City of Sandpoint logo

Community Garden Coordinator

City of Sandpoint
Part-time
On-site
Idaho, United States
Farmers

JOB SUMMARY

The principal function of an employee in this class is operational oversight of the City of Sandpoint Community Garden, including garden plots, community growing areas, and plot holders. The Community Garden Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for gardeners, supports sustainable and affordable gardening practices, coordinates seasonal opening and closing activities, and ensures the garden functions safely, efficiently, and in accordance with City policies.

The Community Garden Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Recreation Facilities Supervisor and coordinates closely with Parks & Recreation staff. The position allows for independent judgment and initiative in day-to-day operations. Duties are performed primarily outdoors and may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, uneven terrain, noise, and other environmental elements.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Serve as the primary liaison between gardeners and City staff; act as the first point of contact for garden-related questions, concerns, and problem-solving.
• Coordinate and supervise seasonal opening and closing workdays, including spring cleanup and fall closure, and organize gardener participation.
• Conduct regular site visits throughout the garden season (at least weekly) to inspect plots, irrigation systems, hoses, hand wands, and community areas; address safety, maintenance, and operational issues as needed.
• Work with gardeners to ensure plots are reasonably utilized and maintained; conduct mid-season inspections and follow up with gardeners regarding unplanted, neglected, or abandoned plots. 
• Provide gardening education, technical assistance, and guidance to gardeners, with an emphasis on sustainable, organic, and affordable gardening practices appropriate to the Pacific Northwest.
• Coordinate with Parks & Recreation staff and other City employees regarding equipment needs, truck use, bark delivery, irrigation systems, plot board replacements and general maintenance.
•Post current-season garden maps, Garden Rules, schedules, and notices onsite; communicate with gardeners, primarily via email, while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Manage and maintain community garden areas, including perennial beds, raspberry patch, food bank or community plots, garden shed area, paths and other shared spaces.
• Organize and participate in work parties and ongoing maintenance activities such as pathway weeding & bark placement, debris removal, shed organization, and other minor repairs.
• Monitor irrigation use during high-heat conditions and communicate water-conservation practices to gardeners to prevent equipment damage.
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Community Garden program, fostering positive relationships, cooperation, and community engagement.
• Perform all work duties in accordance with City policies, procedures, safety practices, and risk-management standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

  • Organic vegetable gardening and small-scale food production in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Building relations in diverse communities.
  • Conflict resolution skills.

Ability to: 

  • Use creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Oversee volunteers and gardeners promoting coordination and team-building.
  • Use diplomacy and work with a variety of personalities.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in written communication with public, peers, and city employees.
  • Demonstrate effective customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Follow written and oral instruction.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated patience, integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks. 

Physical Demands:

  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively in person and on a telephone; 
  • Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, identify plants, and recognize hazards;
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to reach, grab, use a computer, and 
  • Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to walk on uneven ground, lift and bend. Jobs in this class require performing repetitive motions with fingers, hands, wrists and arms.  Related tasks may require, with or without reasonable accommodation, lifting or moving up to 15lbs frequently and 50lbs occasionally, stooping, bending, crouching and reaching. 

ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Community Garden Coordinator.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire

• Ability to pass a background check