School Gardens Maintenance Specialist

Responsibilities 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. 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 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. Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 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, veteran status, or marital status. In addition, the district prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is also committed to excluding discrimination on the basis of homelessness, and will treat applicants with transparency and respect. Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, in accordance with Title IX and related regulations. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or to make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership