Garden Assistant

Job Announcement: Community Garden Assistant

Indigenous Environmental Network
303 Railroad St SW, Bemidji, MN

Contact: Kaylee Carnahan: Kaylee@ienearth.org

About Us

The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) is an Indigenous-led non-profit committed to advancing Environmental Justice and Food Sovereignty. Our IEN Teaching Garden, located at our home office in Bemidji, is a community teaching garden dedicated to food sovereignty, Indigenous agroecology, and bioremediation practices. Through workshops and various land-based events, we work to foster food and seed literacy and sovereignty by sharing plants and seeds with our community.

Job Summary

The Community Garden Assistant will work directly with the Greenskeeper to maintain and nurture our community garden spaces. In this role, you will assist community members, promote shared responsibility, and help cultivate an environment where sustainable practices thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Maintenance:
- Planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting in garden beds and plant nurseries using organic practices.
Soil & Composting:
- Building soil health through our composting program and mulching.
Groundskeeping:
- Mowing, weed whipping, tool maintenance, and overall garden clean-up.
Animal Care:
- Assisting in the care of resident creatures, including worm farms, the caterpillar house, and honey bees.
Community Engagement:
- Helping to maintain the community share table and working alongside community members and volunteers.
Communications & Promotion:
- Supporting the creation and distribution of workshop flyers, social media content, and educational photos/videos.
Event Support:
- Occasionally serving as a helper at garden workshops and events.
Coordination:
- Collaborating with the Greenskeeper on scheduling and task management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Aptitude

Ability to use gardening/farming hand tools and lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
Tolerance for extended periods outdoors in various weather conditions.
Enthusiasm and energy for learning and active participation as a self-driven team member.
A background in growing and tending plants is preferred, though not required.
Must pass a background check.

Perks

Flexible Hours: Weekly schedules coordinated with the Garden Manager.
Casual Dress: Enjoy a relaxed work environment.
Free Food & Plant Material: Benefit from garden harvests.
Positive Culture: Join a nurturing organizational environment focused on professional development and team-building.
Skill Development: Gain valuable land-based and community sustainability skills.

Schedule & Compensation

Employment Type: Seasonal/Temporary, part-time, at-will, non-exempt.
Start Date: March 2025 (up to 10 hours per week initially).
Summer Increase: Up to 20 hours per week from the end of May through the summer.
End Date: October 2025.
Flexibility: May include some evenings and weekends depending on weather and events.
Compensation: $26.44 per hour.

Join us in our mission to empower communities through sustainable practices and Indigenous-led environmental justice. If you are passionate about gardening, community work, and environmental stewardship, we encourage you to apply and help us grow together!