School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Springfield Public Schools MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools is seeking a School Gardens Maintenance Specialist to oversee garden installations, care, and maintenance across the district. You will work closely with the Director of Science, School Garden Teacher, and other educators to manage materials, schedules, and classroom projects.

Candidates should have 1–2 years of gardening experience, knowledge of various plants, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years gardening/horticulture experience required.
• Vegetable/fruit/native plant knowledge required.
• Associate degree preferred, or 3 years relevant experience substituted for degree.
• Must be organized with reliable work habits.
• Ability to communicate effectively with educators and students.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Director of Science, District ILSs, and School Garden Champions.
• Assist with garden installations, care and maintenance across SPS.
• Operate School Resource Center with Science Director and ILSs.
• Perform weeding, mulching, digging, raking, shoveling; lift up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Gardening knowledge

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Willingness to learn

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Email/internet use

Valid driver’s license

Education

Associate degree preferred

Job description

School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Springfield Public Schools SCIENCE - Springfield, Massachusetts

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Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

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 requires 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.

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"

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.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at [e-mail] .

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

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.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail] , the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr , or both.

Position Type: FT - Full Year

Salary: $41,145 to $54,423 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Organization-level Positions > Specialist

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.

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]