Job Description: Seattle Youth Garden Works Program Coordinator
Seattle Youth Garden Works, a program of Seattle Tilth, is a market farmbased youth employment program that empowers, employs and educates homeless and underserved youth ages 16 to 21. The Program Coordinator works closely with the Farm Manager and youth crew and is jointly responsible for all operations of the SYGW program, including but not limited to, the recruiting, hiring, training and supervising of youth and volunteers, record keeping, budget management, ensuring all necessary supplies are stocked, communication and coordination with program partners, guest lectures and guest chefs, helping youth connect to appropriate service providers by providing support service coordination and resource referrals and ensuring a positive atmosphere during crew hours.
The ideal candidate for this position is someone who has experience working with homeless or otherwise underserved youth ages 16 to 21 from diverse backgrounds, has knowledge of and commitment to organic and sustainable agricultural practices, enjoys working both on a farm and in an office and has a good sense of appropriate boundaries.
This position is a 30hr per week position, with most of that time working directly with the youth crew.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1. Education
Required AA degree in a related field
Desired Bachelors or Masters degree in a related field
2. Experience
Experience working with homeless peoples, disadvantaged populations or others otherwise underserved.
Experience working with youth, ages 16-21, facing an array of challenges that include poverty, racism, homelessness, academic challenges, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.
Organic gardening or farming experience helpful, but not required.
3. Other required knowledge, skills and abilities:
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and on a team
Knowledge of and commitment to organic and sustainable agricultural practices
Demonstrated ability and success working with people from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyle, sexual orientations and gender identities
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Must be able to operate small farm equipment including a rotary tiller, gas powered lawn mower, and weed whacker
Proficient in Microsoft applications
Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends for farmers markets and other program events.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Must be able to crouch, lean, and kneel for extended periods of time
Requires standing up for six hours at a time
2. Working Conditions
This position requires working extended amounts of time within both an office and a farm. Farm work may require exposure to increment weather.
During farmers’ market season, occasional days are spent working in a farmers’ market setting.
To apply, please submit a resume and letter of interest outlining 1) your experience with the identified content areas and 2) why you are interested in this position. Applications will be reviewed as received. Seattle Tilth is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are encouraged to apply.
Email all materials to: carrievogolzang@seattletilth.org or mail to:
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98103
Attn: SYGW Search Committee
Seattle Tilth inspires and educates people to grow food organically, conserve natural resources and support local food systems in order to cultivate a healthy urban environment and community.
