Garden/Compost Coordinator

Champlain Valley School District•Williston, VT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Allen Brook School (ABS) is seeking a part-time Garden/Compost Coordinator to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year. This dynamic role serves as the bridge between the natural world and the classroom, with responsibility for the physical maintenance of our outdoor learning spaces and the development of a school-wide composting program. We are looking for a dedicated nature enthusiast to ensure that our gardens are productive, safe, and beautiful, while acting as a pedagogical resource for teachers to integrate environmental science, sustainability, and nutrition into their curriculum.

Requirements

Proven knowledge of horticulture, seasonal crop planning, composting, and organic/sustainable land management practices.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to co-teach, facilitate adult PD, and manage volunteers.
Ability to coordinate logistics, timelines, and community input to ensure the successful execution of garden projects.
Ability to work cooperatively and interact respectfully with students, staff, parents, and outside organizations.
Physical capacity to manage outdoor infrastructure, lift and move equipment, and stand or walk for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Design and implement a seasonal planting calendar (crops, native plants, pollinators) to ensure productivity during the school year; oversee irrigation, soil health, weeding, and pest management using organic and sustainable practices.
Coordinate the maintenance of all garden structures, including raised beds, greenhouse, and in-ground plantings.
Work with food services and custodial staff to develop a composting program, with the goal of reducing our reliance on outsourcing compost pickup.
Partner with K-12 teachers to schedule classroom visits to our outdoor learning spaces, be the point of contact for garden and compost questions, and act as a resource for teacher professional learning.
Support partnerships with outside organizations to enhance our gardens and outdoor learning spaces.
Recruit parents, students, and staff to support with gardening and compost upkeep; organize weekend or summer "Work Days" to ensure garden maintenance during school breaks.
Seek out local and national grants to fund garden expansions, new tools, or specialized sustainability projects.