Garden Works Coordinator

Position Summary

Garden Works by p:ear seeks a compassionate, skilled, and creative Garden Works Coordinator to lead an educational + food justice garden program designed for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This position focuses on building community, life skills, food security, environmental awareness through hands-on and trauma-informed garden education in preparation for our partner-based externships.

The garden works Coordinator will help manage a garden space that serves as a healing, self-learning, and educational resource. Programming will support youth ages 15–25 years old.

Cover letters and resumes can be sent to: nathan@bikeworkspdx.org with “Garden Works Coordinator” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. Email only, no phone calls please – phone calls will not be returned.

Job Title: Educational Garden Coordinator (Youth Engagement & Food Justice)

Department: Youth Services / Sustainability / Community Programs

Location: p:ear: 338 NW 6th Ave. & garden works: 14127 SW Stark St.

Employment Type: 1 FTE Reports To: p:ear works Director

Salary: $65k + Benefits

Start Date: August 15, 2026

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Facilitation

• Design and lead inclusive, trauma-informed garden-based education sessions that are adaptable to diverse learning styles and life circumstances.
• Integrate life skills, mental wellness, nutrition, sustainability, and job readiness themes into garden activities.
• Facilitate regular garden workshops, drop-in sessions, and seasonal programs for youth, focusing on empowerment and resilience.
• Develop curriculum and resources in collaboration with youth advisors and program staff.

Garden Creation & Maintenance

• Oversee all aspects of the garden’s development and care, including planting, composting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement inclusive, culturally responsive educational curriculum that engages youth and community members in food forest stewardship, sustainable agriculture, native plant ecology, and environmental justice.
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in designing accessible, hands-on learning experiences that honor diverse cultural perspectives, learning styles, and community knowledge while fostering belonging and environmental stewardship.
• Incorporate youth leadership and input into the design and ongoing development of the garden space.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for participants and staff.

Youth Empowerment & Support

• Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where youth feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Work closely with case managers, youth advocates, and social workers to align programming with individual goals and needs.
• Offer skill-building opportunities such as leadership roles, peer mentor programs, or garden internships for interested youth.
• Model and foster positive communication, accountability, and collaborative decision-making.

Community Partnerships & Collaboration

• Partner with flower works Coordinator, coordinating overlap in curriculum and hands-on education
• Partner with local farms, food justice organizations, chefs, and educators to enrich program offerings/internships/externships.
• Coordinate volunteer efforts, family days, and community garden events to build broader connections.

Program Management & Evaluation

• Track participation and outcomes for grants, reports, and program improvement.
• Manage budgets, order supplies, and maintain inventory of garden tools and educational materials.
• Grant reporting will play a large roll in this position
• Create newsletters, social media content, or program stories that amplify youth voices and highlight successes.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable or system-impacted youth, especially those facing housing insecurity or trauma.
• Grant reporting and maintaining a budget.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable gardening, horticulture, or urban agriculture.
• Skilled in leading group activities and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and work from a trauma-informed, youth-centered perspective.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varied conditions and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, horticulture, or a related field.
• Knowledge of food justice, environmental education, and community organizing.
• Experience with grant writing or program development.
• Valid driver’s license.
• First Aid/CPR certified.
• Bilingual or multilingual strongly encouraged (e.g., Spanish, etc.).

Work Schedule & Conditions:

• Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, flexible hours with some evenings/weekends required.
• Program activities take place both indoors and outdoors, in all seasons.
• Requires local travel between program sites or community partners.

Healthcare, disability and retirement benefits along with generous vacation package

Bilingual or multilingual strongly encouraged (e.g., Spanish, etc.)