Job Description

Description:

ORGANIZATION: Friends of Switchpoint is a non-profit organization that has been serving those individuals, families and veterans experiencing poverty and homelessness since 2014.

OUR MISSION: To empower families and individuals in need by addressing the underlying causes of their poverty and providing each client with a personalized, comprehensive plan that supports them on their journey to self-sufficiency and the opportunity to contribute to the community. OUR VISION: We believe each individual has worth and value. Change occurs when people are treated with respect and dignity, empowered with skills and resources to better their circumstance.

CULTURE VALUES:

Kindness

- Remember Kindness is Contagious!

Connection

- It is why we are here and what gives purpose & meaning to life!

Kinship

- We want you and those we serve to feel a sense of Belonging.

Self-Worth

- Treat people the way they can become w/True Value & Worth!

Self-Reliance

- Learn your role and take initiative!! We want "Fishermen"!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

Kindness: To demonstrate compassion and respect for all people. Leadership: To lead by example, developing, promoting, and sharing innovative ideas and programs to help those experiencing homelessness. Transparency: To be open and honest in our relationships. Authenticity: To do what we say we do. Positive Influence: To judge our effectiveness by the extent to which individual lives are saved and improved by the positive experience of the people we influence. Golden Rule: To treat all people as we ourselves would wish to be treated.

OUR MOTTO: It Takes All of Us to End Homelessness.

Job Summary:

The

Garden Specialist

plays a vital role in creating a meaningful and sustainable impact by addressing food inequities and supporting marginalized communities through socially conscious farming operations. This position helps drive Switchpoint's mission by cultivating nutrient-rich leafy greens sold through a local micro-enterprise, where every purchase directly supports programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.


With a commitment to a

ZERO WASTE

mindset and environmentally responsible practices, the Garden Specialist ensures that every aspect of farming maximizes resource efficiency, especially water use and recycling. In addition to food production, this role supports job creation, offers educational greenhouse tours, and helps implement hands-on training programs that empower clients and community members with skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.


Requirements:

Job Responsibilities:

Garden Operations

Overseeing all operations of the garden training, and managing hydroponic growers and volunteers. Setting standards for growing all specimens, including the schedule and nutrient intake Ensuring proper preparation for harvesting times Maintaining or replacing hydroponic equipment Monitoring and ordering supplies Experimenting with growing conditions to improve efficiency. Compiling a budget Communicate daily or as needed with management on the status of independent grower activities and plans associated with maintenance. Working with Chief Strategic Officer to explore new revenue opportunities. Testing water quality on a regular basis Suggesting marketing strategies to better promote products. Preparing a projected budget and maximizing financial results through improved efficiencies. Maintaining accurate orders, invoices, financial books for profit and losses Running regular financial reports Ensure great customer service skills and do so efficiently. Work with co-workers to manage day-to-day operations. Transport commodity to cooler or customer Willing and able to change as the job changes.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

Report critical incident(s) immediately to Garden Manager and/or Regional Director. Collects data necessary to meet funding requirements and statistical reports.

Education & Outreach

Educate the public, donors, and community partners about vermiculture and sustainable composting. Lead farm tours and workshops when applicable.

Qualifications:

At least 1 year of experience on a hydroponic farm preferred. Knowledge of botany and the art of growing plants without soil Excellent people skills Ability to lead a large team during harvest time. Forward-thinking mindset, the ability to always see the big picture. Ability to conduct formal training sessions and presentations. Interest in the hydroponic industry High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills:

Sales or customer service experience Knowledge of soil science or organic gardening Experience with micro-enterprise or nonprofit sustainability models

Employee Benefits:

401k EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Compensation

Wage set between $16 - $20/hour


Part-Time Positions

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We value a diverse workforce.