Garden Assistant
Essential Functions:
- Assist with planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops according to seasonal schedules
- Support soil health practices, irrigation, composting, and pest management
- Maintain garden infrastructure, tools, and storage areas
- Ensure safe, clean, and organized garden spaces
- Coordinate harvesting, washing, weighing, and packing produce for pantry distribution
- Track harvest yields and support basic reporting
- Follow food safety and handling guidelines
- Assist with recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers
- Provide hands-on instruction during volunteer workdays
- Support community workshops, garden education, and outreach efforts
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants of all backgrounds
- Assist with scheduling, planning, and daily garden logistics
- Help document garden activities, volunteer hours, and harvest data
- Support partnerships with SHIM programs and community organizations
Minimum Qualifications:
- Basic experience in gardening, farming, horticulture, or a related field (professional or volunteer)
- Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varying weather conditions
- Strong communication skills and comfort working with diverse populations
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to SHIM’s mission and passion for food access and community support
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Additional coursework or training in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field preferred
Supervisory Responsibility:
- May assist in supervising volunteers and community participants
Clearance Requirements:
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
- FBI Criminal History Background Check (Fingerprinting)
- NSOR
- Mandated Reporter Training