EnrichLA is a community wellness non-profit organization that works to enrich the health and education of K-12 public school students by building organic, environmentally responsible gardens on school campuses within Los Angeles County. Focusing on schools found in low-income and under-served neighborhoods, our school gardens are inexpensive, promote community involvement, encourage respect for our delicate planet, act as outdoor classrooms, cheer up school campuses, help students build a good work ethic, and promote thoughtful and healthy eating habits. Since 2011, EnrichLA has built over 135 gardens throughout Los Angeles and offers a weekly educational Garden Ranger Program at 95 of those schools.

Garden Ranger Position

EnrichLA is a community wellness non-profit organization that brings edible school gardens to local public schools, focusing on low-income and underserved neighborhoods of Los Angeles. The school garden movement is growing and we are looking for energetic, passionate, and knowledgeable individuals to join our fast-paced team!

The Garden Ranger is an educator and a gardener at up to five school sites in Los Angeles. They serve at each school for four hours a week and work with students of all grades. They acts as the school’s garden manager and teacher, work with the school site administration, parent and volunteers. They maintain the garden throughout the duration of the school year. The Garden Ranger reports to the Program Director.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Teaching

• Hold weekly classes at the time agreed upon at each school, rain (indoors) or shine
• Guide students in general maintenance of the garden with focus on composting, planting, and cultivation
• Mentor students in and out of class, model respect and curiosity for learning, and encourage students’ interests and talents

Development and Documentation

• Keep track of garden growth and necessity for garden improvements
• Take pictures of garden classes and garden development to contribute to the EnrichLA online blog

Garden

• Maintain a healthy and bountiful garden through seed starting, composting, maintaining soil fertility, pruning, irrigation, organic pest and disease management, successive planting, and planting with seasons
• Spend at least one hour of garden maintenance time per week at each school site

Communication and Outreach

• Write one blog post per site with two or more pictures every other month, at minimum.
• Maintain healthy relationships with EnrichLA staff, school community, and EnrichLA affiliates

Requirements:

• Commitment for the 2019-2020 school year (September to May)
• 1+ year experience working with youth in any educational setting
• Experience working in and maintaining an organic garden
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Self-directed, energetic and enthusiastic
• Submit and pass TB Test and *background check (*Reimbursable)
• Access to reliable transportation

Desired (but not Mandatory) Experience:

• UCCE Master Gardener Certification
• Leading volunteers in any work setting
• Classroom management skills

Compensation:

• This is a paid part-time position.
• Rangers receive a 1099-MISC Tax Form as independent contractors.
• Professional development opportunities will be provided throughout the year in the form of trainings, workshops, and educational programs.