Learning Garden Coordinator

~ Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is committed to enriching the Richmond community by supporting access to learning gardens, fresh produce and food education.  ~

We strive to provide VCU faculty, staff and students with space to grow their own food and flowers through our MCV Community Garden.  At our new Monroe Park Campus Learning Garden, we are also actively engaged in working with the VCU and Richmond communities to increase access to healthy food as well as education around how healthy food can be grown and prepared.

Position Overview

VCU is seeking applicants for the position of Learning Garden Coordinator. This position works a normal Monday through Friday schedule, with hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Description of General Responsibilities

• Expand Learning Garden and increase overall yield by end of 2017.
• Increase amount of onsite educational opportunities in both campus gardens.
• Create a garden budget that outlines expected operating costs for 2017.
• Coordinate the creation of outbuilding designs in the MPC Learning Garden.
• Establish working relationship with Richmond Public Schools, to conduct food justice outreach and provide onsite field trips.
• Continue to expand on existing gardening knowledge through various professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of and experience with plant propagation, seasonal and perennial growing and harvesting in Central Virginia;
• Knowledge of and experience with compost management, pest management and soil management;
• Demonstrated coordination and management of volunteers in a fast-paced setting;
• Knowledge of the VCU Climate Action Plan, VCU Sustainability Plan and VCU sustainability initiatives;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel (including graphing) and Power Point and ability to learn specific software applications as needed;
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively speak in front of faculty, staff and student groups;
• Be a team player, able to work comfortably and effectively in cross-functional teams with students, faculty and administrators from various schools and departments;
• Be highly organized and have strong project planning and management skills as well as technical and administrative problem solving skills;
• Have the ability to work independently and prioritize. Experience with the use of PC for the creation of Work documents, Excel spreadsheets and Power Point presentations required; and
• Valid Virginia driver’s license.

Preferred:

• College degree preferred. Applicable professional experience may substitute.
• Experience in garden development and coordination in an institutional setting preferred.
• Experience working in an office environment preferred.
• Experience with the use of social media to enhance communications among diverse groups in an academic climate, especially with VCU students, faculty and staff.

To Apply

Please click here to apply on our company website!