Half Acre Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Position Summary:
This position will be in charge of the management, development, and community engagement of the Phoenix Garden, a six-acre garden site in San Mateo, CA. This role combines hands-on horticultural work maintaining the site with youth development, education, program coordination, education, and partnership development. This position will oversee all aspects of garden maintenance, including watering, propagation, pest management, composting, bee-keeping, and ongoing site beautification, while also leading the development and delivery of community educational programming.
In collaboration with other education staff, the CES 3 develops and delivers garden-based educational programming for youth from vulnerable demographics. These populations include: youth who have been incarcerated and/or involved with the justice system, youth who are at-risk of justice system involvement, and youth in residential treatment settings. Current programming includes a youth internship focused on gardening and job readiness skills, as well as ongoing programming for youth in a residential treatment facility. This position would work to lead these programs, as well as expand program opportunities with various partners.
The position includes collaborating with other education staff to lead regular programming, organizing, and facilitating monthly volunteer workdays, which involve outreach, recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers to support garden operations. This position will manage and strengthen relationships with community partners, volunteers, and county agencies, working to expand engagement and enhance programming opportunities. This includes collaboration with volunteer groups such as Master Gardeners, Master Food Preservers, and 4-H. Additional responsibilities include budget oversight and purchasing to support garden operations and program needs.
This is a dynamic, community-focused role requiring strong knowledge of horticulture and gardening practices, as well as skills in program coordination, volunteer management, and partnership development.
This position is a contract appointment that is 50% variable.
The home department is UCCE San Mateo County. While this position normally is based in Half Moon Bay, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.
Pay Scale: $62,700.00/year to $84,400.00/year.
Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 5/31/2026.
Key Responsibilities:
25%
Oversees ongoing care and upkeep of the garden to support program activities.
25%
Plans, develops, and delivers curriculum for youth, volunteers, and community members.
15%
Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers in the garden.
10%
Actively participates in long-range strategic planning for the site and programs.
5%
Participates in developing strategic market plans and target audiences.
5%
Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through student/participant evaluations and the level of interest shown.
5%
Develops, prepares, and reconciles the budget for the program.
5%
Develops and maintains new and existing program partnerships.
5%
Facilitates and supports special program events in the garden.
Requirements:

• Associate degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience.
• Thorough knowledge of gardening, youth development, and community engagement.
• Thorough and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough knowledge of and skill in gardening, delivering programs.
• Thorough knowledge of current community educational programs and trends.
• Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering programs.

Preferred Skills:

• Continuing education in related field required.
• Thorough knowledge of organization policies and procedures.
• Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments, i.e., Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must comply with regulatory agency reporting requirements (California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act).
• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
    
    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

About Us
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.
Collaborating to solve problems.
Connecting to serve communities.
For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
How to Apply
Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId= 86236 &PostingSeq=1
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*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.