Spring Green Team Leader

Groundworksomerville; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a community-focused organization dedicated to empowering youth and promoting environmental justice. As a Spring Green Team Leader, you will lead a group of young individuals in engaging workshops and hands-on projects that address food systems, climate change, and community engagement. This part-time role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. With a commitment to diversity and equity, this organization is looking for passionate individuals ready to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates. If you are excited about working outdoors and leading youth in meaningful projects, this position is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Desire to work with youth in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of historical and current injustices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare curriculum and schedule for the Spring Green Team.
• Develop and teach workshops on environmental justice and advocacy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Initiative

Interpersonal Skills

Understanding of Social Justice

Biking

Gardening/Farming

Job description

Position Title: Spring Green Team Leader

Date: February 5, 2025

Reports To: Director of Youth Programs

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary

Who We Are

Groundwork Somerville is a community-based, action-oriented non-profit. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of environmental activists to grow a greener and more equitable Somerville.

Groundwork Somerville, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been “changing places and changing lives” in Somerville, Massachusetts since 2000. Through youth empowerment, urban farming, equitable food access, and community engagement, Groundwork sows the seeds of a healthy community. Our work is grounded in the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to economic, social, and racial injustice. We recognize that it is impossible to sustain a healthy community without holistically addressing these issues. As a result, we make an explicit effort to employ and empower youth of color and youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our educational programming specifically highlights the nuances of racism, sexism, and environmental injustice, and arms youth with tools to address these inequities. In addition, Groundwork strives to provide equitable access to food and land for all Somerville residents. We grow crops that have cultural significance to Somerville’s diverse community and provide equitable access to fresh produce through the Somerville Mobile Market. We strive to hold space where all Somervillians can gather as a community and celebrate the land and each other.

Essential Functions:

1. Prepare Green Team curriculum and schedule in collaboration with the Director of Youth Programs. This includes 10 weeks of programming with the Spring Green Team as well as a 1 week Green Team Spring Break.
2. Develop, teach, and facilitate workshops on food/environmental/climate justice, urban farming, bike safety, food systems, advocacy, community/civic engagement, and job skills for high school aged youth in collaboration with Youth Programs and Climate Resilience staff.
3. Support the Director of Youth Programs in coordination and communications for the Spring Green Team.
4. Manage a team of 6-8 youth to complete work projects (both physical garden and farming projects and environmental justice projects).
5. Create an environment that fosters community, safety, and learning for all youth.
6. Lead and ensure the safety of Green Team members during group bike rides between project.
7. Follow bike safety rules at all times.
8. Facilitate social dynamics, amongst youth, between youth and staff, and between youth and the wider community.
9. Provide mentorship and support to Green Team members.
10. Give and receive feedback from Green Team members.

Requirements:

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

1. Willingness and ability to ride around Somerville on a bike (We will provide a bike and helmet if a Green Team Leader does not have their own).
2. Willingness to garden and farm in light rain and cold or warm weather.
3. Ability to carry at least 20 lbs at a time.

Requisite Skills and Experience:

1. A desire to work with youth in a leadership role.
2. Ability to take initiative, plan, and prepare for a week's worth of programming at a time.
3. Organizational skills and ability to keep track of logistics, materials, and information.
4. Excited to work as a member of a small team with many moving parts.
5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Commitment to Groundwork Somerville's mission, youth empowerment, and anti-oppression work.
7. Strong understanding of historical and current injustices against immigrants, indigenous people, queer people, those with disabilities, and communities of color.
8. Previous farming and/or gardening experiences and skills are strongly preferred; or someone with a willingness to learn.
9. Proficiency in (any) other languages is welcome!

Location & Schedule:

02143 - Gardens across Somerville

Schedule: 10 hours a week, generally 3 days/week 3-5pm with the following exceptions:

1. 6 hrs week of March 17th-21st
2. 24 hrs April 22nd-25th

Start Date: Week of March 17, 2025

End Date: Week of May 26th, 2025

Pay: $20/hour

At Groundwork Somerville, respecting and celebrating diversity is a core value. We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all, within which each person can succeed professionally regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We work to foster understanding, communication, and respect among all people in the company in order to create an inclusive workspace.