Mission:

The mission of Bread for the City is to help Washington, DC residents living with low income to develop the power to determine the future of their own communities. We provide food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty. We seek justice through community organizing and public advocacy. We work to uproot racism, a major cause of poverty. We are committed to treating our clients with the dignity and respect that all people deserve.

Position Profile:

The Gardens Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day work of the rooftop gardens in both centers NW & SE. These roles are essential to the success of the gardens and ensuring that our neighbors have access to opportunities to grow their own food, and/or opportunities to participate in the process of growing food for the food pantry. The Gardens Coordinator is a flexible role whose responsibilities could change each day based on the needs of the project and food program as a whole.

During the planning process, the Gardens Coordinator would be responsible for planning plots of land to allow for community use, as well as plots for growing items to use in the food pantry. During the growing season, the Gardens Coordinator would be responsible for planting and maintenance alongside volunteers, including the supervision of volunteers. During the harvest season, the Gardens Coordinator would be responsible for preparing produce for distribution at the food pantries and free farmers market events. In the off-season, the Gardens Coordinator would be responsible for winterizing the gardens and join the food team in the distribution of groceries and Holiday Helpings until the planning process begins anew.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan, maintain and winterize the gardens in both the NW and SE Centers;

• Maintain garden tools and inventory associated with the gardens;

• Train and assist volunteers for the gardens; maintain volunteer shifts alongside the volunteer department and forecast volunteer needs;

• Understand the garden budget and maintain records to ensure transparency in spending on garden supplies including seeds, tools, etc.;

• Distribute food in an efficient and equitable manner;

• Maintain a clean, organized space ready for media and donors to see at any time;

• Create a mapping of client-utilized “plots” and maintain a record of these plots[1] ;

• Respond to concerns via email or telephone in a timely manner;

• Collaborate with the facilities team when situations arise that require building maintenance or specialized expertise;

• Work alongside the Food Department to distribute Groceries and Holiday Helpings after the garden is winterized.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Gain/Have basic understanding of all programs at Bread for the City in order to make referrals;

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as required;

• Keep up to date with organizational internal communication;

• Maintain good hygiene due to the nature of food production and distribution;

• Perform other duties as assigned, understanding the flexible nature of the program and organization.

Requirements:

• Interest and experience with gardening, agriculture and food systems;

• Ability to work with limited supervision;

• Willingness to adapt to an unusual work environment;

• Strong communication skills;

• Ability to lift up to 25lbs regularly; 50lbs occasionally;

• Ability to stand and kneel regularly;

• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions as necessary;

• Ability to work with a diverse staff and clients;

• Familiarity with non-profit work and knowledge of hunger and poverty issues helpful;

• Demonstrated commitment to working with and for low-income people;

• Familiarity with Google Organization & Productivity Tools (Gmail, Google Docs, Calendar… ) and/or ability to learn new technology systems;

• Ability to work with volunteers in a professional and collaborative manner;

• Willingness to learn and carry out Bread for the City’s commitments to social justice and racial equity.

APPLY HERE: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=57076ac9-8551-4771-83bd-cd067a0c8348&ccId=53708918_2534&jobId=468236&lang=en_US