Garden Education Coordinator - Auburn, CA, Job ID 88560

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; Auburn (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources in Auburn, CA is seeking a program coordinator to manage afterschool garden education across three school sites, integrating garden stewardship with youth programming.

Responsibilities include overseeing garden operations, developing curricula, coordinating volunteers, building community partnerships, and managing the program budget; this 100% fixed career appointment offers a competitive salary and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience required.
• Continuing education in related field required.
• Thorough knowledge of gardening, youth development, community engagement, and experience with horticulture and sustainable gardening practices
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated skill in planning and developing new programs and curriculum and adjusting existing courses and curriculum in a continuing education environment.
• Thorough knowledge of current community educational programs and trends.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and manage volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Oversees garden operations across three school sites with seasonal planting and maintenance.
• Plans, develops, and delivers curriculum for youth, volunteers, and community members.
• Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers in the garden.
• Actively participates in long‑range strategic planning for the sites and programs.
• Coordinates garden activities with afterschool staff, teachers, and school nutrition services.
• Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through student/participant evaluations and the level of interest shown.
• In collaboration with the school district, helps develop and track the budget for the garden program.
• Develops and maintains new and existing program partnerships.
• Facilitates and supports special program events in the garden.

Skills

Gardening knowledge

Youth development

Community engagement

Curriculum development

Volunteer recruitment & management

Strategic planning

Budgeting & coordination

Education

Associate degree in related areas

Continuing education in related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Job description

Job ID: 88560

Location: AUBURN

Employment Type: Full Time

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the management, development, and delivery of afterschool garden education programming across three Auburn Union School District (AUSD) school garden sites. The role integrates garden stewardship, hands‑on youth education, program coordination, and community partnership development.

Garden Management & Stewardship

Oversees garden operations across three school sites, including seasonal planting and maintenance, soil health, irrigation, raised bed management, and garden improvement projects.

Youth Education & Programming

Develops and delivers garden‑based educational programming for youth enrolled in three afterschool programs in collaboration with AUSD expanded learning, education, and nutrition services staff.

Volunteer Coordination & Community Engagement

Coordinates monthly volunteer workdays, including outreach, recruitment, orientation, training, and on‑site supervision. Develops and maintains relationships with volunteers, community partners, and county agencies to support program activities.

Partnership & Program Development

Builds and maintains partnerships with classroom teachers, parent volunteers, and community organizations to expand school‑community connections and strengthen garden education programming.

Administrative Responsibilities

Provides budget oversight and coordinates purchasing to support garden operations and program needs.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

Pay Scale

$53,100/year to $71,400/year

Job Posting Close Date

This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 9/11/2026.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% Oversees ongoing care and upkeep of the garden to support program activities.
• 20% Plans, develops, and delivers curriculum for youth, volunteers, and community members.
• 10% Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers in the garden.
• 10% Actively participates in long‑range strategic planning for the sites and programs.
• 10% Coordinates garden activities with afterschool staff, teachers, and school nutrition services.
• 5% Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through student/participant evaluations and the level of interest shown.
• 5% In collaboration with the school district, helps develop and track the budget for the garden program.
• 5% Develops and maintains new and existing program partnerships.
• 5% Facilitates and supports special program events in the garden.

Requirements

• Associate degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience.
• Continuing education in related field required.
• Thorough knowledge of gardening, youth development, community engagement, and experience with horticulture and sustainable gardening practices
• Thorough and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated skill in planning and developing new programs and curriculum and adjusting existing courses and curriculum in a continuing education environment.
• Thorough knowledge of current community educational programs and trends.
• Thorough knowledge in long‑range strategic planning for community educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and manage volunteers.

Preferred Skills

• Thorough knowledge of organization policies and procedures.
• Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments, i.e., Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job‑related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• If working with youth: Must comply with regulatory agency reporting requirements (California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act).
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke‑and tobacco‑free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes), are strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
• 1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are some forms of misconduct: UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
     • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
     • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
     • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

About Us

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well‑being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.