School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Garden Installation Specialist

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.

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 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.

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 required, 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!"

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.

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.