Horticulturalist - Unity Garden Coordinator

Horticulturalist - Unity Garden Coordinator Chattahoochee Nature Center - 3.9 Roswell, GA Job Details Full-time 21 hours ago Qualifications Growing experience Records maintenance Outdoor work Team leadership Spreadsheets Word embeddings Implementing sustainable farming practices Driver's License Delivery driving Productivity software Pesticide Applicator's License Managing horticultural teams

Full Job Description Job Announcement:

The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) is an environmental education facility that focuses on the interpretation of flora, fauna, and human interaction with the Chattahoochee River. Horticulture at CNC is a vital component of a positive guest experience, and the Horticulture department strives to inspire the 150,000 visitors annually by increasing their connection to the natural world through an extensive collection of native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, and Unity Garden.

Position Summary:

The Horticulturalist - Unity Garden Coordinator position oversees the planning, production, and daily operations of the Unity Garden, a working garden that provides fresh, organically grown produce to the North Fulton Community Charities food bank. This role combines hands-on vegetable production, volunteer engagement, and community education, with a focus on regenerative and sustainable growing practices. The ideal candidate is an experienced grower who is equally comfortable working in the soil, leading volunteers, and sharing knowledge with the community. This position requires strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for using food production as a tool for community impact. This position entails three workdays per week in the Unity Garden and two workdays per week working alongside the Horticulture team in other CNC native plant gardens. The position is full-time, non-exempt and reports to the Director of Horticulture and Grounds.

Key Responsibilities:

Garden Operations & Food Production Plan and manage seasonal vegetable production, including crop selection, planting schedules, and harvest timelines. Oversee all aspects of garden maintenance, including bed preparation, planting, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Implement regenerative and organic farming practices, including crop rotation, soil health management, composting, and natural pest control. Ensure consistent, high-quality yield to support weekly or ongoing donations to the North Fulton Community Charities food bank. Maintain garden infrastructure, including tools, irrigation systems, fencing, and storage areas. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Horticulture and Grounds. Volunteer Coordination & Engagement Lead volunteers to support garden operations. Create a welcoming, inclusive, and productive volunteer experience. Provide hands-on instruction in gardening techniques, safety, and best practices. Coordinate group volunteer days, including corporate and community service groups. Education & Community Impact Support educational programming related to gardening, sustainability, and food systems. Engage visitors and participants in understanding the impact of the Unity Garden and food insecurity in the local community. Serve as a visible ambassador for the garden's mission and community partnerships. Harvesting, Distribution & Logistics Prepare, pack, and deliver produce to North Fulton Community Charities (or coordinate delivery logistics). Track production output and maintain basic records of harvest quantities and crop performance. Operations & Team Collaboration Work collaboratively with horticulture, facilities, and program staff to support broader campus initiatives. Assist with special events, seasonal programming, and organizational needs as required. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment. Qualifications & Requirements 2-4 years of experience in vegetable production, farming, or market gardening (organic/regenerative preferred). Strong knowledge of seasonal crop planning, soil health, and sustainable growing practices. Experience working with volunteers, community groups, or educational programs. Ability to lead small groups and communicate clearly with diverse audiences. Valid driver's license and ability to operate a vehicle for deliveries and supply runs. Basic record-keeping and organizational skills. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, primarily Excel and MS Word Must obtain a Georgia Pesticide Applicator's License, Category 24, within 6 months of employment. Additional Requirements Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions (lifting up to 50lbs, bending, kneeling, extended standing). Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events as needed. Flexibility to adapt to seasonal demands and changing priorities. Work Environment Primarily outdoor work in a garden setting, with seasonal variation in workload. Regular interaction with volunteers, staff, and the public.