The Department

The Department of Neighborhood’s mission is to strengthen Seattle by engaging all communities. One of the ways we do this is through the P-Patch Gardening Program which oversees 90 P-Patches distributed throughout the city, the equivalent of 14.9 acres. This program aims to build community capacity, civic engagement, leadership, health, and equitable access. We currently have two open positions for P-Patch Community Garden Coordinators

The Job

We are looking for community organizers with significant people, project, and property management skills who value the ecological environment and want to contribute to and grow the P-Patch Gardening Program and its impact on Seattle Communities particularly, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Immigrant, Refugee, and Homeless people. We do this work with a focus on racial, environmental, and food justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

You will do this by:

Building Community

• building and encouraging relationship building across cultures, ages, and perspectives
• nurturing civic engagement between gardeners and local government
• engaging and training volunteers and developing leaders
• developing and managing inclusive and accessible communication
• deescalating and resolving conflict
• helping communities to create a volunteer leadership structure that best serves their community

Managing Projects, People, and Properties

• managing up to 20 P-Patch site locations
• developing annual workplan and budget requests
• managing and tracking program-related data, maintaining databases, keeping records
• providing technical support to gardeners using the database
• analyzing and evaluating data
• creating correspondence, reports, and other written documents
• working with gardeners to make garden upgrades and improvements, including site analysis, garden design and construction
• advocating for gardeners with property owners, city departments, public agencies, and private groups

Overseeing and Growing Gardening

• evaluating and coordinating garden maintenance activities directly or through volunteer site leaders
• fostering environmental ethics
• assisting and training program participants on gardening maintenance activities and the proper use of tools
• providing educational opportunities and resources for gardeners to garden organically
• providing cohesive and accessible direction to volunteers regarding essential garden functions, expectations, policies, and rules
• promoting the P-Patch Gardening program by attending fairs, sharing information, and making presentations
• attending monthly GROW meetings to provide information and recommendations

To be successful in this job, you are committed to:

• Racial, environmental, and food justice
• Using racial analysis and an equity lens to create environments where everyone feels welcome and thrives
• Working collaboratively with P Patch volunteers to identify infrastructure needs
• Enhancing the P-Patch Community Garden program by exploring new ways of coordinating thru creative solutions.
• Organizing and managing the program proactively
• Responding to emerging issues constructively and in a timely manner

To be effective in this role, you have:

• Managed complex projects involving people and property
• Improved community health and cohesiveness
• Engaged and worked inclusively with BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, and homeless communities
• Led volunteer groups to accomplish goals
• Helped develop community capacity, resiliency, and leadership
• Connected communities with government and access to power in ways that build trust
• Communicated using tools that help people with varying learning styles, language, and reading skills understand
• Delivered training to audiences with varying needs

In addition to having the ability to successfully accomplish the work listed above, the following are required:

Four years work experience in community building, community engagement, and managing volunteers

Or

Three years work experience in community building, community engagement, and managing volunteers and an Associate’s degree related to horticulture, agriculture, social science, planning, environmental studies or a related field

Or

Two years work experience in community building, community engagement, and managing volunteers and a baccalaureate degree in horticulture, agriculture, social science, planning, environmental studies, or a related field

Licensure: A current drivers' license or evidence of equivalent mobility

Physical Demands: Gardening and tool operation demonstration work may involve safely lifting up to 50 pounds. Working outdoors in all types of weather; and may require standing, walking, or bending for extended periods of time

This position is classified as a Community Garden Coordinator. The salary range for this job is $35.74 – 41.66.

Why work at the City?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

To be considered for this role, please complete the online application fully and attach:

• A current resume
• A cover letter that explains your interest in this job and what you have done to build community capacity and engagement

Here is resource for Application and Interviewing tips with the City of Seattle.

This role will require a tetanus shot and a back strength and flexibility test for the successful candidate.

Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at kate.moore@seattle.gov

Who may apply: This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Office of Housing encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.