Greenspace Director

The Greenspace Director is responsible for all aspects of Wylde Center’s greenspace and garden program. Duties include oversight of improvements and maintenance at all five sites, managing a team of site coordinators, managing special projects, and building relationships with community partners in the neighborhoods we serve. In addition, the Greenspace Director will act as the staff contact and serve on the capital campaign site committee to oversee significant  improvements to all five sites over the next two years.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for horticulture, a knack for building genuine relationships with the communities that surround our gardens, leadership skills to work with a strong team of site coordinators, and an understanding of sustainable land management practices. In your cover letter, please tell us how nature and/or gardening has influenced your life. 

KEY STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Knowledge of organic horticultural practices, land management, and advanced plant knowledge

Oversight of Wylde Center facilities and greenspaces

Manage and support site coordinators regarding greenspace matters and professional development

Take initiative on special projects for Wylde sites

Manage apprentice program and coordinate volunteer opportunities 

Basic understanding of grants and ability to manage project and site budgets

Measure and track greenspace outcomes as directed by the strategic plan; communicate outcomes and program status to the Executive Director.

Manage plot rentals program for Wylde Center

Work collaboratively with Wylde Center staff to achieve organizational goals

Represent the Wylde Center at meetings, conferences, and tabling events when applicable

Fulfill all duties related to being a member of the Wylde Center staff which includes attending staff meetings, leading workdays, and participating in Wylde hosted community events

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Advanced knowledge of gardening and agriculture

Experience working on a farm or large scale garden

Minimum Experience

At least 1 year experience managing staff

Experience leading and training work groups 

Knowledge of organic horticultural practices, land management, understanding of ecosystems and advanced plant knowledge

Developing and tracking program budgets

Developing and managing projects from start to finish with the ability to proactively achieve project timelines

Communicating effectively within a team environment

Working with diverse communities and a commitment to making necessary changes to address inequities within programming 

Demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Google Drive 

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
 

Ability to work in an office setting for the majority of the week

Able to work outside in extreme temperatures and weather conditions

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Travel: Besides travel associated with visiting the different garden locations, no major travel is anticipated.
 

OTHER JOB INFORMATION

Compensation: $22/hour; $45,760

Benefits: This position is eligible for benefits which include (but are not limited to) a medical stipend, accrued vacation, sick and mental health days and a retirement savings plan. 

Schedule: 40 hours per week during regular business hours including occasional weekend and evening work. 

Additional requirements: All applicants must pass a background check. All applicants of the Wylde Center must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and abide by team pandemic policies.

Work Location: 435 Oakview Rd., Decatur GA 30030

Contact: Stephanie Van Parys, stephanie@wyldecenter.org

Post Date: May 9, 2022

Application Information: Please submit your resume, references, and cover letter to Stephanie Van Parys, at stephanie@wyldecenter.org with “Greenspace Director 2022” in the subject line.  Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.  

Start Date: July 12, 2022 (flexible)

WHO WE ARE

The mission of Wylde Center is to connect people to nature. 

Wylde Center accomplishes this through educational programs, events and greenspaces that actively engage youth, families and individuals in their environment, health and community, and that develop skills in environmental science, sustainable urban living, organic gardening, health, and nutrition.

The organization strives to provide an environment that cultivates a spirit of service, respect for diversity, global citizenship and character. Our commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture is reflected in a community in which differences are embraced, and staff, volunteers, and community partners have a sense of belonging.

At Wylde Center, we hire culturally competent and responsive candidates who believe in the critical importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the success of an organization and can effectively incorporate those principles in their professional roles. Wylde Center actively seeks candidates from historically underrepresented populations. 

Wylde Center was founded in 1997 out of a need to provide opportunities to experience nature in an urban environment. As a result of the community’s involvement and commitment, the organization has evolved into a large and active nonprofit organization operating five greenspaces (Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden) in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods, open year round for the community, for events and for Wylde Center’s educational programs.

Additionally, Wylde Center provides one of the largest youth environmental and science education programs in metro-Atlanta, including the Decatur Farm to School program, Atlanta Farm to School, Healthy Living by Healthy Growing at the Decatur Housing Authority, and science program and field trips linked to Common Core standards.