Community Garden Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainability and green initiatives, the role of a Community Garden Manager has become increasingly significant.

As our focus shifts towards creating healthier communities and promoting urban agriculture, there’s a growing demand for dedicated individuals who can cultivate, manage and promote our community gardens.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a Community Garden Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager drawing up the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the concept of community gardening,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Community Garden Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Community Garden Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Community Garden Managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a community garden, including planning, cultivation, maintenance, and community engagement.

They ensure the garden is a healthy, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Community Garden Manager:

• Develop and implement garden plans and schedules.
• Coordinate planting, watering, weeding, mulching, harvesting, and composting activities.
• Oversee the maintenance of garden infrastructure, including pathways, fences, and irrigation systems.
• Monitor the health of plants, identify diseases or pests, and use safe and sustainable methods for pest and disease management.
• Organize and lead volunteer workdays and other community engagement activities.
• Provide education and training to garden participants on gardening techniques and best practices.
• Manage the distribution of garden produce, ensuring fair and equitable access to all participants.
• Maintain records of garden activities, participant involvement, and produce yield.
• Promote the garden within the local community, build relationships with local businesses, schools, and organizations, and seek out partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Ensure the garden adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations, and create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

 

Community Garden Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Community Garden Manager to oversee the operation of our local community garden.

The Community Garden Manager is responsible for supervising garden activities, managing volunteers, maintaining the garden’s aesthetic, and ensuring that the garden is a place of community engagement and environmental education.

Our ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about horticulture and community building and has a strong knowledge of plant care and garden management.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise all community garden activities and programs
• Manage volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling
• Maintain the health and aesthetic of the garden, including plant care, pest management, and garden design
• Develop and implement educational programs and workshops for community members
• Monitor and manage garden budget and resources
• Ensure compliance with all local and state gardening regulations
• Assist in grant writing and fundraising efforts for garden sustainability
• Facilitate community engagement and foster a welcoming environment for all garden visitors

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in garden management or a related field
• Knowledge of horticulture, plant care, and organic gardening practices
• Experience managing volunteers and coordinating community programs
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make informed decisions
• Knowledge of basic budget management and fundraising strategies
• Relevant degree in horticulture, botany, environmental science, or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Garden Manager
• Work Environment: This role primarily operates outdoors in a garden setting. Some office work may be required for planning and administrative duties.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Community Programs.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Garden Manager Do?

A Community Garden Manager typically works for local governments, nonprofits, or community organizations.

Their role often requires them to work outdoors and interact with a variety of community members.

The primary responsibility of a Community Garden Manager is to oversee the operation and maintenance of a community garden.

This includes planning and organizing the planting schedule, selecting appropriate plants, ensuring the soil is fertile and well-drained, and coordinating the harvesting process.

They also manage volunteers who work in the garden, providing them with guidance and instruction on various gardening tasks.

This can include teaching them how to plant and care for different types of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, as well as how to use gardening tools safely and effectively.

Community Garden Managers are also responsible for promoting the garden within the community.

They organize events, lead tours, and work to engage local residents in gardening activities.

They may also work to secure funding and resources for the garden, often through grant writing or fundraising initiatives.

Furthermore, they ensure the garden is a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

This can involve coordinating accessibility accommodations, enforcing garden rules, and resolving any conflicts or issues that arise.

In some roles, the Community Garden Manager might also work on initiatives related to food security, environmental education, or community development, using the garden as a platform to address these wider community issues.

 

Community Garden Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Community Garden Manager should possess a combination of practical gardening skills, leadership qualities, and community engagement abilities such as:

• Practical knowledge and experience in organic gardening, including understanding of plant care, pest control, and soil management
• Excellent leadership and team management skills to guide volunteers, delegate tasks, and coordinate garden activities
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members, volunteers, and local organizations
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey information about gardening practices, rules and regulations, and upcoming events to the community
• Organizational skills to manage garden resources, schedule gardening activities, and maintain records of garden plots and plantings
• Ability to handle tools and perform physical tasks such as planting, weeding, and composting
• Environmental awareness and commitment to sustainability, to ensure the garden’s practices are eco-friendly and contribute to local biodiversity
• Problem-solving skills to address any issues that may arise in the garden, such as plant diseases or conflicts among garden members
• Experience in fundraising and grant writing, to secure resources for garden maintenance and improvement projects

 

Community Garden Manager Experience Requirements

Community Garden Managers generally require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in managing community gardens or similar public green spaces.

They may have gained this experience through roles such as a Parks Supervisor, Landscape Coordinator or Horticulture Specialist.

Experience in gardening or horticulture is essential, which can be obtained through formal education or on-the-job experience.

Hands-on experience in organic gardening, horticulture, permaculture, or botany would be advantageous.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have broader responsibilities, which may include budgeting, grant writing, and community outreach initiatives.

They may have developed these skills in roles such as a Horticulture Program Coordinator or Community Outreach Specialist.

Those with over 5 years of experience may be well-suited for overseeing multiple community gardens and supervising other garden staff.

They may have gained leadership experience through roles such as Parks and Recreation Manager or Environmental Program Manager.

Knowledge of local flora, fauna, and soil conditions, as well as some level of familiarity with the local community, can be especially beneficial.

Many community garden managers also have a background in education or community development, which helps them engage with diverse populations and promote the benefits of community gardening.

 

Community Garden Manager Education and Training Requirements

A Community Garden Manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, horticulture, agriculture, or a related field.

They need comprehensive knowledge about various plants, their growth conditions, and pest control measures.

This knowledge can be acquired through formal education or extensive hands-on experience.

Specialized courses or certifications in organic farming, permaculture design, or community development can be advantageous for this role.

Community Garden Managers should also have a good understanding of local ordinances and regulations related to community gardening.

Experience in project management and community development can be beneficial as the role involves coordinating with volunteers, arranging educational workshops, and managing budgets.

For those interested in the nonprofit sector, additional coursework in nonprofit management may be beneficial.

This could include fundraising, grant writing, and other aspects related to managing a nonprofit organization.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest practices in sustainable farming and community development are essential for career advancement in this field.

 

Community Garden Manager Salary Expectations

A Community Garden Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $41,021 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, specific location, and the size of the community garden they are managing.

 

Community Garden Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Community Garden Manager need?

A Community Garden Manager should possess a broad knowledge of gardening and plant care, including understanding of soil types, plant diseases, and pest management.

They should have good organizational and leadership skills to coordinate volunteers and garden activities.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also vital to interact effectively with community members and various stakeholders.

 

Do Community Garden Managers need a degree?

While a degree is not mandatory, having a qualification in horticulture, botany, or a related field can be beneficial.

Practical gardening experience, either through previous employment or volunteering, is often more important.

Some community garden managers may also have qualifications or experience in community development or project management.

 

What should you look for in a Community Garden Manager’s resume?

Look for evidence of gardening experience and knowledge, along with any relevant qualifications.

Experience in managing volunteers or coordinating community projects is also important.

Other useful skills could include fundraising, grant writing, or experience in promoting community initiatives.

Check for any additional skills or experience that might be particularly relevant for your community garden, such as experience with organic gardening or permaculture.

 

What qualities make a good Community Garden Manager?

A good Community Garden Manager is passionate about gardening and community development.

They are able to motivate and engage volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds.

They are problem solvers who can deal with issues like pest infestations or water shortages.

They also need to be patient, flexible and good at building relationships within the community.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Community Garden Manager?

Hiring a Community Garden Manager can be challenging, as it requires finding a candidate with the right blend of gardening expertise and community engagement skills.

It can also be a less common profession, meaning there are fewer candidates in the job market.

However, advertising the role in community networks or through horticultural societies can help attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dug into the core of what it means to be a Community Garden Manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about cultivating a thriving community, one garden plot at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Community Garden Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to blossom in your career.

But why rest on your laurels?

Grow further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to developing detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every seedling is part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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