Garden Manager at University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Arkansas

Job Description:

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Type of Position:

Professional Staff (Non-Classified)

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click theApply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

Department:

University District

Department's Website:

https://ualr.edu/universitydistrict/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Community Garden Manager is responsible for ensuring the Oak Forest Community Garden (OFCG), is properly maintained including the greenhouse, raised beds, youth garden, fruit orchard, and communal rows. In addition, the garden manager will oversee the caretaking of the grounds surrounding the garden and coordination with partners and volunteers in maintaining the garden. The Community Garden Manager will also work with the UA Little Rock Campus Garden and help assist with some of the same needs as the OFCG. The garden manager is responsible for growing and harvesting produce that directly support program needs and working closely with University District and UA Little Rock staff to ensure programming needs are being met.

The Garden Manager interacts with a diverse group of people both inside and outside the university to contribute to the overall goal of the OFCG becoming the model for a teaching garden, incorporating trauma-informed principles thereby enabling the space to be utilized by mental health and other social service community based organization partners, working with low to moderate income individuals, expanding youth programming, and helping OFCG garden to become successful income-producing site. The Garden Manager reports to the Director of the University District. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Experience

• A minimum of at least five (5) years of experience working with community gardens, horticulture, education, and outreach across all abilities and age span.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in agriculture, biology, public administration, non-profit, or community development.;


• Experience in teaching gardening, managing a garden, and working with schools, community-based, and non-profit organizations.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of growing fresh produce for residents, partners, and overall community consumption. Tasks include helping develop the year-round calendar for the OFCG, procuring seeds and seedlings, organizing and setting priorities for workdays, crop planting and rotation, general maintenance (weeding, irrigation, composting, etc.) hosting garden open hours, and learning opportunities for children in the garden;


• Orient new gardeners to the site. Serve as point of contact for the OFCG and provide tours as needed. Mentor emerging gardeners and recruit gardeners to help with projects, produce donations, and lead workdays. Educate gardeners, partners, and volunteers about OFCG program policies, and provide seasonal reminders. Assist in planning social events in the garden;


• Promote sustainable garden practices;


• Assist in the development and additions to the garden such a raised beds, high tunnels, gourd tunnels, flower/pollinator sections, etc.;


• Maintain and upkeep all garden equipment;


• Prepare and periodically update protocol manuals for irrigation, propagation, signage, etc;


• Assist in preparation of an annual operating budget for the garden with the University District Director and OFCG Board of Directors;


• Assist University District staff and OFCG Board of Directors in starting or expanding income-producing components of the garden such as microgreens, mint, starter plants, pollinators, etc.;


• Assist in incorporating trauma-informed principles at the garden creating a conducive environment for partners to carry out integrative "horticulture" garden therapy;


• Attend and participate in meetings between University District partners and UA Little Rock faculty and staff about community-based research and student projects as needed;


• Coordinate University District Department and other UA Little Rock student interns, graduate assistants, and volunteers assigned to work at the garden;


• Experience in working with volunteers, propagation of plants, and operating a greenhouse;


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the willingness to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations as a team;


• Proven track record in working with adults and youth from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds;


• Ability to work comfortably outdoors in a variety of weather conditions;


• Desire to work in a collaborative environment, be innovative and creative in the identification of agricultural and garden trends and programs;


• Capabilities in basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, email, budget systems);


• Physically fit to handle the physical demands of the job, including lifting up to 50 pounds;


• Good knowledge of garden equipment including small engines, irrigation, and pump equipment, and vehicles;


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with University District staff, OFCG Board members, UA Little Rock faculty and students, gardeners, partners, and volunteers.

Salary Information:

$35,568

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Additional Information:

Please upload all required documents in the "Resume" attachment section of your application (before hitting the submit button), if you want to be considered for this position.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Barret Allen - Director University District - blallen@ualr.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively seeks the candidacy of minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Under Arkansas law, all applications are subject to disclosure. Persons hired must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.

Constant Physical Activity:

Crouching, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Crouching, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pushing, Reaching, Standing, Stooping, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes Apply Now