Food Forest Student Coordinator

Florida Gulf Coast University; United States; On-site; USD 20,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking a dedicated Student Coordinator for the Food Forest. The role involves planning service-learning events, coordinating volunteers, and maintaining an engaging learning environment on-site at the Food Forest.

You will work with advisors and a garden manager, lead tours, and help build community partnerships while ensuring safety and organizational standards are met.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current ADA certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Ability to work Saturdays mornings and Tuesday from noon-1pm for staff meetings.

Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes details for upcoming service-learning events including meeting with team to confirm event details and planning future events.
• Meets weekly with advisors and garden manager.
• Coordinates volunteer experiences benefiting the Food Forest.
• Manages volunteer projects and ensures tasks are being completed.
• Leads educational tours in the Food Forest.
• Maintains space inside and directly outside of Food Forest.
• Maintains a clean work area especially after large service-learning events.
• Stores, files, sends and verifies service-learning hours.

Skills

Public speaking

Event planning

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Gardening knowledge

Adaptability

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SPARK app

Job description

Job Summary

The Food Forest Student Coordinator develops, plans, and coordinates all service events and projects. They maintain the ecological and horticultural design of the Food Forest; as well as, create a safe and comprehensive environment to help students learn and serve there. The Student Coordinator also works directly with community to further reach the goals of the Food Forest.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Plans and organizes details for upcoming service-learning events including meeting with team to confirm event details and planning future events.
• Meets weekly with advisors and garden manager.
• Coordinates volunteer experiences benefiting the Food Forest.
• Manages volunteer projects and ensures tasks are being completed.
• Coordinates and leads Food Forest service opportunities.
• Leads educational tours in the Food Forest.
• Inspires creativity and thoughtful responses when discussing topics with students.
• Creates a sense of place for the community around the Food Forest.
• Creates a safe experience for students, faculty, and staff to work and learn in the Food Forest.
• Maintains space inside and directly outside of Food Forest.
• Responsible for beautification and plant health.
• Maintains a clean work area especially after large service-learning events.
• Maintains overall integrity of job as a service-learning provider.
• Manages emergency situations (e.g. using SPARK app to monitor severe weather) and notifies appropriate authorities as needed.
• Maintains and organizes Food Forest POD.
• Attends end of semester evaluations and participates in the Food Forest Advisory Council.
• Stores, files, sends and verifies service-learning hours.
• Other Duties: Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current ADA certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Ability to work Saturdays mornings and Tuesday from noon-1pm for staff meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successfully completed a permaculture course.
• Attended previous service-learning events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Food Forest, gardening, and permaculture.
• Knowledge of the current conditions and potential hazards (e.g. fallen trees).
• Knowledge of the planting and care of trees, shrubbery, flowers and grass.
• Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the position.
• Skill in active learning by understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
• Skill in basic plant identification.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
• Ability to develop and deliver training presentations and programs.
• Ability to be resourceful while in the Food Forest.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to diffuse and respond professionally to stressful situations and difficult people.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
• Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with colleagues, coworkers, constituents, and volunteers.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to properly use gardening tools.
• Promote a common purpose consistent with stated University goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
• Possess the knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
• Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Present a professional image in word, action and attire.
• Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicates and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
• Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work outdoors in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 - 60 lbs.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Temporary jobs offered through FGCU's career site aim to support students financially while also offering valuable opportunities for skill development and networking. Additionally, non-students can also find temporary job listings that align with their skillset and career goals, providing flexible employment options in the FGCU community.