Ogier Gardens Staff Lead

University of North Florida Alumni Association•Jacksonville, FL

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ogier Gardens Staff Lead, under the direction of the Senior Coordinator or above, participates in the design, development, and implementation of the Ogier Gardens departmental processes and/or programs. This role assists with the overall administration, policies, and procedures of all programs involving the Ogier Gardens, including overseeing a comprehensive gardening program, year-round food production, weekly food-safe harvests for volunteers, and deliveries to the Lend-A-Wing Food Pantry. The Staff Lead implements and recommends policies and procedures to ensure effective coordination of departmental programs.

Requirements

Trained in all aspects dealing with the Organic Garden, Orchard, & Vineyard.
Proficient marketing, promotion and public speaking in formal and informal settings.
Proficiency in written and oral communication skills and utilization of computers and web-based management systems.
Ability to foster a positive, cooperative work environment.
Ability to supervise and train student employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Knowledge in employee development and performance management skills.
Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
Ability to adapt to changing work environments, conditions and work schedules. Including irregular hours during nights, weekends and some holidays.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with varying completion dates to ensure deadlines are met.
Excellent risk management skills regarding organic gardening related activities.
Must be able to work weekends and early morning hours based on programming as required as a condition of continual employment.
Ability to comply with all policies and regulations of UNF and enforce policies that apply to University Recreation programs and services.
Visual and Auditory Abilities: Must be sufficient to monitor activities and events in designated area. Must be able to identify potential hazards during facility inspections.
Telephone, computer, and oversee and train for usage of lawnmower, weed trimmer, edger, pressure washer, chainsaw, leaf blower, tiller, drill, circular saw and other hand tools used in horticulture and irrigation maintenance.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Organic Farming, pest management, and beekeeping experience preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or graduated with a minor in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience.
Farm Food Safety Certified
Public Pesticide Applicator’s License
First Aid, CPR/AED
Master Gardener, Farm Business Management.
EPA’s Worker Protection Standard Train-The-Trainer.
Relevant trainings completed through the Cooperative Extension.

Responsibilities

Assists the Senior Coordinator of the Ogier Gardens with the design, development, and implementation of departmental processes and/or programs.
Oversees the one-acre Ogier Gardens property and comprehensive gardening program, year-round food production, weekly food-safe harvests for volunteers, and deliveries to the Lend-A-Wing Food Pantry.
Assists with the coordination of Ogier Gardens programs – educational workshops, Adopt-A-Bed garden plots, special events, and space reservations, and conducts tours for classes and the general public.
Assists with the development and implementation of a year-round comprehensive gardening program that engages diverse groups of students in volunteering, garden programs, workshops, and educational events.
Assists with collaborations and partnerships including academics, FTIC students, and Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Assists with the beautification and maintenance of the Ogier Gardens landscape for use in programming.
Assists with maintenance of the building infrastructure of the Ogier Gardens property.
Operates and repairs irrigation systems in the landscape, greenhouse, and all equipment utilized for the operation and maintenance of the Ogier Gardens.
Assists with fertilization and disease and pest management for a wide variety of crops.
Assists the Senior Coordinator with the management of Student Farmers, providing strategic guidance in the development of Ogier Gardens policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
Provides support to Student Farmers in their roles related to special events, adopt-a-bed management, social media, and other functions of Ogier Gardens programs.
Assists with the coordination, tracking, and supervision of Ogier Gardens volunteers.
Assists with program and facility equipment – ordering, inventory, inspections, and routine reports or checklists that support best practices for equipment management and maintenance.
Maintains Safety Data Sheets and instructions for using all potentially hazardous substances in the Ogier Gardens.
Assists with oversight and effective management of the acre of Ogier Gardens space, the hydroponic grow station in the Student Wellness Complex, and the additional 5,000 square feet of compost and beekeeping apiary.
Assists with the delivery and procurement of materials and inputs required for the successful operation of the Ogier Gardens.
Assists with the development and execution of a strategic marketing program to increase awareness and participation in Ogier Gardens events and programs.
Collaborates with on-campus sources such as marketing and publications, Osprey Update, calendar of events, and Spinnaker media.
Utilizes culturally relevant social media tools to maximize the program’s impact.
Maintains detailed records of garden tasks, planting locations, inputs, and field notes to comply with Organic standards.
Assists with Ogier Gardens program evaluation.
Assists with program reports as requested, including the department’s Annual Report and Report to Student Government with dynamic analysis of program use and statistics.
Assists with reporting achievements and accomplishments to external funders annually.
Designs and delivers presentations, workshops, and educational/training materials.
Serves as a mentor and coach to staff, students, interns, and volunteers.
Assists with providing ongoing feedback, training, and professional development opportunities to support their growth and success within the program.
Serves as a subject matter resource for all Ogier Gardens programming and provides guidance and support to staff, students, interns, and volunteers on industry best practices, safety guidelines, and to enhance educational opportunities.
Assists with the development and implementation of innovative strategies to expand and enhance the Ogier Gardens’ educational opportunities for UNF Students and the public.
Complies with all regenerative organic gardening regulations and ensures all farming certifications are current.
Assists with coordinating produce needs with the Lend-A-Wing Pantry and for educational programs.
Works with external partners and stakeholders to build strategic alliances and secure additional funding and resources to support the growth and sustainability of the Ogier Gardens program.
Works with community agencies in providing holistic programs and services.
Assists with the management and care of the UNF honeybee colonies.
Assists with the maintenance of beehives, collect honey and other bee products, and monitor the health and productivity of the bees.
Assists with hive inspections, address disease and pest issues, to maximize honey production while promoting sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices.
Assists with the implementation of a grant-funded, campus-wide composting pilot program, that collects and diverts food waste from the Campus Café, Dietetics Food Lab, and other locations serving food on campus.
Assists with the supervision of the Ogier Gardens Student Farmers.
Assists the senior coordinator with developing and managing the budget for areas of responsibility.
Works with the RecWell Business Office staff to support pcard reporting.
Works in all weather conditions, use various farming tools.