Community Garden Coordinator, Seasonal/Temporary

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg's mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community. In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This is a Seasonal/Temporary position working March - November for an average of 20 hours a week. Duties are lighter during the fringe season (March-April and October-November) and heavier during peak season (May-September). Position may be renewed for the next year based on business needs and grant funding.

Summary of Position

The Augsburg Community Garden is located on the corner of 20th Avenue and 7th Street. Established in 2007, the garden has four main goals that align with the larger mission of the university: to provide a space for the community to come and learn together, beautify the neighborhood and campus, provide growing space for those without it, and to assist gardeners in growing food. In addition to individual plots, anyone can harvest from communal garden plots as well as Serviceberry and Apple trees along the boulevard. Neighbors, Augsburg staff and faculty members tend 63 individual plots. Gardeners have varying degrees of experience, preferences for how and what to grow, and involvement with the garden community. Many gardeners grew up outside of Minnesota and bring foods and techniques from places like Somalia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Japan.

Primary Responsibilities

Organizing & Implementing an Augsburg Garden Leadership Team

• Convene meetings amongst gardeners who want to take an active leadership role in garden governance.
• Ensure the leadership team is representative of the gardeners.
• Ensure translators are available as needed by gardeners.
• Work with Augsburg gardeners to co-create working agreements.

Before the Garden is Open to the Public Responsibilities

• Pre-garden organizing which includes; Washing and organizing tools, attaching hoses and inventorying, organizing, and purchasing supplies and equipment.
• Manage garden communications, including phone calls, texts, and emails about guidelines and general garden season updates.
• Assist with hiring 2 student workers.

After the Garden is Open to the Public Responsibilities

• Guiding two student workers for garden maintenance and engagement projects.
• Coordinating and hosting regularly scheduled work times for gardeners, including scheduling, promoting, and being available during these times to help gardeners.
• Communications - calling, emailing, and texting gardeners to keep everyone updated about issues, opportunities, and events.
• Basic garden upkeep: cleaning, organizing, weeding, building, fixing, etc.
• Safety management: sharing responsibility for garden safety, including listening to and reporting gardeners' concerns, taking immediate or planned action, and communicating about safety issues.
• Documentation and organization: keeping records of experiences, concerns, ideas, and leaving good records for the next season.

Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinating food distribution with Campus Kitchen.
• Educating others on gardening technique by hosting skills workshops and creating handouts.
• Supporting Campus Kitchen operations as needed (e.g., farmers market gleaning).
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least twoyears (2) of experience gardening or farming.
• Understanding of organic growing methods.
• Demonstrated commitment to food justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to practice building intergenerational, intercultural, and multi-faith communities with neighbors
• Some gardening experience or interest is helpful, but no need to be an expert
• Creativity and desire to try new things and willingness to learn from mistakes

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to initiate and follow through on projects independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to work on the ground, lift and transport soil and supplies, and be outside for multiple hours.
• Demonstrated commitment to antiracist and decolonial practices.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and navigate interruptions in daily work.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Can work outside in all weather conditions.

Compensation

• The compensation range is $21.00 - $23.00 per hour, DOQ.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: hr@augsburg.edu.