Community Garden Coordinator - Our Lady of the Lake University

On a foundation of faith, wisdom and trust in Divine Providence, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) empowers graduates to transform their communities, families, and professions. Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, OLLU stands as San Antonio's oldest regionally accredited institution of higher learning. A private, Catholic university, it currently enrolls approximately 1,800 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. With its main residential campus in San Antonio and additional locations in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley (La Feria), and online programs, OLLU extends its mission across Texas, the border region, and the nation. Academic Programs OLLU offers a rich academic portfolio of more than 30 undergraduate majors and minors, 14 master's programs and three doctoral programs. Courses are delivered through diverse formats to support traditional and non-traditional students alike. Job Description: Job Summary: The Community Garden Coordinator will advance the mission of Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) by leading hands‑on, place‑based community engagement through the OLLU Community Garden. This individual will oversee the daily operations, programming, and long‑term growth of the garden, supporting experiential learning, student engagement, and community partnerships. The position emphasizes program development, mentorship, and resource‑building to address food insecurity, promote sustainability and urban agriculture practices, and strengthen connections with San Antonio's Westside. Performance Evaluation Metrics: The Community Garden Coordinator will be evaluated annually based on effectiveness in garden operations, student engagement, community impact, program development, and alignment with OLLU's mission. Expectations reflect the part‑time (20 hours/week) nature of the position. 1. Garden Operations & Stewardship Maintains a safe, productive, and well‑organized community garden. Implements effective seasonal crop planning, maintenance, and harvest. Demonstrates responsible management of garden resources and infrastructure. 2. Student Supervision & Workforce Development Effectively supervises and mentor's undergraduate student workers and volunteers. Provides training and guidance that supports skill development in sustainability, teamwork, and leadership. Fosters an inclusive, educational, and collaborative work environment. 3. Food Access, Sustainability & Programming Coordinates consistent produce distribution to community partners. Implements sustainability initiatives such as composting and food waste reduction. Organizes educational workshops or events aligned with food systems and urban agriculture. 4. Community Partnerships & Program Growth Collaborates with local schools, community organizations, and campus partners. Supports program expansion through partnerships, outreach, and experiential learning. Contributes to long‑term planning, fiscal sustainability, and resource development for the garden. 5. Professionalism & Mission Alignment Demonstrates reliability, organization, and effective communication. Aligns work with OLLU's mission of education, service, equity, and community engagement. Represents the university positively in campus and community settings. Essential Functions: Oversee daily operations of the OLLU Community Garden, including crop planning, planting, maintenance, and harvest. Supervise and mentor undergraduate student workers year‑round, building their workforce skills in sustainability, agriculture, and leadership. Coordinate produce distribution to the on‑campus food pantry (Salud Center) and community partners to address food insecurity. Lead sustainability initiatives such as food waste composting (in partnership with the San Antonio Composting Project) and small‑scale economic models (produce sales, workshops). Organize community workshops and seasonal events on topics such as composting, container gardening, and nutrition. Collaborate with local schools to establish and support school gardens and garden‑based education. Work with Environmental Science & Sustainability (ESS) faculty to identify and secure grant funding, develop partnerships, and design projects that ensure the long‑term financial sustainability of the garden. Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of sustainable horticulture, soil health, seasonal crop planning, and organic growing practices. Understanding of composting and food‑waste diversion systems used in urban settings. Awareness of food insecurity, food justice, and community‑based food systems. Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate student workers and volunteers. Experience managing garden operations, schedules, and daily task coordination. Skills in basic project management, inventory tracking, and tool management. 3. Health, Safety & Compliance Knowledge of garden and compost safety practices and safe tool use. Familiarity with relevant local ordinances, campus policies, and risk‑management standards. Strong written and verbal communication with students, partners, and community members. Experience supporting workshops, tours, or outreach related to gardening and sustainability. Ability to collaborate with faculty and partners on program growth and sustainability. Strong organizational and time‑management skills across multiple timelines. Ability to work independently while collaborating with diverse partners. Adaptability to weather conditions, changing priorities, and program needs. Initiative in improving garden systems, sustainability practices, or community impact. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a closely related field or equivalent professional experience required. Practical, hands‑on experience with sustainable agriculture, urban gardening, composting, or food systems initiatives is required. Strong organizational and leadership skills, with experience coordinating projects, programs, volunteers, students, or staff is required. Demonstrated ability to manage day‑to‑day operations while contributing to long‑term program growth is required. Alignment with Catholic values and Our Lady of the Lake University's mission of education, service, and community engagement. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Agriculture, or a related field. Experience developing educational or experiential programming (e.g., workshops, trainings, service‑learning, or community outreach). Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or program development related to sustainability, food systems, or community‑based initiatives. Familiarity with community partnerships, nonprofit collaboration, or place‑based engagement in urban or underserved settings. Additional Information: Questions regarding this position can be referred to Briana Salas, PhD- Associate Professor, Department of Math & Science at View email address on click.appcast.io. Employment with Our Lady of the Lake University is contingent upon the applicant undergoing a background investigation. OLLU seeks to attract, develop and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administrators. The University is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. EOE Our Lady of the Lake University uses E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit Application Instructions: Please submit online application as well as a cover letter and resume. #J-18808-Ljbffr Our Lady of the Lake University