Garden Program Coordinator and Farmer

## Description

The Garden Program Coordinator & Farmer (GPC) leads the vision, cultivation, and maintenance of the New Vista Ranch Garden. This dual-role position includes managing the practical upkeep of a community plant garden while coordinating therapeutic programs and events for New Vista members. The GPC creates a thriving, educational, and inclusive space that produces food and beauty year-round, empowers participants, and supports future artisanal product sales and outdoor gatherings.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about community agriculture, inclusive education, and therapeutic horticulture. The GPC will play a key role in turning the New Vista Ranch Garden into a model of productivity, accessibility, and joy.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Program Coordination

• Plan and schedule seasonal planting (3–6 months in advance) in collaboration with the Development Director and JDT to support garden productivity and educational programming.
• Partner with New Vista staff to integrate garden activities into member programs with a focus on hands-on learning, wellness, and nature engagement.
• Supervise and guide members during garden work sessions, fostering skill-building and emotional connection to the land.
• Assist in planning and development of value-added garden products once approved for sale.
• Collaborate with the Development Director/JDT to design an ADA-accessible event space that is visually appealing and functional for community use.

Garden Maintenance & Planting

• Lead year-round planting and care of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers.
• Maintain garden health and appearance through regular weeding, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, deadheading, and composting.
• Perform organic pest management and integrated pest control methods as needed.
• Maintain and adjust drip and sprinkler irrigation systems for seasonal efficiency.
• Manage compost systems and assist in soil amendment planning to enhance long-term garden fertility.
• Identify plant diseases or infestations early and take appropriate action.
• Maintain pathways, borders, and signage to ensure garden accessibility and beauty.
• Oversee community planting areas and help guide member choices that support sustainable growth and rotation planning.
• Share gardening knowledge with members and volunteers, teaching them how to sow, transplant, harvest, and care for edible and ornamental plants.

Community Garden Oversight

• Ensure the community plant beds are well-maintained, accessible, and visibly labeled.
• Guide members in respectful shared garden practices (tool use, harvesting etiquette, watering schedules).
• Track planting activity and rotation for each bed to ensure soil health and long-term productivity.
• Offer regular feedback to members or community participants on how to optimize their beds.
• Monitor seed and plant inventories; suggest additions that support seasonal goals and member interest.

Administrative & Budget Support

• Communicate regularly with the Development Director and New Vista Ranch to discuss upcoming projects, budget needs, and supply purchases.
• Support the hiring and supervision of contractors for garden infrastructure projects such as bed replacement or irrigation upgrades.
• Track garden expenses and assist with inventory management.

## Qualifications

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in gardening, farming, horticulture, or related work (community garden or edible landscaping experience preferred).
• Knowledge of sustainable, organic growing practices and basic irrigation systems.
• Comfortable with physical labor in outdoor conditions year-round.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to teach or mentor individuals with a range of abilities.
• Experience with therapeutic gardening, horticultural therapy, or working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple priorities.

Equal Opportunity: New Vista is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.