Elementary & Middle School Garden Coordinator, Salem Public Schools, (INTERNAL CANDIDATES) Salem, MA [SY 2025-2026]

Salem Public Schools•Salem, MA

About The Position

About Salem Public Schools , where belonging leads to opportunity. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity , and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website at https://salemk12.org/ . The School Garden Coordinator Position SPS is seeking experienced Salem educators to serve as the School Garden Coordinator through the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The School Garden Coordinator is responsible for the year-round maintenance, coordination and management of their school garden Google Classroom, and instructional readiness of their school’s garden. This role will ensure that the garden is healthy, well-supplied, and aligned with the school garden lessons and each school’s planting guide so all students can successfully participate in at least one garden-based learning experience per season (spring and fall). The School Garden Coordinator will be supervised by the Program Director for Food Services and partner with building based leaders to ensure that garden experiences are equitable and accessible across the district. The compensation for this work will be $2,500 and paid out in two installments.

Requirements

Current educator in Salem Public Schools.
Experience with garden maintenance.
Experience with Google Classroom management.
Holds an unwavering belief that every student and teacher in Salem can grow and succeed.
Skilled in providing equitable access to the STEM enrichment experiences, particularly in underserved populations.
Able to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a team.
Has a strong work ethic, is self-directed, and has the ability to work independently.
Self-reflects and accepts feedback with a growth mindset.
Enthusiasm for, and experience with gardening.

Responsibilities

Garden Maintenance & Operations Maintain the school garden year-round, including planning, planting, watering, weeding, and seasonal bed preparation (spring, summer, and fall).
Ensure the garden space is safe, clean, and accessible for students and staff.
Participate in districtwide monthly garden meetings.
Planning & Supply Management Ensure the garden is equipped with necessary tools and materials (seeds, and starter plants) aligned with the planting guide.
In partnership with the school leaders, and with FNS, create and maintain a schedule for class use of and visits to the garden on operations hero.
Maintain and store garden tools and equipment on school property in clean, working condition.
Curriculum & Instructional Readiness Plant seasonal crops to support garden-based lessons as designed.
Ensure garden beds are ready and supplies are available for scheduled class visits.
Digital Curriculum Management (Garden Google Classroom) Manage and maintain the school’s Garden Google Classroom.
Ensure all curricular connections are current, accurate, and aligned with garden activities.
Harvesting & Distribution Deliver harvested produce to the school kitchen for crops not used in curricular activities.
Follow all school and district food safety guidelines during harvesting and delivery.