Position Summary
Garden Works by p:ear seeks a compassionate, skilled, and creative Garden Works Coordinator to lead an educational + food justice garden program designed for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This position focuses on building community, life skills, food security, environmental awareness through hands-on and trauma-informed garden education in preparation for our partner-based externships.
The garden works Coordinator will help manage a garden space that serves as a healing, self-learning, and educational resource. Programming will support youth ages 15–25 years old.
Cover letters and resumes can be sent to: nathan@bikeworkspdx.org with “Garden Works Coordinator” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. Email only, no phone calls please – phone calls will not be returned.
Job Title: Garden Works Coordinator
Location: p:ear: 338 NW 6th Ave. & garden works: 14127 SW Stark St.
Employment Type: 1 FTE Reports To: p:ear works Director
Salary: $65k + Benefits
Start Date: August 15, 2026
Key Responsibilities
Program Design & Facilitation
- Design and lead inclusive, trauma-informed garden-based education sessions that are adaptable to diverse learning styles and life circumstances.
- Integrate life skills, mental wellness, nutrition, sustainability, and job readiness themes into garden activities.
- Facilitate regular garden workshops, drop-in sessions, and seasonal programs for youth, focusing on empowerment and resilience.
- Develop curriculum and resources in collaboration with youth advisors and program staff.
Garden Creation & Maintenance
- Oversee all aspects of the garden’s development and care, including planting, composting, irrigation, and harvesting.
- Develop and implement inclusive, culturally responsive educational curriculum that engages youth and community members in food forest stewardship, sustainable agriculture, native plant ecology, and environmental justice.
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience in designing accessible, hands-on learning experiences that honor diverse cultural perspectives, learning styles, and community knowledge while fostering belonging and environmental stewardship.
- Incorporate youth leadership and input into the design and ongoing development of the garden space.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for participants and staff.
Youth Empowerment & Support
- Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where youth feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Work closely with case managers, youth advocates, and social workers to align programming with individual goals and needs.
- Offer skill-building opportunities such as leadership roles, peer mentor programs, or garden internships for interested youth.
- Model and foster positive communication, accountability, and collaborative decision-making.
Community Partnerships & Collaboration
- Partner with flower works Coordinator, coordinating overlap in curriculum and hands-on education
- Partner with local farms, food justice organizations, chefs, and educators to enrich program offerings/internships/externships.
- Coordinate volunteer efforts, family days, and community garden events to build broader connections.
Program Management & Evaluation
- Track participation and outcomes for grants, reports, and program improvement.
- Manage budgets, order supplies, and maintain inventory of garden tools and educational materials.
- Grant reporting will play a large roll in this position
- Create newsletters, social media content, or program stories that amplify youth voices and highlight successes.
Qualifications
- Experience working with vulnerable or system-impacted youth, especially those facing housing insecurity or trauma.
- Grant reporting and maintaining a budget.
- Strong knowledge of sustainable gardening, horticulture, or urban agriculture.
- Skilled in leading group activities and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.
- Ability to build trusting relationships and work from a trauma-informed, youth-centered perspective.
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varied conditions and lift up to 40 pounds.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, horticulture, or a related field.
- Knowledge of food justice, environmental education, and community organizing.
- Experience with grant writing or program development.
- Valid driver’s license.
- First Aid/CPR certified.
- Bilingual or multilingual strongly encouraged (e.g., Spanish, etc.).
Work Schedule & Conditions:
- Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, flexible hours with some evenings/weekends required.
- Program activities take place both indoors and outdoors, in all seasons.
- Requires local travel between program sites or community partners.