Richmond Community Garden Project Manager

The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) was founded in 1993 to bring together a collective voice among the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities to develop an alternative agenda for environmental, social and economic justice, and fight for the right of all people to a clean and healthy environment in which to live, work and play. In pursuit of this vision, APEN revolves around five strategies: building grassroots power, strengthening organizing capacity in API communities, forging strategic alliances, and advancing proactive agendas and policies towards systemic change.

APEN seeks to hire a part time project manager to research community garden project models and draft an implementation plan with key recommendations, in partnership with APEN’s Richmond community and local coalitions. This position will work closely with the Richmond organizing team, working towards APEN’s vision of building healthy, fair and just neighborhoods, as part of APEN’s Building Resilient Communities Strategic Pathway. The position reports to the Resilience Hubs Manager and will conduct research aligned with APEN’s organizing commitment which strives to integrate bold and authentic Asian immigrant and refugee leadership throughout the organization.

This position is non-exempt, 10-20 hours a week, lasting 12 months starting as early as January 2025. The hourly range is $35-44.50 or dependent on experience, with CA state sick time accrual and no other benefits. Exact schedule subject to a collaborative discussion.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research, participatory research, on the ground field work, evaluation & assessment (45%)
   • Review APEN community visioning process to date, and Resilient Communities Pathway, as a framework for developing the garden plan
   • Research types of community gardens including membership based, cooperatives, CSA-focused, plot based, seed saving, educational, medicinal etc and costs of long-term operations and maintenance
   • Research adjacent skills building opportunities, including irrigation, carpentry, food storage, soil remediation, etc
   • Create and collaborate around an inventory of potential land in North Richmond
   • Support the convening and logistics of field trips/site visits to other local farms.
   • Connect with other key trusted partners doing land work or resilience work for Richmond-wide landscape, engage in peer-learning and exploratory conversations around shared garden plans
   • Support the Richmond Organizing Team with convening the different membership bases around their visions, capacity, and interest in different community garden models and partners
   • Create a report of findings with recommendations at the end of the year given capacity, conditions, and long-term goals.
2. Curriculum Development & Community Engagement (40%)
   • Create a curriculum to engage Richmond members throughout the process. Disseminate research findings and incorporate community feedback into recommendations.
3. Network-building (15%)
   • Connect with other key trusted partners doing land work or resilience work for Richmond-wide landscape, engage in peer-learning and exploratory conversations around shared garden plans.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Aligned in values of equity, social justice, and the just transition framework.
• At least 3 years experience of research on land stewardship, community garden and/or urban sustainable agriculture, with or supporting working of fenceline communities, underserved populations.
• Familiarity with Just transition framework
• Excellent attention to detail, follow-through, and project management skills
• Ability to connect and build relationships with allied organizations from diverse sectors and backgrounds
• Strong research and writing skills
• Strong data analysis skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work effectively independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in GoogleSuite and Microsoft Office
• Experience working with grassroots community members
• Policy research experience preferred

ACCESSIBILITY AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will require applicants to work on a computer daily for long periods of time, and collaborate with staff through Zoom, email, and other digital platforms. APEN will provide a computer and other equipment needed to fulfill basic job responsibilities.

This position is expected to be mostly remote Q1-Q2, with occasional in-person meetings or events required in the remainder of the year. In addition, this position will also follow APEN’s COVID safety policies and protocols regarding in-person work. Masks are required to be worn in APEN offices and indoor events, with the exception of eating and drinking. All employees also are required to be vaccinated as part of our safety policy or be subject to weekly testing.

APEN will continue to closely monitor local and state health officials guidance around COVID and any additional guidelines around safety for people to return to offices and gather in-person as needed.

This position may occasionally require work during irregular hours including on nights or weekends, and will require some travel between our APEN offices.

This position will not require applicants to carry or move heavy equipment or regularly ascend or descend a ladder. This position will not require working in hazardous or unusual conditions such as outdoors in inclement weather.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are due electronically by clicking Apply Now. Position open until filled, preference given to application submitted before Dec 2, 2024.

The application must include:

• Resume
• Writing sample - curriculum or report example

Incomplete Applications will not be accepted.

APEN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, caste, or any other characteristic protected by law. APEN conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Queer, transgender, intersex, gender non-conforming, disabled, black and indigenous people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.