Lead Gardener

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

National Housing Trust (NHT) has been dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing for almost 40 years. We build, preserve, and finance affordable housing and use that expertise to inform and advance resident-focused solutions to strengthen the broader affordable housing industry.

NHT owns and operates Washington View Apartments located at 2629 Douglass Road SE. As part of our commitment to residents, NHT is working with Building Bridges Across the River and the Collaboration for Equitable Health to launch a multi-year project to address the social determinants of health East of the River. The project is called ViewStrong.

ABOUT ViewStrong, Powered by the Interrupt

ViewStrong, power by the Interrupt is excited to bring a community garden to Washington View. The garden will consist of 16 garden beds that will produce fresh vegetables for Washington View residents at no cost.

POSITION

We are seeking a Washington View resident to serve as a Lead Gardener to tend a new set of garden beds on the Washington View campus.  This is seasonal positions that begins April 26th, 2025 and ends October 26th, 2025.  The Lead Gardener will be contracted by National Housing Trust and will receive training and instruction from the Farm Team at Building Bridges Across the River.  We encourage any Washington View resident who has an interest in growing food to apply.   

This position is DC-based. Due to the nature of the work, this position offers no remote work options. On average, this position will offer 11-15 hours of work weekly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Water the garden beds as frequently as needed, 2-6 times per week depending on rain, an average of five hours per week.


• Remove grass and other weeds as they emerge, approximately two hours per week. 


•  Harvest crops as they become mature and bring them to the pantry to wash, weigh and store, approximately two hours weekly. 


• Work with Building Bridges Across the River staff one hour per week on planting and garden maintenance.  We will choose an hour within the work week (Mon – Fri, between 8:00am and 5:00pm) based on the schedule of the two Gardeners.  Candidates should have at least one hour weekly within that time frame when both can schedule to work with the Building Bridges Across the River staff. 


•  Lead Gardener will be responsible for mentoring a Youth Apprentice

Candidates must be comfortable with:

• Carrying a 20-pound garden hose;
  Stooping, kneeling and standing for an hour while weeding and harvesting; 


•  Reading a scale and recording harvest weights;


• Visiting the garden at least every other day to make sure the soil is moist; and


• Taking instruction from staff of Building Bridges Across the River, WC Smith and National Housing Trust, regarding how to conduct the work and store the supplies;


• Because this position works with youth, a background check is required.
  
  

COMPENSATION

This is a season, contract position that will be paid $25 per hour.

JOIN US

Apply for This Job. No phone calls, please. Resumes may also be submitted to the Leasing Office.