Community Gardening Coordinator

North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center is seeking a qualified applicant to serve as Community Gardening Coordinator and manage a community gardening resource program. The position organizes education programs for community gardeners in Forsyth County. The successful candidate will assist individuals, communities and agencies with the establishment, organization and sustainability of community gardens. 

Successful candidates should possess 

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate and network with diverse audiences.
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to create effective presentations and present to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of basic gardening.
• Knowledge and experience in community development.
• Basic proficiency in computers and normal office equipment.
• Performing the duties of the position requires walking or standing to a significant degree, occasional outdoor work, and light lifting of program materials up to 20 pounds. 

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in agriculture or related field, one year of experience in gardening and a valid drivers’ license are required. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. A four year degree outside of the relevant field plus additional years of relevant experience may also be considered.

• Develop networks within the county to support community garden operations, including communicating with volunteers, garden leaders, and identifying and procuring resources.
• Work with community garden leaders to identify needs and community resources.
• Communicate with community garden stakeholders, including verbal and written methods.
• Connect community gardeners with resources, including Extension information and education in the areas of Horticulture, Family and Consumer Science, and Community Development.
• Assist with resource distribution and Extension’s tool lending program.
• Train community members to provide leadership in community gardens, including both individual assistance and group training on volunteer management, community development, leadership skills, and basic gardening formation.
• Recruit and train volunteers to lead new and existing community garden efforts.
• Manage funds including grants.
• Collaborate with colleagues, clientele and University partners for the betterment of community gardening in Forsyth County.
• Other duties as assigned