Garden Coordinator ($19 hourly)

The Salvation Army is a globally recognized charitable organization committed to serving communities through spiritual, emotional, and physical regeneration. Established as a branch of the Christian Church, The Salvation Army operates with a mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination. This international movement is motivated by the love of God and is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and outreach programs for diverse populations across the world. Within the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, The Salvation Army runs the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, commonly known as the Kroc Center Hawaii, located in Ewa Beach, HI. The Kroc Center Hawaii serves as a dynamic and flourishing gathering place for the community, welcoming people from all backgrounds and inspiring transformation through the love of Christ. The center offers a range of programs including educational workshops, recreational activities, and community support services that cater to families, children, and other community members.

The part-time Garden Coordinator role at the Kroc Center Hawaii is an integral position responsible for the development, management, and education surrounding the community garden. This role combines hands-on gardening tasks with strategic community engagement and educational program development. The primary mission of the Garden Coordinator is to cultivate the community garden by growing vegetables, fruits, and plants while creating a positive environment that fosters learning and sustainability. This position involves coordinating volunteers, organizing workshops, and liaising with other Kroc Center programs and local community organizations to support gardening education and sustainability initiatives.

The Garden Coordinator leads regular garden activities and ensures the maintenance and proper functioning of garden equipment and resources. They develop programs that educate participants of all ages—both adults and children—about the benefits of growing fresh, healthy foods and sustainable gardening practices. Additionally, the Coordinator oversees administrative responsibilities such as managing documentation, participant registration, program statistics, marketing, and community outreach efforts. The role demands strong interpersonal skills, strategic planning capabilities, flexibility in scheduling, and a passion for community engagement. This position also emphasizes inclusivity, working with individuals of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to empower them through gardening skills and knowledge.

Candidates for the Garden Coordinator position must have relevant gardening and farming experience, including knowledge of local plants and vegetable gardening specific to Hawaii's climate. Experience in garden management, volunteer supervision, program planning, and educational instruction is essential. The role requires a valid Hawaii Driver's license and the physical capability to perform gardening tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds and working both indoors and outdoors under varying conditions. The position also entails being a Mandated Reporter and adhering strictly to The Salvation Army's policies and procedures.

Working at the Kroc Center Hawaii offers the unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant community in a meaningful and impactful capacity. The Garden Coordinator contributes not only to the growth of the garden but also to the social and environmental well-being of the community through education, community building, and resource sharing. This role supports The Salvation Army's overarching goal of regeneration by nurturing both the land and the people within the community it serves.