Garden Manager in Jacksonville, Florida at REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA INC

About Feeding Northeast Florida

Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is the largest nonprofit food bank serving Northeast Florida. We work across 12 counties to provide access to nutritious food and strengthen the systems that help neighbors receive the food and services they need.

Our mission is: We use food as our catalyst to strengthen lives and communities.

Our vision is: Access to nutritious food for all.

The teaching garden will connect hands-on growing and food education with FNEFL’s mission, helping visitors understand where food comes from and how gardening can strengthen communities.

Position Summary

The Garden Manager plans, develops, and maintains FNEFL’s teaching garden as a safe, productive, and welcoming place to grow food and learn. The role manages seasonal planting, harvests, garden systems, supplies, and records; coordinates volunteers; and leads field trips and practical gardening education for children and community groups. The Manager also supports beehive and pollinator education in coordination with qualified beekeeping resources and established safety procedures.

This position works with FNEFL program and operations staff to connect garden activities to food bank programs, community partnerships, and the mission of expanding access to nutritious food. The ideal candidate combines hands-on horticultural skill and experience with patient, inclusive teaching and sound judgment about visitor and volunteer safety.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Garden Planning and Operations

• Develop seasonal planting plans and maintain (16) 12’ x 4’ garden beds, (16) aeroponic tower systems, a 24’ x 24’ greenhouse, soil, compost, irrigation, tools, garden office and storage areas.

• Plant, propagate, weed, prune, harvest, and troubleshoot crop, soil, pest, and water needs using sound and environmentally responsible growing practices.

• Plan garden improvements and infrastructure with leadership; identify supply needs, obtain approved materials and donations, and maintain equipment in safe working order.

• Coordinate harvest handling, weighing, storage, and delivery with food bank staff, following applicable food safety and produce handling practices.

• Maintain planting, harvest, crop yield, supply, and maintenance records and share timely updates for planning and reporting.

Teaching Garden and Community Education

• Plan and lead age-appropriate field trips, garden tours, demonstrations, and workshops for students, families, volunteers, and community partners.

• Teach practical topics such as planting, soil health, composting, seasonal food production, nutrition connections, and the role of gardens in community food access.

• Develop lesson materials and hands-on activities with program staff and adapt instruction to varied ages, abilities, and experience levels.

• Welcome visitors and represent FNEFL’s mission in conversations about gardening, food banking, and local food systems.

Beehives and Pollinator Education

• Coordinate beehive care, inspections, and educational access with qualified beekeepers or trained staff under the organization’s approved procedures.

• Teach visitors about bees, pollinators, habitat, and food production while maintaining appropriate distances and safety controls around hives.

• Identify hive-related hazards or concerns promptly and arrange qualified support when intervention is needed.

Volunteers and Partnerships

• Plan volunteer projects, prepare task instructions, orient participants, and supervise safe, productive work in the garden.

• Coordinate calendars and garden activities with FNEFL staff, schools, community groups, and other partners; communicate schedules and site expectations clearly.

• Track volunteer participation and program activity, gather feedback, and improve the experience for visitors and volunteers.

Safety and Program Stewardship

• Maintain safe paths, tool use, storage, sanitation, weather response, and visitor procedures; report hazards and incidents promptly.

• Monitor garden resources and approved spending, provide records needed for grants and program reports, and recommend practical improvements to long-term operations.

• Participate in organizational events and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required

• Two or more years of hands-on food gardening, horticulture, urban agriculture, or related experience, including seasonal planting and garden maintenance.

• Ability to plan and maintain a productive garden, troubleshoot common plant and soil issues, and use garden tools and irrigation systems safely.

• Experience teaching, training, leading groups, or supervising volunteers, with the ability to explain gardening concepts to children and adults.

• Strong organization, communication, and recordkeeping skills; ability to coordinate schedules, supplies, and multiple activities.

• Commitment to food access, welcoming community engagement, and safe practices around children, visitors, and volunteers.

Preferred

• Experience with a teaching garden, school garden, community garden, food bank, or other nonprofit program.

• Training or experience in beekeeping or pollinator education, or experience coordinating with qualified beekeeping partners.

• Knowledge of composting, seed starting, greenhouse systems, hydroponics, produce handling, and grant-related program tracking.

Competencies

Garden Stewardship: Plans seasonal work, cares for plants and equipment, and follows through on routine maintenance.

Education and Communication: Makes hands-on learning clear, engaging, and accessible to a range of visitors.

Safety and Judgment: Anticipates risks, sets appropriate boundaries, and seeks qualified help when needed.

Collaboration and Mission Alignment: Works well with staff, volunteers, and partners and connects garden activities to FNEFL’s food access mission.

Work Environment

This position works primarily outdoors in a teaching garden and may also work in office, classroom, warehouse, or food bank settings. The work involves weather exposure, soil, plants, insects, garden equipment, and occasional evening or weekend programs. The role includes regular interaction with children, volunteers, staff, and community visitors.

Physical Demands

The position requires regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and using garden tools; it may involve moving supplies and equipment. Garden work and instruction take place on variable outdoor surfaces and in changing weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.