Community Garden Program Assistant

Provide assistance in hosting, planning, implementing and evaluating community garden activities, programs and special events. Duties include collaboration, customer service, communication with community gardeners and department staff regarding program policies, gardening education, outreach, registration support, and development of a garden community. Monitor community garden operations and maintenance needs. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Part-time, casual, non-represented position

Approx. 15 - 20 hrs/wk*

Flexible hours during school year

Acts as point of contact between the community garden program and Parks and Recreation staff. Answers phones and emails. Delivers excellent customer service to diverse patrons. Develops a thorough knowledge of community gardening and department policy in order to better assist participants with garden planning, and information requests.

Responds to patrons' needs and works with Recreation Coordinators to create, maintain, promote and coordinate services, programs and events. May collaborate with local organizations as required to provide community garden volunteers, education, programing, instructors, materials, etc.

Provides orientation and education to community gardeners. Provide gardening advice and knowledge as requested by participants.

Communicates information regarding programs, policies and procedures to participants and programming staff. Maintains the community bulletin board and other communication at the garden site in addition to regular email updates. Works with department marketing team and programming staff for support in garden-related outreach and education.

Collaborates with department staff on developing and implementing community garden registration, policies, processes, and procedures. Facilitates registration process, program information and details. Provides registration details to Recreation Coordinator for implementation.

Works with Recreation Coordinator to promote and administer community garden services, and to address complaints, failures to comply, and resolve conflicts. Initiates conversations with participants not meeting established garden standards and guidance. Encourages direct communication and problem-solving between community gardeners. Refers unresolved conflicts to Recreation Coordinator for resolution.

Monitors condition of the gardens, storage facilities, and equipment routinely to ensure they are in good condition. Works with Park maintenance staff to report facility deficiencies or anticipated maintenance requirements. Performs manual labor including, digging, lifting, raking, weeding, and operating vehicles and/or equipment safely and legally.

Performs as a member of the recreation team, assisting with development and achievement of its goals and objectives.

Assists Recreation Coordinator on community garden budget development and monitoring. Responds to other department or agency requests.

Provides garden and volunteer data and reporting as required. May assist with volunteer recruitment. Schedules and trains volunteers as applicable.

Performs support duties and special projects as assigned.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Conforms with all safety rules and performs work is a safe manner. Practices safe job-site methods while performing duties.

Maintains effective working relationships.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Education and Experience
Combination of education, training or experience providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Proficiency in small scale gardening and other topics related to horticulture, integrated pest management preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Community garden management or volunteer experience in recreation programming area highly desired.

Ability to work in accordance with existing master plan, Council Policies and Municipal Code sections applicable to the position.

Ability to be creative, collaborative and work with staff and volunteers.

Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written instruction and to exchange routine information. Basic understanding of simple work processes, methods or equipment. Ability to learn job-related information and techniques.

Strong interpersonal, problem solving, decision making and organizational skills.

Effective communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills. Ability to use ordinary conversational skills and courtesy to exchange information and provide assistance.

Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, but also work alone at a worksite, under supervisory direction while performing duties thoroughly and accurately, in accordance with Department policy.

Ability to get along well with coworkers and maintain effective work relationships.

Special Requirements
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and/or criminal history check

Ability to possess and maintain a valid Oregon Driver's License.

Must be able to work flexible hours which may include weekends as needed.

Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website (click on "Apply" above).

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.

*Please do not include personal or protected information in attached resumes or cover letters, this includes your birth date, age, dates of education, and graduation dates.*