Gardening and Nutrition Education Coordinator

The GANE (Garden and Nutrition Education) Coordinator is responsible for the leadership and overall management of the East End Community Services by WestCare Ohio

Gardening and Nutrition Education project, as well as coordination and implementation of broader food access initiatives. This position plays a vital role in advancing community health, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty in East Dayton.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform activities and achieve the outcomes expected by the GANE project as defined in contracts with Montgomery County and other funders.

                       Complete and submit reports accurately and in a timely manner.

• Plan and lead weeldy gardening and nutrition classes at Ruskin Elementary, collaborating with school staff, East End's Miracle Makers afterschool program, and other school partners as needed.
• Maintain Ruskin's school gardens, including planting, harvesting, composting, and tool upkeep; coordinate volunteers and student engagement in garden upkeep.
• Serve as an advocate and subject matter expert for environmental sustainability and nutrition education at Ruskin and other educational pipeline sites such as Lincoln Hill Early Childhood Center and other Dayton Public Schools.
• Organize community-focused food and gardening worl<shops for children, families, and neighborhood residents, promoting food literacy and self-sufficiency.
• Collaborate with local partners to coordinate food distributions; provide on-site support during events.
• Maintain and expand partnerships with organizations supporting food justice and access, as outlined in the county contract.
• Provide mentorship and oversight for University of Dayton interns or other student placements related to sustainability and nutrition.
• Assist with East End's overall health and wellness strategies, including participation in health fairs and community education events.
• Embrace and model the mission, values, and guiding principles of East End and the WestCare Foundation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned as programming adapts to evolving community needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition, environmental studies, public health, education, or a related field preferred; relevant work experience may substitute.
• Demonstrated experience in gardening, farming, or urban agriculture.
• Knowledge of nutrition education best practices, especially in youth or schoolbased settings.
• Experience working in school or community-based settings and engaging children, families, and diverse populations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal sl<ills.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with volunteer coordination and/or community engagement preferred.
• Valid driver's license, access to reliable transportation, and ability to pass a bacl<ground check required.

Core Competencies:

• Cultural competence and commitment to equity in access to food and education

                       Passion for youth development, environmental education, and community health

• Initiative, adaptability, and resourcefulness

                       Ability to manage time and multipke priorities effectively

                       Commitment to continuous learning and growth

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (e.g., garden supplies, food boxes)
• Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, dig, and use gardening tools as part of daily duties

Work Schedule & Environment:

• This is a full-time, salaried position with occasional evenings and weekends required for community events or food distributions.
• Work will take place in a variety of settings, including schools, gardens, East End's offices, and community partner sites.

Flexibility and responsiveness to changing seasonal demands and school schedules are essential.