School Garden Partners 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 FELLOW - SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM FOCUS

REPORTS TO: School Garden Partners Program 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.

OVERVIEW OF THE SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM

The School Garden Partners (SGP) program aims to foster an environment where schools, students, teachers, and families, particularly from dense urban settings, can have access to and develop relationships with nature, food, and each other through gardens, nature-based education and other activities. This program works through direct partnerships with schools, their educators and some government agencies to create and maintain safe green spaces. City Blossoms provides each school with multi-year support to help establish gardens and programming that are uniquely shaped to reflect each school’s interests and community.

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 Fellow - School Garden Program Focus is responsible for mainly assisting the School Garden Program Manager in program development and implementation based on guidance from the City Blossoms Strategic Plan. Program assistance includes but is not limited to supporting workshops with participating children, co-leading educator trainings, developing workday plans, collecting and uploading data, garden maintenance, joining staff meetings, and continuing to foster community partnerships.

Additional responsibilities will be to support the rest of the City Blossoms team (8 hours per week), including but not limited to participation in workdays, community events, and regularly supporting Open Times. The 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, 2024 and ending November 22, 2024.

The Fellow must be able to:

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1- Program Administration

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

• Work with Program Manager to drive program progress, ensure engagement, and overcome any implementation obstacles that the program may encounter;
• Follow quarterly programmatic work plans;
• Maintain close communication with City Blossoms staff and partners to support successful program implementation;
• Participate in programming meetings to support planning and implementation;
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting (written and verbal) to staff on project processes;
• Support accurate and timely data collection and input into evaluation trackers.

2- Program Support

• Co-teach School Garden Program curriculum to participants+classroom;
• Support the creation of resources and materials;
• Support in facilitating educator trainings;
• Assist in the maintenance of the program gardens;
• Co-facilitate open time programming at 1-2 Community Green Spaces;
• Support City Blossoms events such as work days, 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;
• Provide City Blossoms with photos and material for social media, website , newsletters and email correspondences.

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 and FBI;
• Successful completion of DCPS 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.