Horticultural Therapist- Community Grower

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Title:                Horticultural Therapist- Community Grower

Location:         Bedford Green House

 

Program Overview:

Bedford Green House is a new state-of-the-art supportive/affordable housing complex providing homes and services to more than 300 New Yorkers.  Phase I is a building designed to LEED Gold Standards and is scheduled to open in the Bronx in December 2019. Bedford Green House will provide onsite social services including primary care for adults and families and women’s health services, family reunification services, occupational therapy, and more. Funded in part by the NYC Dept. of Health and Hygiene and Human Resources Administration, Bedford Green House supports and encourages a healthy lifestyle with an abundance of resources for the community at large. BGH features sustainable landscaped green roof, rooftop greenhouse, aquaponics growing system, horticultural therapy classes with year-round gardening, planned healthy cooking workshops, community playground, and backyard with recreational and exercise equipment.

 

Overall Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Program Director, the Horticultural Therapist is responsible for overseeing the operations of the greenhouse rooftop and garden for residents and community.  

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Horticultural Therapist include but are not limited to the following activities:

  • Set up and maintain the rooftop community garden for local food production and therapeutic gardening, using organic farming techniques

  • Conducts gardening sessions with proper horticulture techniques to rehabilitate, train, and provide recreation for residents

  • Oversees the operations of a four-season greenhouse on the rooftop to allow residents and community members to enjoy nature and exercise year-round

  • Operates and maintains the vertical farm inside the greenhouse, that includes an aquaponics to produce live fish and organic vegetables side-by-side in a symbiotic ecosystem

  • Instructs residents in activities and techniques to meet their physical and mental needs/abilities

  • Works closely with PRI Chef at the Demonstration kitchen to teach healthy cooking and nutritional classes

  • Working with local schools to teach Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) classes to local school kids

  • Confers with treatment team and residents to determine residents’ needs

  • Implements and revises gardening program activities based on observations and evaluation of residents’ progress and community needs.

  • Uses assessment methods in order to record, monitor and evaluate individual achievements

  • Communicates with treatment team regarding evaluation, plan, and progress

  • Demonstrates the use of tools and materials to ensure they are used safely

  • Cleans work area, orders supply and equipment when necessary

  • Assists in the operation and development of special projects/activities

  • Provides proper monitoring and training to volunteers working in the horticulture program

  • Perform regularly scheduled and as needed maintenance of the living facade

 

Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related mental health field

  • Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from an AHTA accredited program

  • At least two years’ experience as a Horticultural Therapist preferred

  • National registration as a Horticultural Therapist by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) or working towards eligibility

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

 

Physical requirements:

 

The work requires ability to lifts 40 lbs., frequent walking, standing, pushing of carts and wheelbarrows, bending, and stooping. Occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation; manages heavy machine, garden hand tools and supplies.

 

To apply: E-mail resume and cover letter indicating position and salary requirements: to careers@projectrenewal.org