Company description

A Place Called Home is a dynamic, non-profit youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance and art classes, fitness and health and wellness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, pursue higher education, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive change in the world in which they live.

Job description

A Place Called Home is seeking a Garden Aide & Instructor

Under the direction of the Nutrition & Urban Ag Supervisor and Master Gardener, the Garden Aide & Instructor will work closely with the agency’s Master Gardener to actively support a robust educational and experiential Garden-to Table program through cultivating the agency’s various garden sites, supporting weekly member classes, and hosting special food and gardening related events.

In addition, the Garden Aide & Instructor will not only actively build and maintain green spaces but also play a meaningful role in creating opportunities to expand local community engagement and fresh food access through ongoing urban agriculture and nutrition initiatives.

Department: Nutrition and Urban Agriculture Reports to: Master Gardener

FLSA Status: Non-exempt-Up to 40 hours per Week

Hourly Rate: $12.00-$14.00/hour DOE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards and values at all times
• Work with Nutrition & Urban Ag staff members to create and teach multiple weekly lessons relating to gardening, nutrition and healthy eating to members ages 8-21
• Play a leading role in maintaining the agency’s various urban ag sites (both floral and edible) under the supervision of the Master Gardener
• Assist in expanding the Agency’s floral and edible growing spaces and initiatives
• Follow garden maintenance guidelines, including planning, planting, cultivation, and harvesting of both edible and floral crops, and other tasks as required
• Coordinate with department staff to host recurring harvest, sorting and distribution activities in APCH kitchen and garden sites
• Oversee departments’ ongoing volunteer days and special event as needed
• Help establish and oversee new department initiative such as garden clubs, harvest dinners and floral programming
• Support the planning and execution of APCH community events both within the department and within the agency as a whole.
• Assist in Sunday food forward pick ups
• Help in the implementation of state and federal food programs as directed

Other duties as assigned

Education/Training/Experience

• A minimum of 2 years experience working with school age youth
• A minimum of 1 years experience growing flowers
• A minimum of 2 years experience growing fruits and vegetables
• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in agriculture, sustainability, conservation or health related fields (preferred)
• Bi-lingual, English/Spanish (Preferred)
• Experience working with native plants (Preferred)
• Valid CA Driver’s license

Physical and Mental Demands

• Able to work in chaotic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center
• Walking, standing required on daily basis
• Sitting and use of hands/vision for computer work
• Independent and able to work alone for long stretches of time when needed
• Lift up to 30 pounds regularly
• Able to communicate and convey accurate information
• Type 45WPM
• Desire and willingness to perform work in the field of urban Agriculture and gardening
• Interest and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions while performing active gardening tasks

• Able to walk and stand for several hours at a time, in all weather condensations

Additional Information

• True passion for direct service for both children and young adults
• Great communicator who enjoys collaborating and fostering community engagement
• Must enroll in APCH’s Driver program
• Able to work some evenings and/or weekends

Qualified candidates, please email resume and cover letter to Human Resources at apchemployment@apch.org.

(E-mail submissions only/No phone inquiries)

Responses will be sent only to individuals meeting the outlined requirements of the position.

EEO

Background screening required/Relevant skills assessment required during screening

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $12.00 - $14.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline