SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the ASI Student Services Manager, the Garden Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and programming of the CapRadio Garden, and for coordinating the ASI Food Pantry's fresh produce supply chain. This includes maintaining weekly pick-up schedules with the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) and Soil Born Farms, planning and executing garden planting/harvest cycles, and tracking produce intake and garden data to support ASI Food Pantry strategy and reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Garden Operations & Maintenance:

Plan and execute planting, weeding, harvesting, and composting at the CapRadio Garden. Maintain garden tools, equipment, and infrastructure. Deliver harvested produce to the ASI Food Pantry.

Garden Planning:

Plan seasonal planting and harvest schedules (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). Plan and implement strategic improvements to garden layout, workflow, and policies, with final approval from the Director of Sustainability.

SFBFS & Soil Born Farms Pick-Ups:

Maintain a weekly produce pick-up schedule with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and Soil Born Farms. Obtain clearance to operate ASI Food Pantry vehicles. Apply post-harvest best practices to extend produce lifespan. Inspect produce and package for cold storage or storefront distribution. Sign delivery receipts and invoices for Soil Born Farms orders.

Strategy & Data Tracking:

Maintain detailed produce intake and garden records in PantrySoft inventory management, including deliveries from purchased sources such as Produce Express. Meet with the ASI Food Pantry Coordinator twice a month for produce updates. Attend Food Pantry Advisory Council meetings twice a year. Report garden-related needs or issues.

Volunteer & Community Management:

Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers. Maintain site safety.

Programming & Education:

Facilitate tours and educational workshops on gardening, nutrition, and environmental science as opportunities arise.

Outreach:

Build and maintain partnerships (Office of Sustainability, Soil Born Farms, SFBFS); promote the garden to the campus and community. Administrative task includes maintaining an inventory of supplies Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills Understanding of sustainable gardening practices, soil health, and pest management Ability to organize work effectively, meet recurring deadlines, and maintain accurate records Ability to work collaboratively with campus partners (Office of Sustainability, Food Pantry staff, SFBFS, Soil Born Farms)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience in gardening, horticulture, or organic farming Understanding of sustainable gardening practices, soil health, and pest management Ability to obtain clearance to drive ASI Food Pantry vehicles Capability to perform strenuous outdoor tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs Basic proficiency with inventory/data-tracking tools (e.g., PantrySoft or similar)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

2+ years of garden or farm leadership experience Experience coordinating produce donation logistics with food banks or farms Strong volunteer management and community engagement background A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out-of-state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations. Once hired the employee must complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses. Additionally, within the first 2 weeks of employment, the candidate selected must receive a ServSafe Food Handlers permit. This certification will be paid for by Associated Students, Inc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, touch, handle, feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.

The employee must:

Regularly move up to 50 pounds Must be able to reach overhead

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor garden setting (CapRadio Garden), with regular driving to Soil Born Farms and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services for pick-ups; some administrative/office time for data tracking.