Assistant Garden Coordinator- Internship

South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. SHIM provides food, clothing, financial aid, education, family support, and a host of other services to 8,500 people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. In response to the unique challenges faced by the local refugee and immigrant population, SHIM operates programming designed to support children and families in this demographic.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Garden Coordinator supports the planning, maintenance, and daily operations of SHIM’s community garden program, which grows fresh, nutritious food for distribution through SHIM’s food pantry. This role combines hands-on garden work with community engagement, volunteer coordination, and food access support. The Assistant Garden Manager plays a key role in ensuring healthy harvests, a welcoming garden environment, and consistent contributions to SHIM’s hunger relief efforts.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops according to seasonal schedules
• Support soil health practices, irrigation, composting, and pest management
• Maintain garden infrastructure, tools, and storage areas
• Ensure safe, clean, and organized garden spaces
• Coordinate harvesting, washing, weighing, and packing produce for pantry distribution
• Track harvest yields and support basic reporting
• Follow food safety and handling guidelines
• Assist with recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers
• Provide hands-on instruction during volunteer workdays
• Support community workshops, garden education, and outreach efforts
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants of all backgrounds
• Assist with scheduling, planning, and daily garden logistics
• Help document garden activities, volunteer hours, and harvest data
• Support partnerships with SHIM programs and community organizations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Basic experience in gardening, farming, horticulture, or a related field (professional or volunteer)
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication skills and comfort working with diverse populations
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to SHIM’s mission and passion for food access and community support

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Additional coursework or training in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field preferred

Supervisory Responsibility:

• May assist in supervising volunteers and community participants

Clearance Requirements:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (Fingerprinting)
• NSOR
• Mandated Reporter Training