School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Job Duties Works collaboratively with the Director of Science, District ILSs, School Gardens Teacher, other educators, and School Garden Champions. In conjunction with the School Garden Teacher, responsible for garden installations, care, and maintenance across SPS. Work with the Director of Science and the District Science ILSs in the operation of the Science Resource Center. Gardening requires bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, lifting (sometimes up to 50 pounds), walking, kneeling, standing, exerting force with legs and arms, pushing, pulling, and other physically demanding activities. Receive, inspect, store, and deliver garden/science materials. Responsible for weeding, mulching, digging, raking, and shoveling. Responsible for pruning fruit trees. Responsible for planting, transplanting, dividing, and composting. Work in all types of weather, and exposure to the outdoor elements is required. Keep track of inventory and communicate need to School Gardens Teacher. Maintain the orderly storage of materials. Work in cooperation with the school site administrators. Cooperatively work with educators and other staff members. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Requires at least 1-2 years of experience in gardening, horticulture, or agriculture. Plant and gardening knowledge (vegetable, fruit, and native plants) required. Relevant associates degree preferred, or educational requirement may be substituted for at least 3 years of experience in relevant field. Highly organized. Demonstrates effective and reliable work habits, including regular and punctual attendance, and shows a willingness to learn new work skills. Ability to communicate effectively with educators and students in a friendly and supportive manner. Ability to work as an effective team member in a diverse educational, multicultural environment. Ability to perform duties and responsibilities independently with minimal supervision. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to be outdoors physically working in the elements. Skill and ability to access email and the internet. Possession of a valid driver’s license and use of own transportation is required. Ability to drive industrial van and dump truck required. "If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!" About Our District Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. Join a team that Empowers Educators In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways. If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at View email address on click.appcast.io. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness. NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools' Title IX Coordinator, View email address on click.appcast.io, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights at or both. The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io. Springfield Public School's sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr