The Giving Grove is a national network of 500 urban community orchards nurturing people and the planet. Through partnerships with local organizations and leadership from hundreds of volunteers, these orchards increase access to fresh food, tree canopy and community greenspace for 500,000 people across the U.S., while providing essential environmental benefits.

These philosophies guide our team and our work:

  • Collaborate and share knowledge

  • Cultivate community leaders

  • Grow where invited

  • Encourage food sovereignty

  • Support equitable placemaking

  • Reconnect with nature

  • Use a holistic, organic approach

  • Reinvigorate urban greenspace

Current Opportunities:

There are currently no open employment opportunities with The Giving Grove. Come back soon for future employment and internship opportunities!

(No longer accepting applications) Title: National Orchard Operations & Education Manager

We are currently seeking a Full-Time National Orchard Operations and Education Manager with a background in horticulture, agriculture, or agroforestry, specifically specializing in the holistic (organic/biological) care of fruit and nut trees and small fruits. Educational skills are crucial for this role, as the individual must be comfortable presenting workshops, researching and providing up-to-date horticultural advice, and working with our national network.

The Giving Grove uses a co-leadership model; the National Orchard Operations & Education Manager (NOOEM) will report to the Co-Executive Director – Affiliate Operations. This position includes opportunities for remote or hybrid work. Giving Grove’s headquarters are in Kansas City, MO.

Time Expectations: Full-Time

Compensation & Benefits: The targeted starting salary for this position is $60,000, depending on qualifications. Available benefits include health insurance (100% of premiums paid for employees), a retirement account with a 3% match, and paid holidays and vacation. This position includes options for hybrid and remote work. The Giving Grove offers a supportive organizational culture that emphasizes collaboration and professional development.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage engagement with Program Managers in our National Affiliate Network (currently 15 programs) to improve their orchard programs in two main areas: Orchard Operations (plant selection and procurement, regionally specific research, maintenance, and care) and Education (for Program Managers and Volunteer Stewards).

  • Manage and run quarterly meetings with program managers.

  • Manage virtual workshops (up to 8/year) on topics such as orchard/food forest planting, care, harvest, biodiversity, community engagement, and expert interviews.

  • Contribute content for quarterly newsletters for affiliate partners based on their feedback and interests.

  • Assist with updating and improving educational resource development for all regions.

  • Assist with data management related to national orchard sites, examples: calculating production estimates of community fruits nuts and berries regionally; evaluation of tree inventory software.

  • Assist with content creation and speaker recruitment for the annual national conference based on affiliate partners' feedback and interests.

  • Assist with managing the National Orchard Advisory Committee biannual meetings.

  • Use expertise to offer advice and guidance to The Giving Grove staff on national orchard operation models and approaches.

  • Present at one national conference each year.

  • Expand and build on your unique skill sets to contribute to our growing network.

  • Participate in additional Giving Grove activities as mutually agreed upon.

Qualifications and Candidate Preferences

  • Educational focus or certification in the horticulture field.

  • 5+ years of direct experience in caring for fruit/nut trees.

  • Experience working in Urban Agriculture.

  • Experience working with and/or ordering from nurseries.

  • Commitment to biological and organic methods of orchard care.

  • Understanding of land trusts, conservation easements, and land bank policies.

  • Understanding of issues of equity and access in food policy, land acquisition, and greenspace.

  • Strong commitment to collaboration.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other relevant documents to admin@givinggrove.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting June 1 2024, until the position is filled.. To view a PDF of the job description, click here.