Fresh Approach is seeking a Community Garden Ambassador to strengthen community connections and enhance program offerings through the leadership of local residents, who receive training to develop their skills and contribute to the community. The organization is looking for a detail-oriented and organized individual with strong public communication skills to assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing the Collective Roots Community Garden (CRCG) programming, collaborating with partner sites on their garden initiatives. Fresh Approach values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for community members and co-workers from various backgrounds and experiences.
About Fresh Approach
Fresh Approach, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023, aims to foster long-term changes in local food systems by connecting California communities with healthy food from local farmers and enhancing knowledge about food and nutrition. Through various initiatives like the Mobile Farmers’ Market and VeggieRx, the organization ensures equal access to nutritious foods while supporting local farmers. In 2024, Fresh Approach will mark its sixth year operating the Collective Roots Community Garden, which has a rich history of community engagement since its founding in 2000 and the establishment of the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market in 2007.
Qualifications
Bilingual: An intermediate level of proficiency in English and Spanish OR English and Cantonese is preferred. Conversational proficiency in other frequently used languages in the Bay Area is also highly valued.
Excellent communication skills, in group and one-on-one settings, as well as written communication.
Experience or interest in working with diverse populations.
Preference to candidates living in the central community served as well as individuals with personal experience of food scarcity.
Exceptional interpersonal, retail, or customer service skills.
Ability to build relationships and work with diverse groups of volunteers and community members.
Demonstrated personal and professional interest and excitement about community health, local food systems, and California agriculture.
Adept at Microsoft Excel and Word, Google Suites, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and project management software (or willingness to learn).
Detail-oriented with the ability to complete tasks on time and work independently.
Willingness to show initiative and creativity.
Responsibilities
Assist with the Community Garden programs in East Palo Alto/Redwood City-North Fair Oaks
Complete 8 hours of basic training & shadowing of the position (sustainable gardening and food production, composting, nutrition, and community leadership.)
Complete 20 hours of specialized training via workshops, and hands-on experience in focus areas during their term of service. Community Ambassadors (“CAs”) will focus on the topics of gardening/food production, composting, and community building.
Work at the Collective Roots Community Garden
Support in garden and landscape maintenance
Support with maintenance and ordering of gardening tools and supplies
Coordinate and/or facilitate 1-2 workshop(s) and volunteer workdays for community members to learn about gardening, and
Identify and work on your own leadership/community engagement projects with the support of Fresh Approach staff.
Interface with Community Members
Educate and share information with community members to encourage more people to get involved, and promote the upcoming workshops
Contribute to fostering an inclusive community by listening to and connecting with community members
Help with community outreach and advocacy work.
Help distribute outreach materials to community partners
Participate in community tabling events to share about Fresh Approach programs
Interface with Staff
Participate in and be punctual for regular check-ins regarding programmatic support as well as personal and professional development
Complete remote tasks on time (e.g., updates, presentations, timesheets)
Collaborative Meetings
Participate in collaborative/regional meetings with partner organizations focused on efforts to cultivate health, food access, and land stewardship
Be a Team Player
Practice being proactive, taking initiative and collaborating with other program staff to coordinate on projects
Contribute your thinking by asking questions and sharing ideas
Do your part to complete collaborative projects in a satisfactory and timely manner
Support outreach and fundraising events as a means of increasing Fresh Approach awareness.
Maintain a high level of integrity as a representative of Fresh Approach.
COmpensation and Benefits
This is an hourly, non-exempt, part-time position consisting of 24 hours per month (approximately 6-10 hours per week) and a 6-month term (ending around May 2025 depending on start date) reporting to the Community Garden Program Manager and/or Specialist.
This is an hourly position starting at $22.00/hour. Because we know the practice of compensation negotiation can contribute to pay inequities, this compensation rate is non-negotiable.
Benefits for part-time positions, defined as less than 30 hours per week, include sick-time accruals and paid holidays; and a 403b retirement plan with employer matching after one year of employment.
To Apply
To apply, please email a resume to ambassador@freshapproach.org. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
A cover letter or brief description of interest that highlights the experiences (both work-related and personal) that qualify you for this position.
A resume or a list that details previous work, volunteer, academic, and other experiences that qualify you for this position.
If you do not have an email you can call to schedule an informational call with the team 925-771-2994.
