Senior Program Assistant, Garden Events

Associated Students of•San Jose, CA

8d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Action Center, a department of Associated Students, connects San Jose State University students with community service opportunities that deepen the educational experience while promoting a lifelong commitment to civic activism. 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, garden operations, mentoring garden program assistants, and leading small groups of volunteers during workdays. This position is ideal for someone interested in sustainable gardening practices and community organizing.

Requirements

Experience with gardening and agricultural practices or currently enrolled in the Environmental Studies or similar department.
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.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and make decisions that impact community safety.
Ability to follow complex written and oral instructions.
Ability to manage a project from start to finish.
Ability to facilitate group activities, lead volunteers, and coordinate group projects.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work as a team player.
Must be a current matriculated San José State University graduate student.
Served as a volunteer at the A.S. Campus Community Garden or equivalent experience OR is currently enrolled in the Environmental Studies Department, Department of Urban and RegionalPlanning or related department.
Requires an interest in gardening/agriculture.
Requires excellent time and project management skills.
Requires strong ability to multitask.
Requires excellent interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

supervision experience.
event planning experience.

Responsibilities

Leads the facilitation of the Next Generation Garden Leadership Program, completing tasks including but not limited to contacting prospective speakers, ordering supplies, ordering food, assisting with application review process, and day of facilitation.
Supports the coordination of garden events aimed at educating the campus community about sustainability, gardening, and environmental justice. This includes but is not limited to conceptualizing events, communicating budget constraints, creating supply lists, reviewing marketing materials, creating staffing plans, and day-of-event support. Hold regular group event planning meetings to collaboratively plan events as a team.
Advises the garden program assistant team in the development of events, best practices, and addressing program challenges.
Assesses garden programs for impact and makes recommendations for improvement to the Community Garden Coordinator.
Assists Community Garden Coordinator in planning the event calendar each semester.
Develop and assist in implementing marketing plans for events and programs.
Assist with volunteer sessions, open hours, and garden tours.
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 from campus partners, assist with seasonal planting, and ensure that the garden is well-maintained and is both a productive and safe working environment.
Research and help practice GAP (good agricultural practices) as set forth by USDA.
Represent the CAC and garden to the campus community (students, staff, faculty, leadership) and local community members and organizations via meetings, events, conferences, tabling opportunities, email communication, etc.; work to build reciprocal partnering relationships.
Participate in all CAC and garden staff meetings and professional development sessions.
Participate in summer orientation events if applicable.
Contribute to all CAC and garden special events and programs.
Complete tasks (e.g., errands, flyering, clerical support, research, phone calls, etc.) as assigned.
Perform other duties for CAC, garden, and AS as requested.