SUMMARY:

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is a 51-year-old community organization and cultural hub committed to uniting and inspiring the surrounding community through programs aimed at the cultivation of young leaders, the preservation of Puerto Rican cultural heritage, and the stewardship of community land (our three “pillars”). We have six special gardens that, together, make up the NSNP active green space to amplify our sense of belonging and shared learning experiences. Our mission is to unite and inspire youth and families using the strengths of our community: shared cultural wisdom, creative energies, and environmental spaces and experiences.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION:

‍NSNP seeks a part-time Gardener to work 25 to 30 hours per week (5-6 hours per day, five days a week), beginning on March 31, 2025, with the potential to transition to full-time (35 hours per week) with some additional responsibilities beginning in July 2025. The Gardener will be paid at a rate of $20-23 per hour, commensurate with experience. NSNP’s Gardener will be responsible for the hands-on care, maintenance, and cultivation of five of NSNP's gardens: El Batey, Raíces, La Paz, Butterfly Garden, and the hoop house. The Gardener’s primary responsibilities will include food growing, stewarding native plants, and preserving Puerto Rican plant traditions. These gardens each have unique purposes and histories that the Gardener will work to maintain and uplift. This entails working closely with the Garden Co-Founder and other community elders to ensure the gardens’ histories are preserved and their futures align with NSNP’s mission. They will also be responsible for collaborating with the Garden Educator to ensure that the Raices de Cambio youth are involved in gardening processes. Additionally, the Gardener will serve as a resource for NSNP’s “Campesinx” community gardeners.

The Gardener reports to the Executive Director. This position also requires collaboration with the Garden Educator and Garden Co-Founder to align garden maintenance with NSNP's needs. The Gardener will also receive some training and direction from the Garden Educator in the first few months. However, this role is primarily independent and self-directed, with most work done solo in the gardens.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

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Garden Maintenance & Food Production (75%)
● Identifies, prioritizes, and fulfills needs across the five gardens: including planting, watering, pest maintenance, fertilization, weeding, pruning, staking, moving soil, and mulching in the five garden spaces outlined in this document, under the direction of the Executive Director and guidance of the Garden Co-Founder and Garden Educator.
● Identifies issues and needs that may require outside intervention (e.g., structural repairs, tree care, etc.) and proposes solutions to the Executive Director
● Coordinates distribution of any leftover produce from Farmstand.
● Support with physical needs related to the programs Raices de Cambio, Lxs Campesinx, and Chicken Tenders (e.g., move tools to the gardens).

● Properly disposes of plant matter in compost bins throughout the gardens.
● Removes trash from the interiors and perimeters of the five gardens at least once per week; may be needed to support with trash removal before events at the other two gardens.
● Collaborates with other individuals involved in the gardens, such as the Garden Co-Founder, Garden Assistants, Contractors, etc. Community, Youth & Volunteer Engagement (20%)
● Regularly visits Las Parcelas and Villa Africana Colobó gardens to engage with the Co-Founder and build a trusting relationship, which is essential for gaining a deep understanding of these gardens' history and significance to the Puerto Rican community in the Kensington neighborhood and reflecting that understanding in the gardens' care and maintenance.
● Welcomes interested neighbors to come into the gardens and engage in the space.
● Occasionally engages with youth when they have activities in the gardens, as requested
● In September and October, the Gardener will assist with two Volunteer/ Campesinx Workshop Days on the 4th Saturday of each month between 9am - 2pm.
● Identifies and communicates garden tasks to the Garden Educator in order to inform volunteer days
● Occasionally engages with tours as requested
● Occasionally supports community partner workshops or event rentals, by opening/closing gardens and setting up/breaking down tables, seating, waste bins, and related equipment as requested by the Communications & Events Coordinator.

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Administration (5%)
● Meets regularly with Garden Educator to stay connected to the NSNP team, identify areas where support is needed, and ensure youth are engaged in garden activities
● Uses and regularly updates annual crop plan and maintenance plan to track plantings and harvests, and to transition the gardens from season to season
● In collaboration with Garden Educator, maintains electronic records of all harvest data
● Collects data on crop yields and productivity, biodiversity metrics, and maintains inventory of tools and equipment

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QUALIFICATIONS:
● Two+ years of experience in urban farming and vegetable production, composting systems, disease and insect management, etc.
● Ability to work independently, outside in all weather (rain, heat, cold), and lift up to 50 lbs. safely
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills
● Ability to work collaboratively in a small team and to connect with people of all backgrounds
● Comfortable working with youth and engaging with diverse groups of people on a regular basis
● Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, including occasional Saturdays
● Organized and detail-oriented
● Enthusiasm for community building and gardening
● Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred, with knowledge of or interest in Latine/Latinx culture and foodways
● Culturally competent and inclusive

● Curious and caring for NSNP’s neighbors and the broader community
● Interested in developing a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican Culture
● Commitment to learning more about Kensington
● Showcases strong initiative in both humble and challenging tasks

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, references, and a resume to jobs@myneighborhoodproject.org with “[YOUR NAME] - PT Gardener” in the subject line.

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. NSNP is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQ+, elderly candidates, and candidates with disabilities to apply.

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