Garden Manager - $DOE

International District Garden Manager

InterIm Community Development Association (ICDA) seeks a talented, motivated individual to manage the Danny Woo International District (ID) Community Garden. The garden provides opportunities to the neighborhood¡¦s low-income seniors to stay active and social by gardening together. Built in 1975 by volunteers, the 1.5 acres comprise half of the ID's open green space containing nearly 100 garden plots, dozens of fruit trees and ornamental gardens.

This individual will coordinate garden utilization and needed improvements at the 20+ plot community garden at our Highland Gardens development.

Responsibilities :
-- Maintain the garden's physical appearance, landscaping, structures, plumbing and electrical systems through the coordination and recruitment of volunteers and work with gardeners and through other partnerships.
--Plan and manage garden capital improvements such as construction or replacement of retaining walls, installation of pathways or irrigation, wood construction or other landscape construction.
--Raise funds for garden projects by preparing grant applications and maintaining and expanding a donor base and Friends of Danny Woo garden. Create and manage garden and project budgets. Get community and gardeners' input into project ideas.
--Recruit and coordinate all volunteer efforts to improve and maintain the garden. Procure materials necessary for various tasks to be accomplished.
--Address and advocate for improved public safety in the garden
--Coordinate registration of individuals to garden plots, maintain a wait list of interested gardeners, conduct outreach to the community to educate residents about opportunities in the garden.
--Coordinate community events such as the annual Pig Roast, cider press, and foster positive public exposure for the garden.
--Prepare regular mailings and newsletters to update donors and community.

Skills/Qualifications Required:
--Bilingual Chinese speaking, and other Asian languages a plus --Knowledge of organic gardening practices, landscape maintenance, and fruit tree pruning
--Hands on experience and skill in some of the following: carpentry, landscape irrigation, plumbing, landscape installation and maintenance, masonry, and other landscape/construction skills.
--Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills. Must be able to develop good relationships with all gardeners including non-English speaking gardeners; lead group volunteer efforts, garden tours, community meetings; coordinate educational workshops.
--Sensitivity to working in a diverse cultural community and with low-income populations.
--Good organizational skills and resourcefulness in securing creative and new sources of financial support, and partnerships in the community.
--Ability to manage garden project budgets.
--Ability to work independently and work outside year-round.
--Knowledge of word processing. Desired Skills.
--Knowledge of spreadsheet and desktop publishing software.
--Ability to write in Chinese and other Asian languages.
--Knowledge of local community resources such as grant sources and other potential sources for partnerships.

Hours: 20 hours per week
Pay: DOE Medical and dental benefits.

Interested individuals should submit a brief cover letter and resume with three professional references to: info@interimicda.org, or FAX (206) 624-5859. www.interimicda.org

Open on November 13, 2007 until position filled.