Programs Assistant at Sunflower Hill - 9022

SUMMARY:
The Sunflower Hill Programs Assistant is an integral part of the Sunflower Hill Gardens team. You will work alongside the Lead Farmer and Garden Teacher assisting in the day-to-day garden operations and programming. On farm days, Monday and Wednesday, you will support the Lead Farmer to maintain the garden infrastructure, performing landscaping and gardening activities. On program days, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, you will support the Garden Teacher to implement dynamic programs to enhance the experience and meet the needs of those we serve -- High School Special Education classes, Transition Programs and Adult Day Programs. You will also give task direction/training to garden volunteers as it relates to visiting program support. One Saturday a month you will serve as the SFH lead staff member, in partnership with our Volunteer Assistant, to oversee our weekend volunteer efforts in the gardens, leading to the overall success and stewardship of our space. This role will also work closely with the Programs Manager to further develop and innovate the Stable Café vocational program, which occurs one Sunday a month, coaching participants on café operational skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions listed below are general examples and not a description of comprehensive duties. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on program needs without changing nature or scope of this position or level of responsibility. May be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

• Support Garden Teacher to facilitate program/class visits: With an understanding of the curriculum established by the Garden Teacher, serve as assistant teacher on program days. This may include task launching, working alongside our I/DD participants in the garden, and leading closing snack/discussion time. May also include leading lessons or garden tours as needed, or developing and implementing curricular lessons as tasked or show interest in.
• Support diverse garden work teams: In collaboration with the Lead Farmer, Garden Teacher, and Vocational Coach, identify appropriate work tasks and work teams (maintaining rancher/staff ratios), providing oversite and task modification in the field as needed.
• In collaboration with the Lead Farmer, Garden Teacher, and Vocational Coach, identify work tasks, work teams and oversee that the various work teams are executing well.
• Understand the instructional garden curriculum and how to best implement and adapt for our garden participants and their diverse needs.
• Act as the Lead Teacher when the Garden Teacher is out. This may include acting as the primary point of contact for the programs, performing scheduling duties, and assigning work flow to the gardens team to ensure the programs run smoothly.
• Assist with tracking programmatic and harvest data for grants reporting.
• Work under the direction of the Lead Farmer in activities related to maintaining and implementing the crop plan, leading to a successful garden environment for programs.
• Work under the direction of the Vocational Coach to plan and implement vocational and life skill training for workability program teams receiving targeted job skill training.
• Collaborate with the Garden Team on ways to implement and adapt therapeutic, vocational, and life skill lessons for larger program visits.
• Work under the guidance of the Programs Manager to develop and implement coaching and process-based skills for the Stable Café program.
SCHEDULE
• Farm Days: M/W 8am-1pm
• Program Days: T/Th/F 8am-1pm, 8-9am farming assist ahead of programs,
• 1 Saturday/month: 8:30am-12:30pm
• 1 Sunday/month: 7:45am-12:30pm

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• College bachelor’s degree
Experience
• One or more years of teaching experience or experience working with individuals with Intellectual/Developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Experience/knowledge of horticulture is desired but not necessary.
Licensure and Other Requirements
• Valid CA driver’s license and automobile insurance
• Ability to pass background check
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• A flexible, and supportive approach toward working with teams.
• Must be a self-starter and have the ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Basic computer skills: MS Office applications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis and 70 pounds occasionally
• Ability to constantly lift, bend stretch and stand during entire shift
• Ability to frequently kneel, squat, bend, and stoop, twist and reach overhead with repetitive motions and walking up/down ladders.
• Generally, works in a moderately noisy outdoor environment with interruptions.
• Employee is exposed to outdoor weather conditions throughout the year

Equal Opportunity Employer
Sunflower Hill strongly values diversity and it committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its polices and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, Sunflower Hill does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.