POSITION DESCRIPTION:

We are looking for an ethusiastic garden manager and educator for a garden program in San Mateo, CA (link includes application) through the University of California Cooperative Extension. The garden program provides meaningful opportunities for community members and youth-- especially vulnerable populations of youth (incarcerated, post-incarceration, at-risk for incarceration and in residential treatment)-- to connect with community and learn gardening skills. This role combines hands-on horticultural work maintaining the site with youth development, education, program coordination, education, and partnership development. This position will oversee all aspects of garden maintenance, including watering, propagation, pest management, composting, bee-keeping, and ongoing site beautification, while also leading the development and delivery of community educational programming. 

In collaboration with other education staff, this position develops and delivers garden-based educational programming for youth from vulnerable demographics. These populations include: youth who have been incarcerated and/or involved with the justice system, youth who are at-risk of justice system involvement, and youth in residential treatment settings. Current programming includes a youth internship focused on gardening and job readiness skills, as well as ongoing programming for youth in a residential treatment facility. This position would work to lead these programs, as well as expand program opportunities with various partners. 

The position includes collaborating with other education staff to lead regular programming, organizing, and facilitating monthly volunteer workdays, which involve outreach, recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers to support garden operations. This position will manage and strengthen relationships with community partners, volunteers, and county agencies, working to expand engagement and enhance programming opportunities. This includes collaboration with volunteer groups such as Master Gardeners, Master Food Preservers, and 4-H. Additional responsibilities include budget oversight and purchasing to support garden operations and program needs. 

This is a dynamic, community-focused role requiring strong knowledge of horticulture and gardening practices, as well as skills in program coordination, volunteer management, and partnership development.

This position is a contract appointment that is 85% time variable. 

Pay Scale: $62,700.00/year to $84,400.00/year.

To apply: 
Apply at the following link: Garden manager and educator at University of California Cooperative Extension. Please apply by 5/31/2026.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to Dr. Sally Neas at seneas@ucanr.edu.