Young Gardeners Program - Program Coordinator

Written By Mercedes Pang

The Young Gardeners Program (YGP) Coordinator is responsible for supporting the growth and development of the Young Gardeners Program, including expanding YGP’s reach within the GISD school day, managing and enhancing the SEED internship program, and providing support to the YGP personnel team. They take direction from the YGP Program Director and work in consistent collaboration with the Groundswell leadership staff. 

This full-time position is responsible for:

  • 2 days of YGP Outdoor Education during the school day at one GISD school campus across multiple age/focus areas (including PreK4, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, ESL, Life Skills)

  • designing and executing the SEED internship, and

  • providing ongoing 1:1 support for the YGP Garden Leaders at all YGP sites through site visits, curriculum/ classroom management training support, and daily communication. 

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Position: Young Gardeners Program Coordinator

Start Date: August 5, 2026

Hours: 40 hours/week

Salary: $55,000 /year + Benefits (including health insurance)

FLSA Status: Salaried, non-exempt

Location: Galveston, Texas

Reports to:   Young Gardeners Program Director

Questions about the position? Please email hiring@groundswellgalveston.com

Major Responsibilities

SEED Internship Program Management:

  • Lead the Students for Eco-Empowerment & Diversity(SEED) internship program and manage day-to-day operations under supervision of YGP Director

  • Source/design comprehensive curriculum, provide mentorship and support, foster new and ongoing community partnerships, and ensure diversity of background, race & ethnicity among interns, advisors and contributors

  • Measure the program's effectiveness through data collection.

Integration of YGP ‘Outdoor Education’ initiative into local School Day:

  • Implement two days of Outdoor Education lessons at one GISD school campus across multiple age/focus areas (including PreK4, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, ESL, Life Skills) to approximately 15-20 classrooms

  • Refine/develop existing and new lesson plans as needed to fit campus/educator needs

  • Collaborate with Groundswell leadership to identify, develop and execute strategies for expanding usage of YGP gardens as outdoor classrooms utilized by all GISD campuses during school day hours.

  • Practice flexibility with regard to lesson implementation and classroom location on campus; OE must often adapt due to weather, campus building changes, etc.

Support YGP Personnel Team:

  • Collaborate with YGP Director to plan and lead YGP personnel training sessions

  • Coordinate/supervise on & off-campus YGP events

  • Visit all YGP gardens every month in order to support Garden Leaders 

Operations 

  • Meet with YGP Director weekly either in-person or via teleconference to discuss the status of current projects and to take on new and shifting tasks. 

  • Maintain accurate records of internship activities, student involvement, and program impact, program expenses, etc. 

  • Prepare project outlines/budgets for YGP projects as needed

  • Assist with data collection in YGP’s various survey efforts

  • Prepare monthly reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommended improvements to YGP operations  as required

  • Build relationships, participate in events, offer presentations and training, and seek out new opportunities to make YGP gardens/curriculum an obvious and attractive option for educators and partners as academic/restorative resources 

  • Maintain consistent presence in GISD through active participation by attending faculty and staff meetings, PTO meetings, student-focused groups, etc.

  • Maintain a calendar and newsletter of YGP activities including community events, trainings/workshops, presentations, etc.

  • Assist with the planning, development, and implementation of Groundswell events as directed by Groundswell leadership

  • Participates in development and implementation of strategic plans, work plans, & other organization-wide efforts seeking to accomplish Groundswell's mission/goals.

Qualifications

  • A positive attitude and strong work ethic

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Attention to details and love of organization 

  • Critical thinking, logic, & reasoning

  • Excellent time management skills

  • Fluency in Spanish language, written & spoken preferred

  • Dynamic teaching style that fosters engagement and meets learning objectives

  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with teachers 

  • Highly organized, empathetic, and aligned with program and organization values 

  • Passion for equitable education, teamwork, holistic learning & student-centered lessons

  • Must be able to pass background check

  • Familiarity with Google Suite network and Slack application software

  • Strong working knowledge of edible garden plants 

  • Knowledge of principles & methods for curriculum & training design, teaching & instruction for individuals & groups, & the measurement of training effects

Education/Experience:

  • Experience in organizing dynamic projects and curriculum development

  • Advanced degree in Educational Leadership and/or Curriculum and Instruction preferred

    • Must have Bachelor's degree in education or equivalent experience in Education or Life Skills teaching (minimum 5 years)

  • Horticulture, agriculture or gardening experience, education, or degree

  • Experience in organizing dynamic projects and curriculum development

Physical Requirements:

  • Reliable transportation and access to the internet

  • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

  • Ability to work on feet for hours at a time

  • Ability to lift 30lbs

  • Ability to safely use gardening tools and implements

  • Ability to work occasional weekend hours

Mercedes Pang
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