Garden Manager

Overview Preston Community Garden Pay Rate: $16.00 per hour Schedule: 15–20 hours per week (flexible schedule) Season: now through October (with possibility of seasonal renewal) Preston Community Garden is a nonprofit community garden dedicated to promoting food access, wellness, education, and kindness throughout the East St. Louis community. The garden serves as a nutritional resource, outdoor classroom, gathering space, and source of healing for residents of all ages. Through gardening, educational programming, volunteerism, and produce donations, we work to cultivate both healthy food and a stronger community. Position Summary The Seasonal Garden Manager is responsible for helping maintain the beauty, safety, productivity, and overall operations of Preston Community Garden. This individual will assist with garden maintenance, volunteer support, harvesting, event preparation, and community engagement while helping ensure the garden remains a welcoming and thriving space for all visitors. The ideal candidate is dependable, self-motivated, enjoys working outdoors, and has a passion for community service. Responsibilities Water, weed, mulch, and maintain garden beds. Monitor plant health and identify maintenance needs. Assist with planting, harvesting, and seasonal garden preparation. Support operation of irrigation and watering systems. Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the garden grounds. Site Operations Open and close the garden as needed. Organize and maintain tools, equipment, and storage areas. Assist with minor repairs and upkeep. Help maintain pathways, pavilion areas, children’s garden, blessing box, and other garden features. Welcome and assist volunteers. Provide basic guidance for gardening tasks. Support corporate, community, youth, and school volunteer groups. Promote a positive and inclusive environment. Community Programming Support Assist with produce distributions. Help prepare for community events such as Youth Day, Soil Therapy Saturdays, Fall Festival, and educational workshops. Support setup and breakdown of tables, tents, signage, and supplies. Recordkeeping Assist with documenting harvest quantities and garden accomplishments. Report maintenance needs to organizational leadership. Qualifications Preferred qualifications include: Passion for gardening, community service, or environmental stewardship. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Reliable transportation. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Experience with gardening, landscaping, farming, volunteer coordination, or community programs is preferred but not required. Desired Characteristics Dependable and punctual Friendly and welcoming Community-minded Self-motivated Positive and solution-oriented Respectful of diverse populations Passionate about making a difference Physical Requirements Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting for extended periods. Ability to work outdoors in heat, humidity, and changing weather conditions. Ability to safely lift and move garden supplies, soil, plants, and equipment. To Apply Interested applicants should submit the following to View email address on click.appcast.io: A resume or summary of relevant experience A brief statement describing their interest in the position and community gardening Preston Community Garden is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Join us in cultivating food, wellness, and kindness throughout our community. #J-18808-Ljbffr Preston Community Garden