Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for a Community/School Garden Manager for the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab community garden program.  Position is full time, 251 Days, includes full benefits and starts January 13, 2025 or asap.

SUMMARY:  The Garden Manager will create a solid foundation from which to nurture the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab community garden program. The ideal candidate for this position will be versed in systems creation, organization and management and will believe in and be excited to promote the mission and potential of the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab: to grow a garden based program that is rooted in community engagement, educational and economic opportunity, multigenerational collaboration, cultural and ecological stewardship, and healthy living practices. Learn more at www.SoilLab.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may be assigned. Frequencies and percentages may vary based on whether the incumbent is assigned duties inside or outside the school building.

• Oversee garden operations: regular maintenance, scheduling of specific maintenance needs, ordering of necessary supplies
• Run a regularly scheduled garden open house/orientation for the public: supervise and answer questions
• Work with volunteers and community participants to achieve SOIL’s objectives
• Maintain a comfortable and collaborative work environment
• Coordinate garden activities, projects and engagement
• Lead garden meetings and orientations
• Organize educational opportunities such as workshops for gardeners and the community
• Coordinate with the Project Manager to create/plan student activities, educational opportunities, and mentorship programs
• Develop and oversee policy around use of garden beds, i.e. assigning them, making sure they’re being utilized and cared for, etc.
• Regular inspections of garden beds to ensure that all beds are being properly maintained
• Develop monthly and annual maintenance plans for the garden
• Coordinate and work with current partner organizations
• Act as a liaison in the community: promote SOIL, network with related businesses/organizations, develop meaningful partnerships and identify new collaborations
• Coordinate and supervise interns in developing curriculum, conducting community outreach, and delivering programs
• Other potential roles: fundraising, grant writing
• Other duties as assigned    

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:  High school diploma or GED. Education and/or training /experience in at least one of the following: gardening, nature education, regenerative agriculture, or community outreach and organization.

EXPERIENCE:  5+ years of experience in a similar profession/project preferred. Experience creating and implementing community awareness and education programs/events. Experience developing and managing operational and organizational systems. Experience creating and implementing strategic plans/programs. Experience with (or willingness to learn) various tech platforms, e.g. Google Drive, social media content creation and posting platforms, etc.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES: 

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to SOIL’s mission, vision, values, and potential 
• Ability to seek out and develop strategic and collaborative relationships
• Able to perform garden maintenance and basic repairs
• Ability to engage the public via experience in marketing and/or communications
• Ability to build and engage in relationships that connect with and support SOIL
• Ability to work within and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment
• Proficient writer/content creator.  Examples of writing needs include but are not limited to community correspondence, advertisements, brochure development, learning resource materials.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE: 

• Basic operating knowledge of personal computers and peripherals preferred at hire; required within one month after entering position

Durango School District 9-R is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District 9-R, 281 Sawyer Drive, Durango, CO 81303, (970) 247-5411, lgalido@durangoschools.org, or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, (303) 844-5695.