Salary Disclosure:
Starting Salary: $13.02
Pay Grade: N25
Current Pasco County Employees: Please refer to the Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual for starting salary information.
Department: Community Services
Location: Land O’ Lakes & New Port Richey
General Description: This position involves work coordinating low-income community gardens to promote healthy lifestyles and financial well-being using hands-on instruction and support materials at the Community Extension.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an Emergency. During an Emergency employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Essential Job Functions: The UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office seeks a full time community garden program assistant (with Pasco County Government) to assist the County Extension Director and Urban Horticulture Agent and East side Community Garden Program Assistant with development and implementation of a garden-based leadership training program and engage emerging garden leaders within low income communities in West Pasco County to develop productive and sustainable community gardens. Specifically, the program assistant would work with the CED and an advisory council to develop community gardens, provide educational outreach and program evaluation and grant writing for program sustainability on the west side of Pasco County. The program assistant would coordinate volunteers and community garden participants and lead administration and daily operations in the garden locations including but not limited to physically preparing planting beds, building raised beds, planting, harvesting, and applying fertilizers and pesticides.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Education and/or experience in environmental sciences, urban agriculture, public policy, public health, or other related disciplines.
- Proficiency in gardening in Florida and high cultural competence and demonstrated skill working with diverse groups.
- Collaborative team player who participates in all levels of tasks, including physical, hands-on labor in the gardens.
- Ability to be very organized, work independently and complete tasks effectively.
- Ability to speak fluent Spanish preferred.
- Experience working with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
- Experience with MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media.
Minimum Requirements: PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalency. Six (6) months of experience involving community gardens, urban landscape, or horticulture required.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License with good driving record and reliable transportation. Ability to earn GI-BMP (Green Industries-Best Management Practices) Certification and a Florida Pesticide Applicator’s License within six months of hire. Able to travel throughout Pasco County.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends. Must be able to perform hands-on, physical labor in the gardens.
ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.
