Employment Opportunities
We are currently seeking an Orchard Specialist.
Orchard Specialist
Organizational Background
Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, works to empower low-income individuals, schools and community groups across the Kansas City metropolitan area to grow their own vegetables and fruit. Annually, we provide low-cost seeds and plants and free technical assistance to more than 800 garden and orchard sites and 3,400 home gardeners, helping to put fresh food on the table of more than 48,000 households.
Position Overview
The Orchard Specialist helps KCCG’s Giving Grove orchard team with the operational details of maintaining and planting fruit trees in the Kansas City area. This is primarily an outdoor position that assists with the planting of trees, maintaining nursery stock and maintenance of KCCG-managed orchards. This requires the use of, and familiarity with, landscaping and fruit tree tools and terms. This position will also provide educational and technical support to established community orchard sites. Orchards are located throughout the metropolitan area in a wide variety of neighborhoods, schools, non-profits, parks, and communities of faith.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Organize and maintain nursery stock
- Assist with ongoing maintenance of demonstration orchards including pruning and pest management
- Assist with site planting preparation and planting days
- Perform site visits to assist established orchards with horticultural support and coaching
- Assist and/or lead educational workshops
- Supervise individual volunteers and volunteer teams
- Clean, organize and repair tools and equipment
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required qualifications
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work independently
- Fruit tree experience
- Ability to lift over 50 lbs.
- Ability to handle outdoor work in rain, sun, heat and cold
- Flexibility to work Saturdays during spring and fall planting seasons
Preferred skills and experience
- Desire to work with diverse communities across all of Kansas City; demonstrated ability in relating to individuals from all ethnic, racial, religious, age, ability, and socio-economic backgrounds
- Knowledge and experience in growing fruit trees
- Landscaping experience
- Pesticide license
- Vegetable gardening or related plant knowledge
- Organic crop production knowledge
- Experience teaching classes or workshops
- Ability to lead or direct volunteer groups
- Equipment and tractor experience
- Good communication skills (written and oral)
- Record keeping and organizational skills
This is a full-time, year-round, salaried position. KCCG’s standard business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This position will also require flexibility to work on Saturdays during the spring and fall planting seasons. KCCG is primarily an in-person work environment, with the opportunity for limited remote work.
Reports to: Director of Horticulture, Education and Orchards, Matt Bunch
Salary Range: $34,000 - $40,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits include:
Generous paid time off (including vacation days, holidays and winter break)
Employer-paid health insurance plan with annual HSA contribution
Optional dental and life insurance benefits
Retirement benefit with employer match
To Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to Matt Bunch at matt{at}kccg.org.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. For fullest consideration, please submit application by, Sunday, August 3rd.
KCCG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.