Part-Time School Garden & Compost Coordinator

SHELBURNE COMMUNITY; Shelburne (VT); On-site; USD 11,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend based on Collective Bargaining

Job summary

Shelburne Community School seeks a part-time Garden/Compost Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year. The role focuses on maintaining outdoor learning spaces and developing a district-wide composting program, bridging classroom science with real-world sustainability.

The ideal candidate has horticulture knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with teachers, staff, and volunteers, while managing garden projects within a CB contract framework.

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of horticulture, seasonal crop planning, composting, and organic/sustainable land management practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to co-teach, facilitate adult PD, and manage volunteers.
• Ability to coordinate logistics, timelines, and community input to ensure the successful execution of garden projects.
• Ability to work cooperatively and interact respectfully with students, staff, parents, and outside organizations.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a seasonal planting calendar (crops, native plants, pollinators) to ensure productivity during the school year; oversee irrigation, soil health, weeding, and pest management using organic and sustainable practices.
• Coordinate the maintenance of all garden structures, including raised beds, greenhouse, and in-ground plantings.
• Work with food services and custodial staff to develop a composting program, with the goal of reducing our reliance on outsourcing compost pickup.
• Partner with K-12 teachers to schedule classroom visits to our outdoor learning spaces, be the point of contact for garden and compost questions, and act as a resource for teacher professional learning.
• Support partnerships with outside organizations to enhance our gardens and outdoor learning spaces.
• Recruit parents, students, and staff to support with gardening and compost upkeep; organize weekend or summer "Work Days" to ensure garden maintenance during school breaks.
• Seek out local and national grants to fund garden expansions, new tools, or specialized sustainability projects.

Skills

Horticulture

Crop planning

Composting

Sustainable farming

Job description

Shelburne Community School seeks a part-time Garden/Compost Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year. The role focuses on maintaining outdoor learning spaces and developing a district-wide composting program, bridging classroom science with real-world sustainability.

The ideal candidate has horticulture knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with teachers, staff, and volunteers, while managing garden projects within a CB contract framework.