Community Gardens Assistant

Job Description: COMMUNITY GARDENS ASSISTANT
PART TIME
PAY RANGE: $18.50 – 23.61/hr.

ABOUT ISLA VISTA RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT

Isla Vista Recreation & Park District (IVRPD) is an independent special district located in an unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County that serves approximately 15,500 people in the one-half square mile of Isla Vista near UC Santa Barbara. IVRPD’s mission statement is to enhance, improve, and protect the quality of life in the community through the maintenance and improvement of parks, and the organization and administration of recreation programs. IVRPD maintains twenty-five parks and approximately fifty-five acres of open space, much of which is environmentally sensitive habitat area for wildlife and native plant species. IVRPD was founded in 1972 and follows an organic maintenance policy.

DEFINITION/GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the direction of the District Clerk and Assistant General Manager, the Community Gardens Assistant is responsible for assisting with a variety of tasks relating to the operations for the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District Community Gardens Rental Program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Community Gardens Assistant performs a full range of duties as assigned including all maintenance and operational requirements of the community gardens program. This includes, but is not limited to garden maintenance, basic park maintenance duties (grappling trash, weeding, painting, etc.), volunteer and public collaboration, and billing disbursements. Employees at this level receive instruction from the Assistant General Manager, Grounds Leads, and the District Clerk, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the District.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from management team. Directly supervised by the District Clerk.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the administration of the Estero Community Garden Program.
• Assist in addressing Community Garden Program related matters and provide support for existing and new gardens.
• Lead information sessions at neighborhood meetings or local events.
• Manage all garden-related logistics including facilitating infrastructure improvements, soil deliveries, and water access issues.
• Managing the ongoing demands and needs of the gardens and forecasting future requirements and visioning of how to improve the delivery of gardening support services in the future.
• General maintenance of garden communal areas; hand weeding, mowing, and pruning of communal trees and plants.
• Assist in managing the public use of the garden plots, including billing and payments.
• Manage and coordinate volunteer projects and workshops in the community garden.
• Assist office staff with grant writing and reporting related to the Community Garden Program.
• Responsibilities will vary with specific tasks assigned as needed and to address the changing needs of the gardens.
• Assist in the communication and enforcement of community garden rules and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Garden education, basic Microsoft office applications, procedures of record keeping, office procedures, park restoration, volunteer coordination, as well as services and activities provided by the Isla Vista Recreation and Park District.

Ability to:

• Interpret, explain, and enforce District policies and procedures.
• Understand the organization and operations of the District.
• Keep track of several tasks and deadlines at once.
• Work cooperatively with District staff, public agencies, and local organizations.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Available to work weekends.
• Obtain CPR & First Aid Certification.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

• Experience in volunteer coordination, park maintenance, and garden education..
• Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Office/field environment; exposure to inclement weather conditions, ability to work closely with others.

Physical Demands:

Must possess ability to work in a standard office setting and use of office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various District and meeting sites. Although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required, including working in parks and during recreational events.

Must be able to meet the physical requirements for the position, including lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs, and occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and working close to the ground; handling and reaching, using hand tools and equipment.

FLSA/Wage Classification:

Job Type: Part-Time

Pay: $18.50 – 23.61/hr.

IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION

IVRPD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, IVRPD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

IVRPD expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of IVRPD's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including termination.

IVRPD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON-SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.