proficiency.

• Must comply with regulatory agency reporting requirements (California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act).
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and be able to travel on a flexible schedule. Proof of liability damage insurance on a vehicle used is required and reimbursement of job‑related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR hires people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke‑ and tobacco‑free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, the employee must comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing duties. Sensitive information includes employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and other non‑public…