Garden Fellow

NOTE TO APPLICANT: City Blossoms will only consider candidates for up to two fellowship positions maximum. To be considered for multiple fellowship positions, candidates should submit separate applications (resume and short essay responses) for each position they would like to be considered for through the Idealist portal.

CITY BLOSSOMS GARDEN FELLOW

REPORTS TO: Senior Operations Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Part-time

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

City Blossoms is a nonprofit that cultivates the well-being of our communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. We envision cities with abundant, accessible green space where communities thrive and children build lifelong connections to the natural world. Applying our unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, we "blossom" in neighborhoods where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green spaces.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

City Blossoms strives to create a work environment and programs based on our values:

• EQUITY. Strive to ensure access and inclusion for all
• DIVERSITY. Celebrate everyone's strengths and experiences
• RESPECT. Nurture compassion and consideration for all living things
• COLLABORATION. Enhance our impact by joining together
• CREATIVITY. Cultivate open-mindedness and experimentation

All City Blossoms programming aligns with our mission and strategic plan. City Blossoms staff work as a team to embody the values of the organization to carry out all aspects of our work.

POSITION SUMMARY

City Blossoms fellowships are designed to support the professional development of young leaders interested in community and youth engagement, non-profit management, outdoor education and/or environmental and food justice. Fellows work side-by-side with the City Blossoms team, receive training and coaching, and are provided the opportunities to lead their own projects within program areas.

The City Blossoms Garden Fellow is mainly responsible for facilitating the maintenance and garden operations for City Blossoms Green Spaces to support programming needs such as excursions, after-school programming, and coaching sessions. The Garden Fellow also supports garden material preparation including creating garden signage, and garden material distribution, including seedlings and resources.

Additional responsibilities include participating in staff meetings, continuing to foster community partnerships, and supporting volunteer workdays. The garden fellow will gain in-depth understanding of the role City Blossoms’ community-based green spaces play within the context of education and youth-centered programming in DC and experience managing kid-centered gardens. The Garden Fellow will receive mentorship and professional development to guide them in their career path and next steps after the Fellowship.

The position is 20 hours per week beginning March 18, 2025 and ending November 22, 2025.

The Fellow must be able to:

• Work in-person at the City Blossoms Studio and travel to Community Green Spaces (locations found on our website).
• Flexibility to work some 8 hour days between the hours 9:00am and 6:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1- Program Administration

Have an understanding of program goals, objectives, target groups, and approaches;

• Work with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and the Early Growers Manager to drive Early Growers program progress, ensure community engagement, and overcome any implementation obstacles that programs may encounter;
• Follow quarterly programmatic work plans;
• Maintain close communication with City Blossoms staff and partners to support successful program implementation;
• Participate in Early Growers program planning meetings to support and implementation;
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting (written and verbal) to staff on project processes;

2- Program Support

• Co-facilitate Open Time programming;
• Support the creation and preparation of outdoor garden signage (such as cutting out signs, sanding, priming, etc.), community-facing resources, and programming and garden materials;
• Work closely with Early Growers Manager to co-design and build new kid-focused gardens at Early Growers partner sites.
• Work with Senior Operations Manager and Deputy Director to refine systems for program material distribution including seedlings, cooking boxes, mini libraries, etc.
• Work closely with Early Growers Manager, Community Green Spaces Manager, and Deputy Director to maintain Community Green Spaces sites in alignment with program needs, including Open Time and early childhood excursions. This includes tasks such as creating and following watering and weeding plans, researching and implementing plant care and pest management strategies, and troubleshooting challenges that arise in our green spaces.
• Support the preparation for garden workdays across program sites, with guidance from Program Managers:
• Support in facilitating additional programming as needed;
• Support City Blossoms events such as community celebrations, fundraisers, etc.

3- Representation, Networking, and Collaboration

• Maintain good working relationships with team members, outside partners, and implementing organizations;
• Represent City Blossoms in relevant forums and develop/maintain relationships with implementing partners and other stakeholders.

Other tasks in line with the essential functions/responsibilities mentioned above may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High School Certificate or equivalent;
• Two post-high school years of employment or education;
• Experience working with kids and youth preferred;
• Interest working in diverse settings, on community-based initiatives, and directly with community members;
• Interest in landscaping, farming or gardening preferred but not required;
• Passion for City Blossoms’ mission.

Requirements

• Successful completion of background checks including DC MPD Clearance.

Skills

• Basic proficiency in another language preferred;
• At-home working in a collaborative, fast-paced professional setting;
• Strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Google applications;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and self-starter mentality;
• Preference for a highly collaborative and creative work environment;
• Comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting 20 pounds;
• Proficient presentation and public speaking skills.