Community Garden Volunteer (Non-Client Facing Position)

Position Title: Community Gardener Volunteer 

Reports to: Nutrition Program Coordinator  

Position Location: Dempsey Center Community Garden (Auburn/Lewiston Area) 

Schedule and Hours: Seasonal, 1 ½ – 3 hours per week from mid-May to mid-October. Garden volunteers work both as a group and independently at the garden. Groups meet 1 – 2 evenings weekly. In addition, the garden volunteer committee meets about once per month between April and June, either on Zoom or at the Dempsey Center. 

Position Summary: Garden volunteers plan and discuss garden projects at monthly meetings. Work sessions are led by Master Gardener volunteers from Cooperative Extension Service, and involve preparing raised beds, planting, watering, tending to various crops, harvesting and delivering produce to the Dempsey Center.   

 Key aspects of the role include: 

• Tending to the crops in the raised beds, with duties noted above. 

Qualifications:  

• Gardening experience is helpful, but not essential. Inexperienced volunteers must work as part of group sessions until trained to work independently. Master Gardener volunteers are present as educators. 
• Consistent availability is essential, with the understanding that volunteers may not be available every week.  
• Communication with MGV and nutrition program manager via email or text when conflicts with volunteering arise. 

Physical Requirements: Must be able to walk on uneven turf and get down on hands and knees to tend to beds. We have several elevated beds and some high bushes that allow opportunities for people who are not able to get down on their hands and knees.   

General Requirements:  

• Must provide own transportation to garden,  
• Must Dempsey Center Experience Training. 
• Maintains professional behavior, dress and appearance at all times while volunteering. 
• Must use discretion and protect the confidentiality of all Dempsey Center clients.; HIPAA-specific training will be provided. 
•  Ability to effectively communicate with employees, Board members, donors, prospects, volunteers, consultants, advisors, and members of the community.  

Required for All Volunteers:

• Annual Influenza Immunization or Declination Notice

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Dempsey Center
The Dempsey Center promotes a culture of inclusion and seeks talented staff from diverse backgrounds. The Dempsey Center encourages applications from qualified candidates of every age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and veteran status.  At the Dempsey Center, we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and create a culture of respect and belonging built on safety, human dignity, and bravery.

Click here to apply!