Spring Green Team Leader

Who We Are

Groundwork Somerville is a community-based, action-oriented non-profit. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of environmental activists to grow a greener and more equitable Somerville. Groundwork Somerville, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been “changing places and changing lives” in Somerville, Massachusetts since 2000. Through youth empowerment, urban farming, equitable food access, and community engagement, Groundwork sows the seeds of a healthy community. Our work is grounded in the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to economic, social, and racial injustice. We recognize that it is impossible to sustain a healthy community without holistically addressing these issues. As a result, we make an explicit effort to employ and empower youth of color and youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our educational programming specifically highlights the nuances of racism, sexism, and environmental injustice, and arms youth with tools to address these inequities. In addition, Groundwork strives to provide equitable access to food and land for all Somerville residents. We grow crops that have cultural significance to Somerville’s diverse community and provide equitable access to fresh produce through the Somerville Mobile Market. We strive to hold space where all Somervillians can gather as a community and celebrate the land and each other. 

Essential Functions:

• Prepare Green Team curriculum
• Develop, teach, and facilitate workshops on food/environmental/climate justice, gardening, bike safety, food systems, advocacy, civic engagement, and job skills to Green Team members 
• Support the Youth Engagement and Programs Director in the coordination and communications for the Spring Green Team
• Manage a small team of youth to complete work projects (both physical garden and farming projects and environmental justice projects)
• Garden, bike, and problem solve with young people
• Lead and ensure the safety of Green Team members during group bike rides to school gardens across Somerville
• Follow bike safety rules at all times
• Facilitate youth interaction with community-based projects
• Provide mentorship and support to Green Team members
• Give and receive feedback from Green Team members

Requirements: 

• Age: 18+

Working Conditions/Physical Demands: 

• Willingness and ability to ride around Somerville on a bike (We will provide a bike and helmet if a Green Team Leader does not have their own.)
• Willingness to garden and farm in light rain and cold or warm weather
• Ability to carry at least 20 lbs at a time

Requisite Skills and Experience: 

• A desire to work with youth in a leadership role
• Ability to take initiative, plan, and prepare for a week's worth of programming at a time
• Organizational skills and ability to keep track of logistics, materials, and information
• Excited to work as a member of a team with many moving parts
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to Groundwork Somerville's mission, youth empowerment, and anti-oppression work
• Strong understanding of historical and current injustices against immigrants, indigenous people, and communities of color 
• Previous farming and/or gardening experiences and skills are strongly preferred; or someone with a willingness to learn
• Proficiency in (any) other languages is welcome!

Location & Schedule: 

Locations

• Groundwork Somerville Office, 337 Somerville Ave, Suite #2B, Somerville, MA 02143
• South Street Farm, 198 South St, Somerville, MA 02143
• School Gardens across Somerville

Schedule

Monday, Wednesdays, Thursdays 3-5pm 

• plus 4 hours weekly of planning time and occasional weekend hours

Start Date

As soon as possible

End Date 

May 31st, 2024
 

 Pay: $20/hour
 

How to apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Kenzie Ballard, the Youth Engagement and Programs Director, at kenzie@groundworksomerville.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions have been filled. 

At Groundwork Somerville, respecting and celebrating diversity is a core value. We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all, within which each person can succeed professionally regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, or disability. Groundwork Somerville works to foster understanding, communication and respect among all people in the company in order to create an inclusive workspace.