School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Science, District ILSs, School Gardens Teacher, other educators, and School Garden Champions.
• Responsible for garden installations, care, and maintenance across SPS.
• Garden care tasks include weeding, mulching, digging, raking, shoveling, pruning fruit trees, planting, transplanting, dividing, and composting.
• Perform physically demanding activities such as bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, lifting up to 50 lbs, walking, kneeling, standing, pushing, pulling, and other outdoor work in all weather.
• Receive, inspect, store, and deliver garden materials.
• Keep track of inventory and communicate needs to the School Gardens Teacher.
• Maintain orderly storage of materials.
• Cooperate with school site administrators, educators, and other staff members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 1–2 years of experience in gardening, horticulture, or agriculture.
• Knowledge of plants, including vegetables, fruit, and native species.
• Associate's degree in a related field preferred; otherwise, at least 3 years of relevant experience may substitute.
• Highly organized and reliable work habits, including punctual attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with educators and students in a friendly, supportive manner.
• Ability to work as a team member in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Ability to perform duties independently with minimal supervision.
• Capability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in the elements.
• Proficiency with email and the internet.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation required.
• Ability to operate an industrial van and dump truck.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. The district prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

The district is also committed to a learning environment free from discrimination, including sex and homelessness.

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations.