CAC Campus Community Garden Temporary, Program Assistant

Associated Students of • San Jose, CA

6h • $19 • Onsite

About The Position

This position works in
a collaborative team environment, facilitating volunteers/students at the garden, serving as the key spokesperson for all programs and events to students and working with staff to strengthen daily garden operations. You will be responsible for helping with program and event day planning, record keeping, and leading small groups of volunteers during workdays. This position is ideal for someone who is interested in sustainable gardening practices, and community organizing.

Requirements

• Must currently be a matriculated San José State University student.
• Must be able to work 15-20 hours a week.
• Demonstrated experience in gardening, including familiarity with sustainable gardening techniques, plant care, composting, and irrigation systems.
• Prior training or coursework in environmental justice, sustainability, or related fields, with an understanding of how food systems, urban agriculture, and environmental policies impact marginalized communities.
• Experience working in a team setting, assisting with tasks, providing guidance, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment. Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse groups.
• Passion for food security, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives, with a commitment to promoting an inclusive and welcoming space for all participants.
• Strong ability to organize events, maintain schedules, and communicate effectively with volunteers, staff, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision from the garden coordinator, including making decisions on day-to-day operations, resolving conflicts, and addressing unexpected issues.
• Ability to think creatively and experience with leading groups.
• Experience in gardening/agricultural practices or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to gain core understanding of food justice, and organic food systems.
• Capacity to work effectively in a University environment and represent the goals and mission of Associated Students.
• Effectively work with a wide population of students and cultural needs.
• Must be able to properly use garden equipment; i.e., hoses, shovels, etc.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or carry garden supplies, up to 40 pounds.
• Must be available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am-4:00 pm
• Reliable and consistent work attendance and professionalism is required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous volunteer experience with the SJSU Campus Community Garden preferred or any related community organization, demonstrating familiarity with its mission, operations, and community engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the operations of the Campus Community Garden. For example, ensure all equipment (shovels, hoses, etc.) are in good working order, help manage the greenhouse to ensure proper seed propagation, collect compost, and ensure that the garden is well-maintained and is both a productive and safe working environment.
• Participate in summer orientation tabling sessions.
• Assist with developing strategies to involve students in the garden.
• Assist in managing volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support.
• Work with the Campus Community Garden Coordinator to maintain record keeping of planting schedules, composting logos and seeding schedule.
• Develop, plan, and facilitate workshops and events at the Garden designed to teach nutrition, sustainability, self-care, and/or environmental justice to students
• Research and help practice GAP (good agricultural practices) as set forth by USDA.
• Represent the CAC to the campus community (students, staff, faculty, leadership) and local community members and organizations via meetings, events, conferences, email communication, etc.; work to build reciprocal partnering relationships.
• Participate in all CAC staff meetings and professional development sessions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees