Garden Herbalist

Position Summary: Get Fresh Daily (GFD) is seeking a knowledgeable and community-oriented Garden Herbalist to enrich our programming through the cultivation, ethical stewardship, and educational sharing of medicinal plants at our Freedom Greens & Gardens site. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Garden Herbalist will be responsible for leading educational workshops, developing herbal learning resources, advising on the care and use of medicinal plants within the garden, and fostering a deeper connection between our community and the plant world. This role is key to enhancing GFD's mission by integrating traditional plant wisdom and hands-on herbal learning into our wellness initiatives.

Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate is a passionate and experienced herbalist with a strong commitment to community education and ethical plant stewardship. They possess practical knowledge of medicinal plant identification, cultivation, harvesting, and preparation, and are skilled at conveying this knowledge in accessible and engaging ways. They are respectful of diverse traditions, value hands-on learning, and are eager to contribute to a thriving community garden space.

Necessary Characteristics:

• Demonstrable knowledge of medicinal plants, including identification, traditional and contemporary uses, and contraindications.
• Formal training or certification in herbalism or a related field (e.g., botany, ethnobotany, horticulture with a medicinal plant focus).
• Proven experience in ethical and sustainable harvesting practices.
• Ability to design and lead engaging educational workshops, herb walks, or demonstrations for diverse audiences (youth and adults).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to explain complex concepts clearly and respectfully.
• Commitment to Get Fresh Daily’s mission, values, and the community it serves.
• Understanding of basic garden practices related to herb cultivation and care.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a community setting.
• Reliable and organized, with attention to detail in planning and preparation.

Desirable Characteristics, But Not Required:

• Experience developing educational materials or curricula related to herbalism.
• Knowledge of local and native medicinal plants of the Philadelphia region.
• Experience working in community gardens or urban agriculture settings.
• Experience in making simple herbal preparations (e.g., teas, tinctures, salves, infused oils) for educational purposes.
• Familiarity with the West Philadelphia community.
• Experience working with diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Mindsets and Skills:

• Educator's Mindset: Passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others to learn about plants.
• Stewardship Ethic: Deep respect for plants, ecosystems, and sustainable practices.
• Observational Skills: Keen ability to observe plants and their environment.
• Patience & Nurturing Approach: Towards both plants and learners.
• Creativity: Ability to develop engaging and innovative ways to teach about herbalism.
• Respect for Tradition & Science: Values diverse forms of plant knowledge.
• Safety Conscious: Prioritizes safety in harvesting, preparation, and sharing information.
• Collaborative Spirit: Enjoys working with others and contributing to a shared vision.