Growing Futures Youth Coordinator

About Us:

4th Second is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving systemic change and fostering collaboration to bridge the gap between community needs and resources. Based in Solano County, with a focus on Vallejo, we specialize in Enhanced Care Management, employment and support services, and youth programs. Our work serves a wide-range of individuals, including youth and adults who are unhoused, at-risk, or justice-involved.

At 4th Second, we are committed to trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches, offering services such as street medicine, healthcare coordination, mental health counseling, youth substance use and suicide prevention, workforce development, and community-driven initiatives for food and housing sovereignty.

Our mission is simple: to meet people where they are, empower them with the care and resources they need, and support their journey toward holistic well-being.

About the Role:

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Growing Futures Coordinator to join our team in developing a community garden, supporting Youth programming, coordinating outdoor exploration, and promoting environmental advocacy efforts. This position requires a range of gardening skills, strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with fellow gardeners and community members. If you have a passion for community building we invite you to apply and contribute to the growth and vitality of our community garden. Previous experience is preferred, but not necessary. Sincere interest, creativity, and passion for working outdoors is!

Supervisory Responsibility:  None

Job Type: Part-time, Hourly, Non-exempt, 25 hours/week

Expected schedule: Tuesday - Saturday; hours vary by sunlight, though generally fall between the hours of 10 am and 5:30 pm

Location: Location: Vallejo, CA - in office & community

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement plan
• 5 days of paid sick days per year
• 1 Hour of Employer Paid Wellness Time

What You Will Do:

• Planting and cultivating various plants, flowers, and vegetables. Apply permaculture practices including: companion planting, crop rotation, proper planting and bedding practice for increased water and nutrient retention
• Managing compost and waste materials in an environmentally friendly manner
• Collaborating with other gardeners to plan seasonal planting schedules
• Adding fertilizers, compost, and other amendments to improve soil quality
• Interacting with community members and encouraging community and volunteer participation
• Organizing workshops or events to educate the community on gardening
• Maintaining records of planting dates, crop yields, harvest. etc
• Data entry of participant attendance, involvement, and other data for grant reports
• Safely transport youth participants to and from youth centers and other activities as needed
• Complete scheduled pickups of food boxes, tools, and materials to support programming

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Creativity in developing and implementing activities
• Patience and understanding when working with youth
• Access to reliable personal transportation required, including a DMV record that permits the driver to be insured under 4th Second’s automobile coverage
• Pass Required Background Checks: Successfully complete Live Scan and other background checks as a prerequisite for hiring, ensuring compliance with safety and security protocols set forth by 4th Second

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Proficiency in Google Suite, email, internet, and calendaring applications
• Experience cultivating in community gardens or other agricultural/horticultural spaces
• Familiarized with permacultural principles
• Proficient in another language other than English
• Confident in community engagement and interacting with youth

Physical Qualifications: 

• Engage in verbal and written communication
• Operate a computer, smartphone, and other office tools and equipment
• Reach hands up above one's own head
• Able to traverse uneven ground (i.e., walk along terrain where the ground is 
• Lifting and moving up to 25 lbs including: gardening tools, landscaping items, plants, hoses, wheelbarrows etc. 
• Standing for extended periods; 4 or more hours in a shift 
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions year-round 
• Able to kneel, bend, swing gardening tools, and pull weeds for an entire shift (rest and break times in between)
• Operate a moving vehicle
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable laws and policies

Work Environment:

This position operates in public and private community spaces such as indoor youth centers and community gardens. The role may involve exposure to unsanitary conditions such as handling soil, food waste, yard waste, etc. Navigating interactions with different personalities in public is to be expected. Staff are expected to follow all safety protocols and demonstrate cultural competency and trauma-informed care in all interactions.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

4th Second is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against job applicants on account of race, color, creed or religion, national origin including language use restrictions, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or HIV/AIDS status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or ancestry.

Note: We comply with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. New hires may be subject to passing skills tests.

We may refuse to hire relatives of present employees if doing so could result in actual or potential problems in supervision, security, safety or morale, or if doing so could create conflicts of interest.