SUNY Sullivan

Sustainability and Garden Assistant

Position Description

About Us:

SUNY Sullivan is a forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York offering over 40 degree programs, certificates, and micro-credentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

Learn more about SUNY Sullivan's employee benefits and 405-acre campus on our website.

Job Summary:

The Sustainability and Garden Assistant will work on a seasonal schedule, up to 5 hours per week on non-academic sustainability initiatives, events, and Community Garden-related work. Reports to the Vice President for Administrative Services.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent
• 3-5 years of experience working in a farm and/or garden environment
• Commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and safe community garden environment for community members, students, faculty, and staff
• Experience in a higher education environment, preferred
• Horticulture, agriculture, or other relevant coursework or certifications, preferred
• Master Gardener Volunteer Program completion or in progress, preferred

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Weeding, watering, and maintaining communal beds and areas.
• Build new raised beds in the garden as needed.
• Assisting with planting, care, harvest, and removal of crops planted for the Culinary Program or Food Pantry.
• Maintaining compost piles.
• Cleaning/sanitizing planting trays and pots.
• Assisting with sustainability events such as Earth Day and Kale Day, and other events as assigned.
• Assisting with other sustainability and garden projects as assigned.
• Collaborating with Buildings and Grounds staff on maintenance of community garden and apiary areas.
• Liaising with New Hope Community and other community organizations on New Hope Farm/ high tunnel business.
• Coordinating Community Gardeners (collecting community garden fees, ordering compost and equipment, communicating with gardeners, etc.)

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Typically requires the ability to perform physical tasks like lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, standing for long periods, walking significant distances, and working outdoors in various weather conditions; often demanding dexterity in the hands for tasks like planting, weeding, and harvesting, while also requiring the ability to tolerate sun exposure and potential exposure to insects and dirt.

Salary:

This is a part-time hourly role with a pay rate of $20.00 per hour. A comprehensive list of benefits associated with this role is accessible at www.sunysullivan.edu/suny-sullivan-careers.

Application Process:

Please submit your cover letter, resume or CV, and the contact information including emails for 3 professional references.