Garden Specialist - ʻIolani School

Garden Specialist at ʻIolani School

Regular Full-Time

To apply click link and search "Garden Specialist": https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=3a3f56d7-aae3-44f7-9abc-25cee827e5d9

Title: Garden Specialist

Job Status: Year-round, full-time (40 hours) 

SUMMARY: 

The Garden Specialist position provides critical support to teachers and students to ensure that the school can maximize the educational potential of five learning gardens. Candidates should have substantial knowledge about sustainable farming practices including the importance of soil fertility and composting in a productive garden environment. Experience with various composting systems, integrated pest management strategies, biodiversity in food plants, irrigation systems, and various growing methods including raised beds, hydroponics and aquaponics. Ability to work independently, lift heavy items, and maintain a positive, encouraging attitude with students and adults are a must. Understanding of best safety practices for growing and harvesting desired. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supports teachers in garden activities including supervision of students, implementation of garden lessons, preparation of garden area and supplies needed for garden lessons.

• Maintains all campus garden areas including learning gardens, fruit trees and classroom container gardens.

• Maintains garden beds in good working condition, reinforcing structures as needed and keeping walkways clear of weeds and debris.

• Maintains hydroponic and aquaponics systems in functional working order; 

• Maintains all irrigation and other systems in the gardens.

• Supports compost initiatives through feeding, watering and monitoring with regards to maintaining a healthy worm bin and hot compost system. 

• Maintains organized and detailed garden logs for composting systems and garden and food safety. 

• Adheres to any school policies related to the school garden and/or consumption of school garden produce. 

• Assist teachers with place-based education initiatives in the garden - farmers market, cooking tastings, and challenges with students

• Supports community garden workdays on Saturdays as needed. 

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Knowledge and skills in small-scale organic food production or home gardening. 

• Knowledge of/or interest in topics including urban gardening, Hawaiian plants and it’s uses, environmental science, health and nutrition, food systems, food access. 

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations including youth and adults. 

• Facilitation or teaching experience with youth aged 5-12 including outdoor group management experience preferred. 

• Able to work with teachers to prepare, plan and implement outdoor education lessons. 

• Strong desire and interest in agriculture education. 

• Ability to work independently and be flexible with work hours. 

• Strong oral and written communication skills. 

• Technology and project management skills. 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters with or without correction; full leg and arm mobility (walking, ability to access overhead shelves); full range of head, neck, and back movement; and unrestricted ability to bend knees, raise arms above the head, and to move hands, fingers, and wrist. 

• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 30 pounds without difficulty. 

• Ability to stand and/or walk for sustained periods of time. 

• Due to work in close proximity to children, must pass fingerprinting and background clearance checks. 

• TB clearance required.