What are the responsibilities and job description for the CAC Campus Community Garden Temporary, Program Assistant position at Associated Students of?
Position Title: Program Assistant, Community Garden
Department: Community Action Center (CAC)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Temporary Role: June 1, 2026 - August 14, 2026
Full/Part-Time: Part-Time
Compensation: $18.95 per hour
Reports To: Campus Community Garden Coordinator
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Associated Students Summary
Associated Students’ (A.S.) mission is to support and represent the students of San José State University by continuing the organization’s legacy of student advocacy and leadership; to enhance SJSU students’ education through high-quality programs and services; and to prepare students as they move towards a thoughtful and purposeful life after graduation.
A.S. is a non-profit auxiliary corporation serving the students of San Jose State University whose primary source of funding is from mandatory student body fees. A.S. Departments include the Community Action Center, Child Development Center, General Services Center, Human Resources, Information Technology, Events, Marketing, Print & Technology Center, Student Government, and Transportation Solutions.
Position Summary
This position works in a collaborative team environment, facilitating volunteers/students at the garden, serving as the key spokesperson for all programs and events to students and working with staff to strengthen daily garden operations. You will be responsible for helping with program and event day planning, record keeping, and leading small groups of volunteers during workdays. This position is ideal for someone who is interested in sustainable gardening practices, and community organizing.
Essential Functions
● Assist in the operations of the Campus Community Garden. For example, ensure all equipment (shovels, hoses, etc.) are in good working order, help manage the greenhouse to ensure proper seed propagation, collect compost, and ensure that the garden is well-maintained and is both a productive and safe working environment.
● Participate in summer orientation tabling sessions.
● Assist with developing strategies to involve students in the garden.
● Assist in managing volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support.
● Work with the Campus Community Garden Coordinator to maintain record keeping of
planting schedules, composting logos and seeding schedule.
● Develop, plan, and facilitate workshops and events at the Garden designed to teach nutrition, sustainability, self-care, and/or environmental justice to students
● Research and help practice GAP (good agricultural practices) as set forth by USDA.
● Represent the CAC to the campus community (students, staff, faculty, leadership) and local community members and organizations via meetings, events, conferences, email communication, etc.; work to build reciprocal partnering relationships.
● Participate in all CAC staff meetings and professional development sessions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
● Ability to think creatively and experience with leading groups.
● Experience in gardening/agricultural practices or a willingness to learn.
● Ability to gain core understanding of food justice, and organic food systems.
● Capacity to work effectively in a University environment and represent the goals and mission of Associated Students.
● Effectively work with a wide population of students and cultural needs.
Work Environment, Hours, and Physical Demands
● This job operates in a garden environment and routinely uses standard garden equipment.
● Must be able to properly use garden equipment; i.e., hoses, shovels, etc.
● Must be able to occasionally lift or carry garden supplies, up to 40 pounds.
● Must be available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am-4:00 pm
● Reliable and consistent work attendance and professionalism is required.
Other Duties
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties, or responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Required or Preferred Education and Experience
● Must currently be a matriculated San José State University student.
● Must be able to work 15-20 hours a week.
● Demonstrated experience in gardening, including familiarity with sustainable gardening techniques, plant care, composting, and irrigation systems.
● Prior training or coursework in environmental justice, sustainability, or related fields, with an understanding of how food systems, urban agriculture, and environmental policies impact marginalized communities.
● Previous volunteer experience with the SJSU Campus Community Garden preferred or any related community organization, demonstrating familiarity with its mission, operations, and community engagement initiatives.
● Experience working in a team setting, assisting with tasks, providing guidance, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment. Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse groups.
● Passion for food security, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives, with a commitment to promoting an inclusive and welcoming space for all participants.
● Strong ability to organize events, maintain schedules, and communicate effectively with volunteers, staff, and stakeholders.
● Ability to work independently with minimal supervision from the garden coordinator, including making decisions on day-to-day operations, resolving conflicts, and addressing
unexpected issues.
Notes to Applicants
All Associated Students employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than September 30, 2021, unless they are exempt from this requirement because an exemption has been granted based on a medical contraindication or sincerely held religious beliefs. Fully vaccinated means that an individual has received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that has received Emergency Use Authorization or full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that it has been at least two weeks since the final recommended dose.
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
This position may be exposed to sensitive or personal information and is required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Integrated CSU Administrative Manual 8000 series and Associated Students Information Security Standards as a condition of employment.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily after a conditional offer of employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect a conditional offer of employment.
Equal Employment Statement
Associated Students provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. A.S. provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Applications
Applicants must submit a complete application through the Associated Students applicant tracking system, ADP. Only complete applications will be considered.
Deadline
The position will remain open until filled.
Click here to apply!
Salary : $19