Job Details
Overview:
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is a 50 year old multi-service
not-for-profit organization based on the settlement house model and located in the Bronx. We
provide resources for Bronx residents from cradle to career to advance education and
well-being for a vibrant community. KHCC serves over 5,000 families annually with an inclusive
environment for children with special needs, low-income families, recent immigrants, survivors
of sexual and domestic abuse, and at-risk teens. KHCC helps participants overcome adversity
and develop the skills they need to build bright futures.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Justice Coordinator will empower our community through horticultural education,
nutrition, and food literacy programming. This role will also be responsible for working with
local partners in selling garden produce, honey and hot sauce.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Supervise, mentor and develop a relationship with program participants and
volunteers, and provide a safe and fun learning environment.
Manage and work in the garden, develop a planting, maintenance and harvesting
plan, prepare for garden work activities, coordinate tools and other necessary
materials.
Develop and implement a hands-on educational curriculum that reflects the needs of
our community participants (including developmentally appropriate standards for
early childhood education, those with special needs, at risk teens and those
recovering from trauma).
Develop our park space as a Green Thumb community garden and manage garden
plots.
Provide horticultural education to KHCC entrepreneurs and community gardeners.
Assist with and lead garden workshops for all ages, visiting schools, and corporate
groups.
Lead/assist with a wide variety of horticultural programming including week-long
summer camp sessions, school field trips, horticultural therapy, and gardening-based
series, among other programs.
This includes all aspects of programming including set up, supervision, clean
up, adjusting activities to the needs of individual participants, behavior
management, and evaluation.
Supervise adult and teen volunteers and lead weekend volunteer days with
community gardeners.
Maintain database and statistical service records of all program participants and
volunteers; provide periodic reports to management.
Support Food Justice Manager with Advocacy activities that align with KHCC s
mission.
Support Food Justice Manager with Food Pantry Distribution.
Undertake other duties as assigned.
Be self-sufficient and resourceful in accomplishing program goals while recognizing
areas where support is needed from other staff members.
Skills and Experience Required:
Knowledge of and passion for nature and gardening and engaging children, youth
and communities in their space.
At least one year s experience in organic gardening and/or farming/horticulture
Be able to identify, plan and prioritize garden activities, lead by example and
effectively communicate tasks to participants.
Ability to supervise and relate to children and youth under care and work
collaboratively, effectively in KHCC teams to meet programmatic needs.
Possess a high level of organization and communication skills.
Have a positive attitude, show initiative and be dependable.
A great problem solver and works well with minimal supervision.
Willingness to learn on the job in a quickly changing environment.
Should be physically able to meet the demands of gardening such as weeding,
harvesting, digging, and able to lift a minimum 25-30 lbs regularly in inclement
weather..
Including kneeling, bending, pushing.
Bachelor's degree in horticulture, natural Sciences, education, or related field
preferred.
Ability to communicate in Spanish required.
Proficiency with software including Microsoft and Google Suite applications.
Caring attitude towards school-aged children
Clean New York State driver s license preferred
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand;
walk; sit; handle, or feel; talk, hear, smell or taste. The employee frequently is required
to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is
frequently required to sit; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift
and/or move up to 80 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and
occasionally lift and/or move up to 65 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this
job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Schedule:
35+ hours /week M-F with some Saturdays
Equal Employment opportunity Employer:
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated on the
basis of the individual s actual or perceived disability, protected veteran status, race, color,
creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, genetic
information, marital status, or any other perceived status protected by law.