NSNP’s part-time seasonal Garden Assistant is responsible for assisting the Gardener-Groundskeeper with the hands-on care, maintenance, and cultivation of five of NSNP’s seven gardens: El Batey, Raíces, La Paz, Butterfly Garden, and the hoop house. These gardens each have unique purposes and histories that the Garden Assistant, together with the Gardener-Groundskeeper, works to maintain and uplift, including the preservation of Puerto Rican traditions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Assists with planting, watering, pest maintenance, fertilization, weeding, pruning, staking, moving soil, and mulching in five gardens, with guidance from the Groundskeeper-Gardener.
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Properly disposes of plant matter in compost bins throughout the gardens
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Assists with trash removal from the interiors and perimeters of the five gardens
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Collaborates with other individuals involved in the gardens, such as the Garden Co-Founder, other Garden Assistants, etc.
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Welcomes interested neighbors to come into the gardens and engage in the space
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
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2+ years of experience in urban farming and vegetable production, composting systems, disease and insect management, etc.
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Ability to work independently, outside in all weather (rain, heat, cold) and lift up to 50 lbs. safely
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Ability to operate power tools and equipment safely
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills; organized and detail-oriented
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Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule
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Enthusiasm for community building and gardening
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Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) with knowledge of or interest in Latine/Latinx culture and foodways preferred
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Culturally competent and inclusive
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Capacity to engage new communities and long-term residents with curiosity and care
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Interested in developing a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican culture
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Showcases strong initiative in both humble and challenging tasks
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Ability to obtain and maintain up-to date FBI, PA Criminal, and PA Child Abuse clearances
WORK HOURS
Part-time Seasonal, 15 – 20 hours per week (up to 5 hours per day, Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm), March 30 – October 30, 2026
COMPENSATION AND APPLICATION DETAILS
The pay rate for this temporary, part-time, independent contractor position is $16-18 per hour, commensurate with experience.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume by email with “[YOUR NAME] Garden Assistant Application” in the subject line to jobs@myneighborhoodproject.org. Electronic submissions only. No phone calls please.
Deadline: March 13, 2026
Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.