Job Description
About the Accokeek Foundation For nearly 70 years, the Accokeek Foundation has cultivated a passion for the natural and cultural heritage of Piscataway Park and commitment to stewardship and sustainability.In partnership with the National Park Service and affiliated communities, the Foundation stewards 300 acres of Piscataway Park while honoring the Indigenous people and values that shaped and continue to shape this land.Park visitors will experience the interconnectedness of all life as they come to know the historical and cultural significance and regenerative potential of the indigenous landscape that is Piscataway Park.The park is open daily to visitors of all ages who enjoy a quiet landscape for recreation and reflection.Annually, thousands of school youth experience land-based education, learning about environmental stewardship through a historical lens.Position Overview The Gardens Program Coordinator is responsible for the planning, care, and interpretation of the Accokeek Foundation's native and heritage demonstration gardens, which showcase the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of Southern Maryland.This role blends horticultural expertise with a deep appreciation for the region's Indigenous, African, and European food and land stewardship traditions.As part of the Programs team, the Coordinator supports educational and interpretive programs and contributes to the overall visitor experience in Piscataway Park.Responsibilities Garden Planning and Oversight Plan and manage seasonal planting schedules for demonstration gardens featuring native, heirloom, and culturally significant plants Implement and oversee best practices in sustainable gardening, soil health, pest management, and crop rotation Maintain garden infrastructure (raised beds, trellises, fencing, irrigation, etc.) in coordination with the Facilities team Maintain records of plant varieties, planting schedules, and harvests Education and Interpretation Support Support the delivery of curriculum-based education, interpretive tours, and public programming focused on traditional foodways and agricultural practices to include leading programming as needed.Prepare gardens as active teaching and interpretive spaces for youth and adult learners Assist in developing interpretive materials and content related to food sovereignty, cultural food traditions, and ecological knowledge Program and Event Support Support the planning and implementation of seasonal garden and foodways programs Provide on-site support during special events, including demonstrations, workshops, and community celebrations Communication and Coordination Serve as the primary liaison with garden volunteers and interns, offering direction, training, and engagement opportunities Coordinate with the Facilities team to ensure site upkeep related to the gardens and surrounding visitor areas Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives Qualifications Strong knowledge of native and heirloom plants and sustainable gardening practices Interest in or experience in cultural food traditions and historical interpretation Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an outdoor, physically active environment Experience supervising volunteers or leading teams is a plus Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and recordkeeping skills Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and smell.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt position with a salary range of $18.00- $21.00 per hour based on experience, with evening, weekend, and holiday availability as needed.The eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible paid time off, a cost-share benefit with 50% of health insurance premiums covered, retirement plan matching, and employer-paid disability and life insurance, supporting both professional sustainability and personal well-being.To apply:Send a resume and cover letter describing how your experience, skills, and interests make you uniquely qualified for this position by email with the subject line Gardens Program Associate to tthomas@accokeek.org.Applications received by March 10, 2026, will be given priority consideration.The position will remain open until it is filled.