Educational Garden Coordinator

Garden Works by p:ear seeks a compassionate, skilled, and creative Garden Works Coordinator to lead an educational + food justice garden program designed for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This position focuses on building community, life skills, food security, environmental awareness through hands‑on and trauma‑informed garden education in preparation for our partner‑based externships. The garden works Coordinator will help manage a garden space that serves as a healing, self‑learning, and educational resource.

Programming will support youth ages 15–25 years old.

Job Title:

Garden Works Coordinator

Location:

p:ear: 338 NW 6th Ave. & garden works: 14127 SW Stark St.

Employment Type:

1 FTE

Reports To:

p:ear works Director

Salary: $65k + Benefits

Start Date:

August 15, 2026

• Design and lead inclusive, trauma‑informed garden‑based education sessions that are adaptable to diverse learning styles and life circumstances.
• Integrate life skills, mental wellness, nutrition, sustainability, and job readiness themes into garden activities.
• Facilitate regular garden workshops, drop‑in sessions, and seasonal programs for youth, focusing on empowerment and resilience.
• Develop curriculum and resources in collaboration with youth advisors and program staff.
• Oversee all aspects of the garden’s development and care, including planting, composting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement inclusive, culturally responsive educational curriculum that engages youth and community members in food forest stewardship, sustainable agriculture, native plant ecology, and environmental justice.
• Demonstrate knowledge or experience in designing accessible, hands‑on learning experiences that honor diverse cultural perspectives, learning styles, and community knowledge while fostering belonging and environmental stewardship.
• Incorporate youth leadership and input into the design and ongoing development of the garden space.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for participants and staff.

• Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where youth feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Work closely with case managers, youth advocates, and social workers to align programming with individual goals and needs.
• Offer skill‑building opportunities such as leadership roles, peer mentor programs, or garden internships for interested youth.
• Model and foster positive communication, accountability, and collaborative decision‑making.

• Partner with flower works Coordinator, coordinating overlap in curriculum and hands‑on education.
• Partner with local farms, food justice organizations, chefs, and educators to enrich program offerings, internships, and externships.
• Coordinate volunteer efforts, family days, and community garden events to build broader connections.
• Track participation and outcomes for grants, reports, and program improvement.
• Manage budgets, order supplies, and maintain inventory of garden tools and educational materials.
• Grant reporting will play a large role in this position.
• Create newsletters, social media content, or program stories that amplify youth voices and highlight successes.

• Experience working with vulnerable or system‑impacted youth, especially those facing housing insecurity or trauma.
• Grant reporting and maintaining a budget.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable gardening, horticulture, or urban agriculture.
• Skilled in leading group activities and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and work from a trauma‑informed, youth‑centered perspective.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varied conditions and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, horticulture, or a related field.
• Knowledge of food justice, environmental education, and community organizing.
• Experience with grant writing or program development.
• Valid driver’s license.
• First Aid/CPR certified.
• Bilingual or multilingual strongly encouraged (e.g., Spanish, etc.).

• Monday‑Friday 8am‑4pm, flexible hours with some evenings/weekends required.
• Program activities take place both indoors and outdoors, in all seasons.
• Requires local travel between program sites or community partners.