POSITION OVERVIEW

The Gardens Project Coordinator (GPC) works as part of the Community Wellness team to enhance and support community gardens with a primary focus on child and family engagement and an emphasis on benefitting those from diverse populations. The GPC II is responsible for general Gardens Project work at assigned sites, as well as various other duties to support and promote the project. The GPC II may supervise assigned service members and/or volunteers. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage with local community members and organizations; facilitate and promote coordination among community garden organizations and agencies, including local school districts and nutrition networks.
• Recruit and organize individuals and families to join a garden community and to work and harvest the gardens; provide guidance in development of leadership skills and roles within the gardens.
• Promote awareness of the benefits of growing, buying and consuming locally grown foods in the communities served through hosting various outreach activities, maintaining a social media presence, and developing and distributing educational materials.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partner agencies and collaborators to facilitate the provision of garden-based nutrition activities, supplies and other resource materials.
• Preserve and expand access to community gardens by maintaining existing relationships and developing new collaborations with landowners, especially in diverse, underserved neighborhoods.
• Ensure accurate tracking, analysis and reporting of data and project outcomes to meet requirements of funders; follow NCO Accounting policies and procedures with regard to budget management and reporting.
• Oversee assigned Garden Project staff members and/or assigned Service Corps members as directed and in accordance with NCO Personnel Policies Handbook and all applicable laws and regulations; and, collaborate with NCO Human Resources regarding recruitment, discipline and termination matters.
• Schedule and conduct meetings of all project partners and component leaders.
• Strengthen local food systems by enhancing linkages among localization groups; resource and information sharing; and farming inputs with a focus on micro-climate crops.
• Other duties as assigned or required. 

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:

1. Level II: A combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate degree in a related field from an accredited school is preferred. Prior experience working in the horticultural field and possession of a working knowledge of nutrition is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Possession of knowledge around local growing patterns and sustainable gardening/farming is preferred.
• A proven ability to collaborate and network with diverse organizations, community groups and community members is essential to the position.
• Prior experience supervising volunteers or employees is preferred.
• Strong and effective organizational skills, as well as oral and written English communication skills.
• Bilingual skills (English / Spanish) highly preferred.
• Proficient in use of computers and commonly used software programs including those used for compiling, tracking, analyzing and reporting data to funders.
• May be required to complete a criminal background fingerprint screening for working with children or other at-risk clients.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a manner that supports the program’s goals.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• For work-related driving, employee must have: a current, valid California driver's license; a driving record that demonstrates the employee is a safe, appropriate driver as verified by a DMV printout; and proof of personal automobile insurance; or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, communicate clearly, and as designated, supervise staff.
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use moving mechanical equipment, farming and gardening tools, wield sharp implements for gardening.
• The employee may occasionally use commercial kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp, as well as cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The environment can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.