CCCAC Campus Community Garden Program Assistant

Position Title: Program Assistant, Community Garden 

Department: Cesar Chavez Community Action Center (CCCAC)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Full/Part-Time:  Part-Time 

Compensation: $17.55 per hour

Reports To: Campus Community Garden Coordinator

Click here to apply!

Associated Students Summary

Associated Students’ (A.S.) mission is to support and represent the students of San José State University by continuing the organization’s legacy of student advocacy and leadership; to enhance SJSU students’ education through high-quality programs and services; and to prepare students as they move towards a thoughtful and purposeful life after graduation.

A.S. is a non-profit auxiliary corporation serving the students of San Jose State University whose primary source of funding is from mandatory student body fees. A.S. Departments include the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, Child Development Center, General Services Center, Human Resources, Information Technology, Events, Marketing, Print & Technology Center, Student Government, and Transportation Solutions.

Position Summary 

This position works in a collaborative team environment, facilitating volunteers/students at the garden, serving as the key spokesperson for all programs and events to students and working with staff to strengthen daily garden operations. You will be responsible for helping with program and event day planning, record keeping, and leading small groups of volunteers during workdays.  This position is ideal for someone who is interested in sustainable gardening practices, and community organizing.

Essential Functions 

• Assist in the operations of the Campus Community Garden. For example, ensure all equipment (shovels, hoses, etc.) are in good working order, help manage the greenhouse to ensure proper seed propagation, and ensure that the garden is well maintained and is both a productive and safe working environment.
• Assist with developing strategies to involve students in the garden. 
• Assist in managing volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support.
• Work with the Campus Community Garden Coordinator to maintain recording keeping of plating schedules, composting logos and seeding schedule.
• Develop, plan, and facilitate workshops and events at the Garden designed to teach nutrition, sustainability, self-care, and/or environmental justice to students
• Research and help practice GAP (good agricultural practices) as set forth by USDA.
• Represent the CCCAC to the campus community (students, staff, faculty, leadership) and local community members and organizations via meetings, events, conferences, email communication, etc.; work to build reciprocal partnering relationships. 
• Participate in all CCCAC staff meetings and professional development sessions.
• Work with the team to develop and implement a volunteer culture on campus.
• Contribute to all CCCAC special events and programs.
• Participate in summer orientation events if applicable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to think creatively and experience with leading groups.
• Some experience of gardening/agricultural practices or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to gain core understanding of food justice, and organic food systems. 
• Capacity to work effectively in a University environment and represent the goals and mission of Associated Students.
• Effectively work with a wide population of students and cultural needs. 

Work Environment, Hours, and Physical Demands

• This job operates in a garden environment and routinely uses standard garden equipment.
• Must be able to properly use garden equipment; i.