Growing Gardens: Eastern Oregon Educational Coordinator
Company: Growing Gardens
Annual Salary: $23.31/hour
Location: Eastern Oregon
Application Deadline: January 1, 2025
TITLE: Eastern Oregon Educational Coordinator
HOURS: 18.75 hours per week
WAGE: $23.31/hour
BENEFITS: Partial benefits package
For the 1st time in our organization’s history we are hiring for a part-time position in Eastern Oregon to work with our Lettuce Grow program in at least 3 correctional facilities SRCI (Snake River Ontario Or). PRCI (Powder River) Baker City Or., and EOCI (Eastern Oregon State Corrections, Pendleton, Or to teach classes, oversee our agriculture program, support greenhouse operation/development and production. This will require traveling to sites and getting a badge through the Oregon Department of Corrections.
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their application by 1/30/2025 at 5pm.
How to Apply: Send a one-page cover letter, video, or an audio clip expressing your interest and qualifications to Rima@Growing-Gardens.Org.
Do you live and work in Eastern Oregon? Are you connected to the food system and agriculture work? Do you enjoy teaching about agriculture, horticulture or growing food?This is a new position and direction for the Lettuce Grow program to have a person located, living and working in Eastern Oregon. This position will require on-site work at Oregon Correctional Facilities. This also includes coming to Portland at last 3 times a year for team and organization connections. This is not a remote position.
For the 1st time in our organization’s history we are hiring for a part-time position in Eastern Oregon to work with our Lettuce Grow program in at least 3 correctional facilities SRCI (Snake River Ontario Or). PRCI (Powder River) Baker City Or., and EOCI (Eastern Oregon State Corrections, Pendleton, Or to teach classes, oversee our agriculture program, support greenhouse operation/development and production. This will require traveling to sites and getting a badge through the Oregon Department of Corrections.
Special note: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely than white men to apply to jobs where their qualifications don't match 100% the job description. If you are interested in the position, but don't meet all of the criteria, we encourage you to apply. Candidates who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color are encouraged to apply for this position.
Benefits and Work Environment
As an organization we strive to provide a living wage and a work environment where staff members are valued and able to thrive. We offer a variety of benefits based on weekly hours worked. For this position, which is 0.5 FTE, benefits include: $750/year toward alternative healthcare, Employee Assistance Program, annual $250 professional development stipend, 3-day People’s Institute Undoing Racism training, gas mileage reimbursement, employer retirement contribution (2% of gross earnings), life insurance, pro-rated vacation and holiday pay, and accrued sick pay.
Application Details
Job Description
This position works directly with the Lettuce Grow Program Director in a variety of tasks, the Eastern Oregon Educational Coordinator will work inside of correctional facilities teaching gardening classes, supporting the development of classes and working to support and maintain the gardens with Adults in Custody inside the three correctional facilities mentioned.
Education
● Work inside of correctional facilities teaching classes and working in gardens with Adults in Custody (AIC)
● Work with AIC to explore additional educational opportunities
● Grade final exams, report scores, receive and send out certificates to the appropriate sites.
● Be a well-versed horticultural resource for AICs inside of correctional facilities and do research to follow up with unanswered questions as needed.
● Travel to Lettuce Grow sites, the ones listed above in Eastern Oregon
● Print and organize class materials for each class
● Working with the site to implement garden plans
● Seed, plant and harvest support at each site, and or secure the seeds, plants and resources need to make the garden at each site successful
Communications
● The Eastern Oregon Educational Coordinator will be responsible for initiating and responding to, and communicating withSites which are assigned to them, Oregon State University, Growing Gardens teams and various other organizations.
● Maintain records and outcomes in written form to share with the Lettuce Grow team for grant reports and program updates
● . Coordinate the data collection and surveys information we collect device appropriate methodology for displaying and distributing information
● Manage phone calls and correspondence assigned sites, (E-mail, letters, packages etc.)
● Maintain and update an online calendar to ensure date sensitive activities are completed in a timely manner
● Strong adherence to all Department of Corrections protocols, rules, and regulation and training requirements. Will need to complete the processes to gain an Oregon Department of Corrections Badge to enter into facilities unaccompanied.
Coordinate
● Support volunteers include implementing training, submit LEDS and visitor authorizations, track information, update databases, as well as recruit volunteers for sites.
● Event support including procuring donations (In-Kind donations) for Lettuce Grow specific events
● Pick up garden supplies to bring to various Lettuce Grow sites
● Plan, complete, and file all paperwork to get each class started at assigned sites (including for volunteers) and permissions in place.
Relationship Building
● Develop partnerships with each site listed and understand the unique needs of each facility
● Be the eyes and ears in Eastern Oregon to deepen our partnerships and to be the GG representative in Eastern Oregon
● Attend events and meetings in Eastern Oregon to spread the word and work of Growing Gardens and Lettuce Grow
● Attend GG meetings, both in-person and virtually
● Support in building community connections that help Lettuce Grow programming
● Any other duties that are determined by the Program Director
Essentials
● Driver’s License and a reliable car. Willingness to drive between correctional facilities in Eastern Oregon.
● Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. This position will require loading and unloading large bags of compost, bales of straw, and wood a few times a year.
● Ability to sit or stand at a desk in front of a computer screen
● Ability to stand, bend, and use garden tools in the garden for minimum 5 hours per week.
● Ability to self-manage without direct supervision
● Direct experience working within large institutions, schools, government entities or military organization- this could be lived experience as well
● Building relationships with each correctional facility to understand the needs and opportunities to implement Lettuce Grow programming
● A high level of attention to detail is required since there are multiple and varied requirements from all our partners.
Skills We Are Seeking
● Has lived experience that is relevant to our work, mission, and anti-racism values
● Proficiently able to read, write, and speak proficiently in English
● Excellent communicator (in-person, electronically, in groups, and over the phone)
● 1-2 years experience facilitating groups and classes
● 1-2 years of experience gardening in the Pacific Northwest, experience gardening in eastern Oregon is highly desirable.
● Great organizational and project-tracking skills
● Confident working with or learning various types of computer software, including experience in Word, Excel, and Google suite
● Willingness to accept challenges and learning opportunities
● Works great with teams and independently with limited supervision
● Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends
● Comfortable working both in-office and remotely
● Greenhouse management skills are desirable
● Confllict resolution background
Recommended experience that would be helpful but not required
● Experience with anti-racism principles and practices
● Experience in community organizing, community wellness, food justice, or food sovereignty
● Prior participation in the Lettuce Grow programming or experience with Growing Gardens
Our work at Growing Gardens is more effective when we have a diversity of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives collaborating together towards a common goal. We recognize that in order to truly promote equity we must be aware of injustices past and present and prioritize our policies and systems in ways that dismantle the current hierarchy. We respect the inherent knowledge and expertise of those that have been most impacted by systemic injustice. We actively seek out and elevate the voices of those in our community that have been silenced, erased, and marginalized.
Candidates who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color are encouraged to apply for this position.