Frostwood Farms/St. Isidore’s Garden: Garden Manager
Overview of St. Isidore’s Garden:
The Garden was first planted in 2013. Each summer the Garden employs 22 youth aged 15-18 as Gardeners. Our supervisors help our young people to learn how to care for, and tend to the plants, while using concepts of Positive Youth Development to help young people grow themselves. Garden experience is helpful, but youth experience is preferred. The produce planted includes varieties of tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The harvest is donated to local food pantries in the Madison area. In 2023 1,600 tomato plants and 1,800 pepper plants were grown to donate produce. Since 2013, we have donated over 200,000 pounds of produce.
It's not just about tomatoes!
Our vision for the Garden is to hire young people who need jobs to grow food for people who need food. We hope to share with our gardeners the opportunity to be part of a team and to develop their own work ethic, while learning the value of where our food comes from.
St. Isidore’s Garden is located on an acre of land within Frostwood Farm II, a hay farming operation located in Fitchburg, WI.
Overview of responsibilities:
This position is a full-time summer position.
The Garden Manager will oversee the physical operations of the Garden, be part of the management team of the summer garden program and work with the Garden and Frostwood Team in tending to the Garden. The Garden Team is comprised of the Garden Director, Frostwood Youth Coordinator, Garden Manager, Garden Supervisors, and the staff of Frostwood Farms.
Garden Manager responsibilities include:
1. Assist with the planning and planting of the Garden.
2. Assist the Frostwood Team in preparing the land for the Garden, including physical setup.
3. Work with the Youth Coordinator to direct the Garden Supervisors and Gardeners.
4. Responsible for maintaining Frostwood Farms and St. Isidore’s Garden standards and teaching these standards to the Garden Supervisors and the Gardeners.
5. Work closely with the Garden Team and Frostwood Farms Team regarding equipment usage and maintenance.
6. Responsible, in conjunction with the Youth Coordinator, for ensuring that the Gardeners and Garden Supervisors are taught the correct methods of tending the Garden, including weeding and plant maintenance.
7. Maintain effective communication with the Youth Coordinator and the Garden team.
8. Be physically able to handle work in the Garden such as digging, pounding stakes, lifting, etc.
Essential Skills and experience:
The successful candidate should have the following:
1. A strong interest in learning how to tend St. Isidore's Garden (Preference will be given to individuals who have gardening or farming experience).
2. Previous experience working with a diverse population of youth.
3. Good interpersonal and communication skills.
4. Planning and organizational skills.
5. Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
6. Ability to recognize and instruct in the importance of teamwork and respect.
Compensation:
Up to $25/hour, based on experience.
Schedule:
Seasonal position: Early May 2024 - September 2024, with potential to go longer depending on condition of plants and weather permitting.
8:00am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday
30-40 Hours a week, dependent on weather
Due to the compact 11-week “season” we have with the teens being present every day is important. We will not be able to accommodate vacations unless prearranged with the Program Director.
To Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter to Daniel Steinbring.
Daniel Steinbring
Frostwood Farms Program Director
