Volunteer
Opportunity Details

Grown@Pope Volunteer Coordinator | Pope Farm Nursery, Gaithersburg

Location:

Pope Farm Nursery
7400 Airpark Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

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Help Montgomery Park's Pope Farm Nursery produce multiple food crops to assist in the effort to supply and address food insecurities among the county population.

The Grown@Pope Volunteer Coordinator will support the horticultural staff with the implementation of a crop program at the Nursery, by managing group volunteer projects, and assisting with communication to Crop Production volunteers as well.

We are looking for volunteers with gardening experience that can work one to two 4-hour shifts, during work hours Monday through Friday throughout the growing season April-September.

The work includes leading garden maintenance and cultivation activities with volunteers by demonstrating and/or teaching sustainable gardening techniques to new volunteers, returning volunteers and assisting as lead volunteer during large group volunteer days and harvest days. The volunteer coordinator will also document volunteer hours, and coordinate a volunteer appreciation luncheon.

This work provides volunteers the opportunity to work "behind-the-scenes" of the county parks with a knowledgeable, professional horticultural staff. Please check on Duties and Requirements for more details about this volunteer opportunity!

Once you apply someone will be in touch to discuss the position further and to see if this will be a good match!

Background check required: Yes

Minimum age of volunteers: 18

Job type: Long-term (6 months+)

Volunteer type:  Adult

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Examples of important duties, include:
Co-manage volunteers for the program throughout the growing season.
Assist with cultivation and maintenance of the crops.
Teach and demonstrate sustainable garden techniques to volunteers.
Assist and/or lead group volunteers on project workdays.
Communicate and schedule long and short-term volunteers through emails and/or other scheduling applications.
Communicate with Pope Farm, Community Gardens and Grown@Pope staff as needed.

IMPORTANT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to:
Use a computer/tablet and willingness to learn new program software.
Teach and learn new gardening skills.
Communicate clearly with volunteers and staff.
Efficiently schedule volunteers and organize projects.
Listen, learn, and follow detailed directions with accuracy.
Work well as part of a team but also independently on appropriate tasks.
Perform tasks of a physical nature, including lifting, bending, and kneeling.
Maintain good balance on uneven surfaces.
Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold).

REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum age 18 years old.
Pass background screening.
Follow all Commission policy including vaccinations and required training.
Record volunteer hours and efforts in a timely manner.
Hours will be worked out with Supervisor; hours will range depending on time of year and stage of crops and harvesting.
Ability to work during business hours (7 AM to 3 PM) Monday through Friday.
Ability to perform physical tasks as needed.

Pope Farm | Grown@Pope

Natalie Manyaja

(301) 670-8011

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