Specialist Community Gardening Program | City of Bloomington, Indiana

Page last updated on February 6, 2026 at 2:49 pm

Job Description

Community Gardening Program Specialist

Duties

Maintain the overall function of the Willie Streeter, Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park, and Switchyard Park Community Gardens and assist with related educational programming.

Monitor and maintain upkeep of garden grounds including garden plots, pathways, bins, fencing, supplies and equipment, and communicate any needs promptly to the Community Gardening Program Coordinator.
Maintain positive relations with gardeners and provide advice when requested.
Promptly and clearly communicate rules and policies with gardeners in-person, by email and by phone.
Help plan and assist with community garden classes and events.
Take initiative in developing and coordinating projects with other Parks and garden staff.
Coordinate and lead occasional volunteer groups of up to 25 people in the gardens.
Promote gardening that emphasizes soil conservation practices and use of organic methods.
Report regularly to the Community Gardening Program Manager.

Skills and Knowledge

Enthusiasm for and background in gardening, working outdoors and interacting with the public.

Experience gardening, farming, landscaping or other similar work.
Must be reliable, punctual, and able to exercise good judgment.
Communicate and work effectively with a wide range of people.
Familiarity and working knowledge of Google Workspace is helpful. Basic computer literacy is necessary.

Requirements

Valid Indiana driver's license
Current Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to obtain.

Responsibility

The Community Gardening Program Specialist is responsible for maintaining the Community Gardening Program grounds and contributing to related garden programming. This position represents the Community Gardening Program and the Parks Department and will familiarize themselves with and communicate department policies and procedures as needed. The Specialist often works independently and must be able to take initiative, assess and prioritize tasks and communicate promptly and effectively with garden participants and staff/supervisors.

Physical Effort

Moderate to strenuous physical effort is exerted by the employee in the field. Weeding, moving soil and mulch, and using equipment such as string trimmers are common activities. Ability and willingness to work in hot and cold weather and all safe weather conditions is important. Employees may occasionally move materials weighing in excess of 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

Employee primarily performs duties outdoors in parks in varying weather conditions. Safety precautions are used at all times to avoid injury. Employee must also be willing to spend time in an office environment communicating with gardeners, managing data, producing educational materials, etc.

Hours

March-November, approximately 12-20 hours per week. Hours vary with season and program offerings. Some evenings and weekends required. Relatively flexible schedule.

Wage

$19.85 per hour

Applicants for this position are subject to a criminal history background check. Direct deposit is a required condition of employment.

How to Apply

Anyone wishing to apply for this position must send a resume and cover letter to:

Bloomington Parks and Recreation
401 N. Morton St. Ste. 250
Bloomington, IN 47404

Resumes may be dropped off at the reception desk in the atrium inside

City Hall
401 N. Morton St.
Bloomington, IN 47404

during business hours between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Resumes may also be mailed to

Bloomington Parks and Recreation
PO Box 848
Bloomington, IN 47402

or send by email ([email protected]) to Bloomington Parks and Recreation. If submitting application materials via email, please include the title of the position and the applicant's name in the subject line.

Applications accepted until position is filled.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
La Igualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley.

The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, veteran status, housing status, and disability status in employment or the provision of services.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using eVerify. The City will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with the information from each new employee's I-9 form to confirm work authorization.