Company description

The Vermont Garden Network (VGN) educates, supports and connects gardeners. We believe in the power of people growing food to strengthen food sovereignty, promote food justice and build community, and we want every Vermonter to have access to the space and resources they need to be successful in growing some of their own. Established in 2001, VGN has helped start and sustain hundreds of gardens all over Vermont and has connected thousands of people to fresh, nourishing food and sustainable food production practices.

Job description

This is an opportunity to be immersed in Vermont Garden Network’s (VGN) initiatives in collective gardening and climate resiliency, across multiple program sites. The Garden Educator will work in gardens and greenhouses to assist with season-long tasks and deliver hands-on programming.

Primary Responsibilities

As a Gardener
- Lead weekly tasks, including: direct seeding, transplanting, mulching, pest monitoring, pruning, trellising, weeding, harvesting, and coordinating watering schedules
- Participate in maintenance of sheds, tools, pathways, signage
- Ensure that educational garden sites reflect best practices in organic agriculture and remain accessible to program participants and visitors
- Diligently document activities through garden logs, spreadsheets and photographs

As an Educator
- Serve as a mentor to new gardeners by providing guidance and -building relationships with program participants over the course of the growing season
- Coordinate weekly garden-based learning opportunities to welcome families and caretakers of young children in a positive and nurturing environment
- Assist with gathering materials, workshop prep, and delivery as needed

As a Team Member
- Engage in weekly staff meetings and collaborate with supervisors across programs
- Network with VGN alumni and new gardeners to share partnership opportunities
- Represent our organization at public events and gatherings
- Participate in other related assignments as necessary

Skills & Qualifications

• At least two full seasons of organic vegetable gardening or farming experience in Vermont or similar climate
• Ability to develop and deliver garden-based lessons and facilitate group activities for adults from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Prior experience as an educator in a classroom, outdoor learning environment or childcare setting, particularly working with young children
• Proficient in Google Workplace; familiarity with Canva is a plus
• Excellent time management skills, highly organized and detail-oriented
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
• Quick learner, self-motivated, able and willing to work independently
• A personal vehicle is required to travel between garden sites
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and joyfully do physical work in all weather conditions
• Social media presence and content creation skills are desirable
• Spanish, Nepalese or Swahili language skills a plus, but not required

Hours

Weekly work hours range from 32-40 hours per week, with a lighter workload during winter months (Dec-Mar). Job responsibilities will include early mornings, evenings and weekends, all scheduled with advanced notice and in rotation with other staff.
The start date for this position is March 17, 2025.

This position is based in Burlington, Vermont. VGN staff primarily work from their home offices, educators spend considerable time in greenhouses & gardens during the growing season, and all staff gather on a weekly basis for in-person meetings.

Compensation

Starting salary range is $19.50-$21/hr depending on qualifications.

Benefits include a retirement plan contribution matching up to 3%; health care option with 50% company contribution to a single, high-deductible plan premium; generous Combined Time Off (CTO) and comp time policy; professional development training and personal annual stipend.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $19.00 - $21.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline