Garden Program Assistant

GARDEN PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Position Description

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. 

PEAK VALUES & BELIEFS: At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. Below are the core values that we operate under at PEAK. Staff are expected to embrace and exhibit these values toward each other, participants, caregivers, and all stakeholders. 

• Every living being has inherent value.

We honor the unique identities of every person and uphold their right to a safe and fun environment where everyone belongs. We also treat our natural environment with care and respect.

• The community is better when everyone contributes.

We unite in sharing responsibilities, creating a strong community. We inspire one another to embrace our authentic selves, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and experiences we each bring forth.

• We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes.

We accept accountability for our actions, look for ways to improve, and have opportunities to grow.

• Everyone has the power to change their world.

We all have the ability to influence and make a difference in our own lives and our communities around us.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Garden Assistant will establish the groundwork for a teaching garden that will instill an awareness of food and nature and connection to the earth for young campers and assist in the delivery of cooking class for campers. The main objective of the garden program is to promote growing and consuming fruits and vegetables as a way to be good to yourself and the planet and provide a space for creative expression through meal preparation.

POSITION AVAILABILITY:

This position has varied hours from May 15 - October 15 as detailed below:

• Work an average of 10 hours per week May 15 - June 8


• Workload increases to an average of 25 hours per week June 9 - July 31


• Workload decreases to an average of 5-10 hours per week August 1 - October 15

This position does not live on site.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY 

• Provide physical support and labor in the garden under the direction of the Garden Coordinator/Garden Consultant. 


• Tasks may include but are not limited to: weed removal, mulching, hand tilling, planting, trellising, cooking classroom cleaning and light repair and set-up, chicken coop maintenance, etc. Gloves, tools and equipment provided.


• Support the delivery of age-appropriate cooking and nutrition classes to campers prioritizing hands-on activities focused on basic skills and knowledge from seed to harvest to table, including an emphasis on sensory experiences and garden produce tastings and snacking. 


• Support garden maintenance activities, including; planting, weeding, watering and all necessary care to ensure a productive and beautiful teaching garden environment.


• Mentor high school Leadership Trainee Interns as they work on their facilitation and youth development skills at the garden. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This position is compensated at a rate of $16.25 per hour, pre-tax.


• Seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees.


• All meals are provided during the employee’s scheduled hours when camp is in session.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments


• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives. 


• Ability to live with, support, and work with all camper age ranges at camp.


• Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership.


• Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary.


• Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible. 


• Experience and excitement about caring for gardens and plants.

REQUIREMENTS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma or GED to apply

• Must have reliable transportation to and from Lake Valley Camp in Boscobel, WI

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

• The Garden Program Assistant reports to the Garden Coordinator with guidance from the Assistant Director of Camp Programs.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS 

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Staff are required to actively participate in all camper activities, including water related activities.


• Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy all summer long.


• Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5+ miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.


• Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings.


• The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning. 


• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 


• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.