Community Orchardist

Program Responsibility:

• Assist with the development, documentation, and presentation of orchard educational materials to aid staff, volunteers, and workshop participants, including orchard and plant signage, seasonal orchard care guides, pruning guides, pest & disease identification guide, and weed identification guide; orchard harvest tracking sheet; and a variety of website resources, including downloadable lesson plans and plant info sheets.

• Provide opportunities for Community Partners, volunteers, youth, and workforce development participants to receive training in best practices for orchard care and maintenance.

• Work with Outreach Staff to recruit diverse participants and partners, and build volunteer leadership for the program.

• Grow knowledge base of orchard care through attendance of educational opportunities and resources; shadowing of other orchards, and via additional research with guidance of UGC staff and partners.

• Guide and educate volunteers during planting events with strong presentation and instructional skills.
  

Administrative:

• Maintain tracking/information systems and administer participant surveys

• Recordkeeping of trees planted, distributed, and in inventory

• Assist with program reports and program evaluation

• Report regularly on the status, challenges, needs, and successes of the orchard

• Document event and workshop planning and record keeping tools, including communications, logistics, attendance, and materials/tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of tree care and orchard management experience.

• This is a hands-on job that can be physically demanding, orchardist need to be ready to work in all kinds of weather.

• Preferred but not required: ISA Certified Arborist

• Experience leading group volunteers in tree planting and maintenance

• Demonstrated ability to create educational materials and lead activities for diverse groups

• Excellent organizational, communication, and follow-through skills;

• Ability to think critically and creatively;

• Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but can work unsupervised to complete the job;

• Basic familiarity with Google Workspace & GSuite, and/or willingness to learn

• Passion for food justice, youth development, and urban farming.

• Required: Valid Driver’s License and willingness to drive.

• Required: Able to work on some weekends

• Must be willing and prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, humid, rainy, cold, snowy);

• Hours vary throughout the season but are generally 8:30-5 p.m., with (2) 20min paid breaks and a 30min unpaid lunch break. Evenings may be required for community events.

• This position requires excellent physical stamina and the ability to regularly lift 50 pounds.

• This position requires daily use and safe-handling of farm tools, including wheelbarrows, tools, hand tools, grafting tools, and irrigation equipment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

UGC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.