NETWORK GARDENER

Description

About FirstLine Schools

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates five PreK-8th grade schools.  Our mission is to create and inspire great open admissions public schools in New Orleans. 

Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students' success and to their own growth as teachers.  Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

About ESYNOLA

Founded in 2006, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA) envisions generations of New Orleans children who have healthy relationships with food, the natural world, themselves, and their community.  ESYNOLA's mission is to teach children to make healthy connections through food.  Our goal is to improve the long-term well being of our students, families, and school community, by integrating hands-on organic gardening and seasonal cooking into the school curriculum, culture, and cafeteria programs. 

We believe that:

• Food education should be taught in conjunction with core academics
• Children learn by doing
• Health and wellness contribute to the success of the whole child
• Beauty is the language of caring
• Local farms and sustainable farming practices are vital
• School food reform is an integral part of the education we offer our students
• Families and communities are integral to our success

Position Summary

The role of the Network Gardener is to support the Garden Teaching Teams at Arthur Ashe Charter School, Samuel J. Green Charter School, Langston Hughes Academy, and Phillis Wheatley Community School with physical gardening tasks and managing improvements to the school gardens. The Network Gardener works to ensure all ESYNOLA gardens are maintained, working closely with the network garden team in collaboration with garden teachers. The Network Gardener is a full time non-exempt 40 hr per week role . On occasion, Saturday mornings are required a few times annually to support community volunteer days and family events. This position requires a valid driver's license and potentially a vehicle.

Position Responsibilities:

• Maintains four school gardens with support from network garden team
• Directly assists in the planting, harvesting, weeding and general maintenance of the gardens
• Builds collaborative relationships with ESY garden team, garden teachers, school and network facilities staff to ensure the safety and aesthetics of school gardens 
• Works alongside lead garden teachers to maintain all functions of the garden spaces with the purpose of garden classes in mind
• Carries out daily gardening tasks independently in response to weekly to do list
• Performs and supports horticultural practices that encourage overall plant health and soil nutrition, to include sustainable gardening and integrated pest management practices
• With program manager and school operations managers, assists lead garden teachers with prep of gardens in advance of major weather events, as required
• Attends team trainings when available 
• Supports An Edible Evening, ESYNOLA's annual fundraiser, through garden upkeep leading up to the event and other tasks related to event setup and breakdown.
• Works occasional Open Garden Days and family events on Saturdays.
• Works in the garden during summer heat, winter, and light rain

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma 
• 2 yrs prior farming and/or gardening experience 
• Experience with drip irrigation preferred
• Some experience with farm animals (goats, chickens) is preferred
• Valid driver's license, and ability to drive a truck with trailer, &/or willingness to learn
• Good sense of humor and positive rapport with kids
• Belief in FirstLine's mission and vision
• Passionate interest in urban gardening and agriculture
• Dedicated to working hard and receiving feedback
• Excitement to learn through direct experience
• Great attitude in the heat and cold weather

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Believe in every student's ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum
• Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations
• Take personal responsibility 
• Personal transportation, and the ability to move between multiple locations
• Highly detail-oriented 
• Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders 
• Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Model the FirstLine Commitments
  • We Keep Learning
  • We Work Together
  • We are Helpful
  • We are the Safekeepers of our Community
  • We Share Joy
  • We Show Results 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects, which may be approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors, standing, bending, and kneeling for the full duration of the work time in heat, cold, and light rain

Starting Salary:  $ 36,400 

Reports to: ESYNOLA Program Manager
How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers
FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.