School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Springfield-Public-Schools,-Ma; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools seeks a Garden Technician to support the School Garden initiative across SPS facilities. You will assist in installing, maintaining, and caring for garden spaces and related science projects, working closely with the School Garden Teacher and District staff.

The role requires outdoor, physically demanding work and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Associates degree preferred, with 1–2 years gardening experience and reliable attendance.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 1-2 years of experience in gardening, horticulture, or agriculture.
• Plant and gardening knowledge (vegetable, fruit, and native plants) required.
• Associate degree preferred, or educational requirement may be substituted for at least 3 years of experience in relevant field.
• Highly organized and reliable with regular attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with educators and students in a friendly and supportive manner.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Director of Science, District ILSs, School Gardens Teacher, and School Garden Champions.
• Install, care, and maintain school garden areas.
• Operate the Science Resource Center with the Director of Science and District ILSs.
• Manage outdoor work and weather-related activities.
• Maintain inventory and communicate needs to the School Gardens Teacher.

Skills

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Effective communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Duties:

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Science, District ILSs, School Gardens Teacher, other educators, and School Garden Champions.
• In conjunction with the School Garden Teacher, responsible for garden installations, care, and maintenance across SPS.
• Work with the Director of Science and the District Science ILSs in the operation of the Science Resource Center.
• Gardening required bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, lifting (sometimes up to 50 pounds), walking, kneeling, standing, exerting force with legs and arms, pushing, pulling, and other physically demanding activities.
• Receive, inspect, store, and deliver garden/science materials.
• Responsible for weeding, mulching, digging, raking, and shoveling.
• Responsible for pruning fruit trees.
• Responsible for planting, transplanting, dividing, and composting.
• Work in all types of weather, and exposure to the outdoor elements is required.
• Keep track of inventory and communicate need to School Gardens Teacher.
• Maintain the orderly storage of materials.
• Work in cooperation with the school site administrators.
• Cooperatively work with educators and other staff members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Requires at least 1-2 years of experience in gardening, horticulture, or agriculture.
• Plant and gardening knowledge (vegetable, fruit, and native plants) required.
• Relevant associates degree preferred, or educational requirement may be substituted for at least 3 years of experience in relevant field.
• Highly organized.
• Demonstrates effective and reliable work habits, including regular and punctual attendance, and shows a willingness to learn new work skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with educators and students in a friendly and supportive manner.
• Ability to work as an effective team member in a diverse educational, multicultural environment.
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to be outdoors physically working in the elements.
• Skill and ability to access email and the internet.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and use of own transportation is required.
• Ability to drive industrial van and dump truck required.

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3 rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting‑edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, handicap, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail] .

Position Type

FT - Full Year

Salary

$43,650 to $57,737 Per Year

Job Categories

Organization‑level Positions > Specialist

Job Requirements

• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Ronald P St. Amand , Director of Science
• SCIENCE
• Phone: [phone] x55433
• Email: [e-mail]