The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) plays an essential role in the vitality of the Philadelphia region by creating healthier living environments, increasing access to fresh food, growing economic opportunity, and building deeper social connections between people. The PHS Green Resource Center at Farm Park is in East Norriton and focuses on increasing food justice and sovereignty in Montgomery County. Featuring 3 acres of production land and orchard, greenhouse, pavilion, and community garden beds, the PHS Green Resource Center is an educational and production hub meant to support gardeners and growers across the region.
The Farm Education Coordinator will work closely with the Farm Education Manager to coordinate and implement all aspects of programming of the PHS Green Resource Center at Farm Park. They will lead garden and nutrition education at health care clinics in Norristown and Pottstown which includes playing an integral role in expanding our flagship Food as Medicine program to a new clinic. They will also support farm operations at the Green Resource Center as well as on-site programming which includes field trips, educational workshops, and volunteer days.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist and/or leads in designing, implementing and evaluating on and off-site education programs related to nutrition education, cooking education, gardening, and more.
- Acts as the lead educator at up to two of our Food as Medicine VeggieRx clinic partner sites.
- Works professionally and collaboratively with partner organizations to implement on and off-site educational programming.
- Assists the Farm Education Manager in training and supporting a seasonal programming intern at workshop sites.
- Supports with ensuring that all farming and education activities are inclusive and welcoming to people of various backgrounds, ages, skill levels and capabilities.
- Contribute to the harvest to distribution process, which includes washing, and packing harvest for local food banks, VeggieRx Food as Medicine partners or community members.
- Assists the Farm Education Manager with coordinating the preparation of the VeggieRx Food as Medicine boxes.
- Delivers support to Farm Education Manager with administrative tasks associated with preparing for a new programming season (packing Nutrition Kits, supply ordering, etc.)
- Supports farm staff with the propagation, potting up, and distribution of seedlings for programming.
- Provides support to the Farm Education Manager in creating and / or improving systems for efficiency in programming channels including SOPs, supply organizing, evaluation framework, etc.
- As needed, supports Farm Education Manager, Farm Manager and Field Coordinator with record keeping and supply/tool inventory.
- Supports delivery of supplies and veggie boxes to program sites.
- As needed, offers general support to the entire Community Gardens Team such as participation in seasonal seedling distributions and workdays.
Qualifications/Specifications:
- Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Years of experience: At least two (2) years’ work experience supporting farm and nutrition education programs, and one (1) year of experience creating and implementing farm/garden based educational programming. Some gardening/growing experience required. At least 1 season’s experience in organic vegetable production preferred.
- Licenses/Certifications: N/A
- Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and clean, safe driving record required
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Knowledges, Skills, Abilities required for success:
- Experience coordinating and executing farm-based (formal and informal) workshops and programming with diverse audiences.
- Experience in community engagement and outreach; ability to build strong relationships with community members and partner organizations.
- Interest in food justice, local food systems and community-based health initiatives.
- Microsoft Office
- Ability to connect and communicate with diverse groups of people.
- Effective facilitation, community organizing and training skills for diverse groups.
- Excellent organization skills, attention to details and ability to handle multiple priorities in a timely and reliable manner.
- Ability to take initiative, problem solve and work cooperatively on a team of peers.
- Must be flexible and able to quickly adapt to changes for a variety of tasks.
- Knowledge of organic agriculture especially low to no-till techniques and other agroecological practices is a plus.
- Proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with Norristown / East Norriton and surrounding areas is a plus.
- Note: this position may require background checks due to work with youth and young adults.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift and move 20lbs comfortably.
- Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions
Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours):
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively under variable conditions including early mornings, some weekends, and evenings and in all weather conditions.
- This position requires 2 workshop evenings a month. Late start will be arranged to accommodate those evening shifts, not to exceed a 40-hour work
This position is full-time paid at $20-22/hr, commensurate with experience and includes full benefits including health and dental insurance and generous PTO.