Garden Coordinator

Job Description

Hours per week 10 hours/week
Supervised by Deputy Director of Quality Assurance and TECP Site Supervisor
Location Eugene and Springfield, OR
Starting wage range $20.28 - $20.78 / hour, depending on qualifications

Overview

The mission of Relief Nursery is to prevent the cycle of child abuse and neglect through early
intervention that focuses on building successful and resilient children and strengthening parents. Our
staff work as a team to provide a unique array of comprehensive family support services from
therapeutic classrooms to substance use disorder recovery support, that are easily accessible to parents
with children birth to six years of age who are at high risk for abuse or neglect. At the core of Relief
Nursery is the belief in focusing on, and building upon, the strength of each family we serve.

The Garden Coordinator contributes to the mission of Relief Nursery by designing therapeutic nature
experiences for children and families that enhance resilience, support social emotional development,
foster a connection with the natural world, and create opportunities for community building. This includes
developing and facilitating outdoor early childhood curriculum, organizing parent garden engagement,
and supporting Relief Nursery classroom staff in bringing therapeutic nature curriculum to the classroom
experience at both our Eugene and Springfield, Oregon sites.

Relief Nursery strongly recommends that employees stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, including
booster shots. This allows us to safely support children and families in an in-person environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe
they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in
finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional
background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background
and qualifications for the role.

1. One year of relevant work experience, or a combination of training and experience that provides
the required skills, abilities and knowledge

2. Effective communication skills, dependability and flexibility

3. Ability to work independently and collaboratively and as a leader

4. Ability to interact with children at their eye level; kneeling, stooping, bending and lifting up to 40
lbs.

5. Knowledge, experience and/or interest in organic gardening

6. Passion for spending the majority of time outdoors in all weather conditions

7. Basic computer skills for communication and documentation

Garden Coordinator
Job Description

8. Current Oregon Driver’s license, acceptable driving record and insurance

9. Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR and Food Handler’s cards

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bilingual in English and Spanish

2. Coursework in a related field such as early education, social work, farming or conservation

3. Experience managing a school / community garden or working on an educational farm

4. Work or volunteer experience in early education, social service, or similar environment

5. Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate activities

6. Knowledge of local community resources and potential partners in implementing a school /
family garden program

Responsibilities

1. Oversee, design and maintain the Relief Nursery gardens

2. Design and lead opportunities for the children and families to participate in nature experiences
(e.g. planting, watering, nature art, field trips, etc.)

3. Develop relationships and communicate garden opportunities to Relief Nursery staff and
families

4. Support Relief Nursery classroom teachers in developing and implementing enriching outdoor
curriculum

5. Attend required trainings and meetings

6. Coordinate with kitchen regarding the use of garden produce for classroom meals

7. Develop and maintain relationships with garden and nutrition focused partner organizations
and request donations (e.g. Food for Lane County, the School Garden Project, OSU Extension,
etc.)

8. Work with the volunteer coordinator to ensure that interns and volunteers who work in the
garden are given required oversight, support and direction

9. Collaborate with Grants Manager and Program Director to secure funding for the garden
program

10. Participate in scheduled supervision sessions

11. Conduct job responsibilities in accordance with professional boundaries, confidentiality, and
the values and principles of Relief Nursery

12. Act in accordance with responsibilities and protocols set forth in Oregon Child Abuse Reporting
laws and Relief Nursery policy

13. Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Garden Coordinator
Job Description

Interested applicants, please email resume and cover letter to:

Jessie Hernandez, TECP Site Supervisor

jessiehe@reliefnursery.org

Pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, DMV check, and proof of auto insurance
required. Position will remain open until filled.

Relief Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace