Community Garden Manager – Northampton, MA

Position Opening: Community Garden Manager Posted January 2026 Please note: This position may be combined with the Food Access Assistant position that is also currently in the hiring process, to create a full-time, year-round role. Applicants interested in the combined position should indicate this and include information about their experience relevant to both positions in their application materials. Position overview: The Community Garden Manager is responsible for supporting the organic Community Gardens operated by Grow Food Northampton around the City of Northampton. The Manager is the primary staff member responsible for engaging with and supporting 400+ gardeners at the Community Garden on the Grow Food Northampton Community Farm, managing garden infrastructure at that site, and supporting the community gardens at multiple low-income housing locations in collaboration with the Food Access team. The Community Garden Manager participates in the Land Team and supports land stewardship activities on the farm. Job Type and Schedule: Part-time, averaging 25 hours per week, with a flexible schedule and seasonality, including some required weekend and evening hours.

Hours will increase during the growing season and decrease during the winter. Compensation and Benefits: $25.00 – $32.00/hour. Benefits include paid vacation; 401(k) matched up to 4%; health insurance coverage at 80% employer contribution with optional dental coverage; and local food, technology, and professional development stipends. To apply: Please email a resume and cover letter to michael@growfoodnorthampton.org. Priority will be given to applications received by February 13th, 2026 at 5:00pm.

Responsibilities Garden engagement and volunteerism: ~40% Activate, connect with, and organize gardeners and the general public to create a sense of community and mutual support in the community gardens.

1 ● Organize regular work parties and individual opportunities for volunteer engagement to maintain many aspects of the garden ● Initiate, organize, and support multiple garden teams and volunteer initiatives to help operate the garden ● Participate with staff and volunteers to coordinate and implement education and co-learning opportunities for gardeners ● Facilitate community building between gardens at different locations Gardener Communications: ~30% ● Support the general well-being of the garden community through clear and compassionate communication ● Coordinate gardener communications by moderating the gardener Google Group and sending out regular eNewsletters and emails ● Seek feedback from gardeners informally and formally through surveys or focus groups; conduct annual evaluation of the community garden programming ● Respond to gardener emails and phone calls about issues, concerns, etc. ● Lead new gardener orientations ● Lead the annual garden registration process, collaborating with staff as needed Garden infrastructure and land stewardship: ~20% ● Participate with staff and volunteers to monitor the water system ● Work with the Land Team of GFN staff on general farm stewardship projects, including maintenance of common areas and care for infrastructure General: ~10% ● Serve as an integral member of the Grow Food Northampton team ● Participate in weekly staff meetings, trainings, and other staff activities ● Participate in creating a positive organizational climate that fosters employee well-being ● Ensure the intentional prioritization and centering of economic and racial justice in our work and practices ● Other duties as agreed upon by the Community Garden Manager and supervisor Requirements ● Meet the physical requirements of working outdoors in a community garden setting, including but not limited to walking on uneven terrain, performing light mechanical and carpentry work, and spending extended time outdoors in varying weather conditions. ● This position requires an on-site presence and regular interaction with volunteers and program participants. Adherence to safety protocols established by Grow Food Northampton is required.

2 Grow Food Northampton is an equal opportunity provider and employer. People of all races, colors, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, national origins, and ability, are encouraged to apply. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.