Novato Schools Garden Coordinator

About Sustainable Marin Schools

Sustainable Marin Schools (SMS) drives climate justice in Novato schools in partnership with the Novato Unified School District (NUSD). Through programs like Campus Greening, Environmental Literacy, Zero Waste, and Energy Efficiency, we’re helping build climate ready schools that promote greener, healthier, futures for our students and community.

School gardens are at the heart of our Campus Greening efforts. Novato elementary schools have thriving gardens tended by dedicated garden teachers. SMS supports these spaces by providing resources and expertise to boost food production and promote regenerative agriculture. 

The Garden Coordinator will join the SMS team, working alongside our Executive Director, Project Manager, and four California Climate Action Corps fellows. We also collaborate closely with enthusiastic students, parents, and teachers eager to plant, harvest, and explore in their school gardens.

Position Overview

As Garden Coordinator, you’ll partner with garden teachers, community groups, enthusiastic parent and student volunteers. You’ll support regenerative practices such as composting, soil health, and water-wise gardening while connecting students to where food comes from and why it matters.

You’ll also help guide the impactful use of the Marin Parks Food, Agriculture, and Resilient Ecosystems (FARE) grant, ensuring sustainable practices and educational programs thrive across Novato’s school communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and support regenerative gardening practices like composting, soil health, biodiversity, and natural pest management
• Explore ways to increase garden harvests for schools and the broader community.
• Collaborate with school food programs to integrate more garden-grown produce into meals.
• Coordinate purchasing and distribution of garden supplies funded by the FARE Grant.
• Identify funding opportunities to sustain and grow garden programs.
• Plan and lead engaging workshops and volunteer garden workdays for families and community members.
• Assist garden teachers during classes
• Help care for school gardens during school breaks.
• Build relationships with local vendors for cost-effective garden supplies.
• Lead efforts to reduce edible food waste
• Collaborate with SMS and community partners to advance broader sustainability goals.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with regenerative agriculture or sustainable food production
  Strong communication and community engagement skills
• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and balance field and office tasks
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather and terrain conditions
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical garden tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English & Spanish)
• Experience working with elementary-aged children
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and non-toxic pest management
• Familiarity with basic hand and power tools
• Skills in Google Suite or Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of California native plants and habitats
• Interest in growing grant-writing skills

Why Join Us?

• Flexible, part-time schedule for work-life balance
• Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team
• Inspire children to connect with nature, science, and healthy eating
• Opportunity to bring creative ideas to garden design and educational programming

SMS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.