The Department

The Department of Neighborhood’s mission is to strengthen Seattle by engaging all communities.  One of the ways we do this is through the P-Patch Gardening Program which oversees 90 P-Patches distributed throughout the city.  Community gardeners grow food on 14.9 acres of land and stewards 18.8 acres for the public.

The Job

As a P-Patch Community Garden Coordinator you will oversee the successful functioning of up to 20 gardens.  In the last year there has been a surge in interest and participation in the P-Patch program for physical, emotional, and mental health as well as a means to improve access to healthy food. Your role will be to encourage community building and capacity, to nurture civic engagement, and foster environmental ethics inclusively and equitably with a wide range of participants. Being able to build strong and authentic relationships across cultures is foundational to this work.

You will manage:

• Property – working with property owners, city departments, public agencies, and private groups
• Activities – ensuring successful functioning of community garden and open space property
• People – recordkeeping, including fee collection, plot assignments, quality of plot usage, and adherence to program regulations
• Projects – volunteer-initiated or direct improvement and development project, including budgetary oversight
• Program Tools/Database – provide technical support

You will support development of:

• Programming – making programs more inclusive, including the use of translation and interpretation services
• Tools – create and implement written materials, rules and policies, best practices, etc. to aid volunteers
• Volunteer leadership – foster and support volunteer skill development – building community, communication, and conflict resolution
• Policies and guidelines – to address emerging issues in the community

To be successful in this role, you will be:

• Community minded – using an equity lens to find new ways to engage and involve more community members
• Organized – prioritizing and re-prioritizing as program needs and demands change
• Pro-active – taking the initiative, looking for ways to improve and expand the program
• Environmentally focused – practicing organic gardening and connecting people to nature and healthy produce
• Administratively capable – using tools like Microsoft Suite to enter and complete work and communicate with coworkers and program participants

In addition to having the ability to successfully accomplish the work listed above, the following are required:

Four years of related work experience

Or

Three years of related work experience

And

An associate’s degree related to horticulture, agriculture, social science, planning, environmental studies or a related field

Or

Two years of related work experience

And

A baccalaureate degree in horticulture, agriculture, social science, planning, environmental studies, or a related field

Licensure:  A current drivers’ license or evidence of equivalent mobility

Physical Demands: Gardening and tool operation demonstration work may involve safely lifting up to 50 pounds.  Work outdoors in all types of weather; and may require standing, walking, or bending for extended periods of time

To be considered for this role, please complete the online application fully and attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• A cover letter that explains your interest in this job and what you have done to build community capacity and engagement

This role will require a tetanus shot and a back strength and flexibility test for the successful candidate.

Questions?  Please contact Kate Moore at kate.moore@seattle.gov

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Office of Housing encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.