SUMMARY:

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is a 51-year-old community organization and cultural hub committed to uniting and inspiring the surrounding community through programs aimed at the cultivation of young leaders, the preservation of Puerto Rican cultural heritage, and the stewardship of community land (our three “pillars”). We have six special gardens that, together, make up the NSNP active green space to amplify our sense of belonging and shared learning experiences. Our mission is to unite and inspire youth and families using the strengths of our community: shared cultural wisdom, creative energies, and environmental spaces and experiences.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION:

‍NSNP’s part-time seasonal Garden Assistant is responsible for assisting the Gardener-Groundskeeper with the hands-on care, maintenance, and cultivation of five of NSNP's seven gardens: El Batey, Raíces, La Paz, Butterfly Garden, and the hoop house. These gardens each have unique purposes and histories that the Garden Assistant, together with the Gardener-Groundskeeper, works to maintain and uplift, including the preservation of Puerto Rican traditions.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Assists with planting, watering, pest maintenance, fertilization, weeding, pruning, staking, moving soil, and mulching in five gardens, with guidance from the Groundskeeper-Gardener.
● Properly disposes of plant matter in compost bins throughout the gardens
● Assists with trash removal from the interiors and perimeters of the five gardens
● Collaborates with other individuals involved in the gardens, such as the Garden Co-Founder, other Garden Assistants, etc.
● Welcomes interested neighbors to come into the gardens and engage in the space

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SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
● 2+ years of experience in urban farming and vegetable production, composting systems, disease and insect management, etc.
● Ability to work independently, outside in all weather (rain, heat, cold) and lift up to 50 lbs. safely
● Ability to operate power tools and equipment safely
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills; organized and detail-oriented
● Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule
● Enthusiasm for community building and gardening
● Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) with knowledge of or interest in Latine/Latinx culture and foodways preferred
● Culturally competent and inclusive
● Capacity to engage new communities and long-term residents with curiosity and care
● Interested in developing a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican culture
● Showcases strong initiative in both humble and challenging tasks
● Ability to obtain and maintain up-to date FBI, PA Criminal, and PA Child Abuse clearances

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WORK HOURS

Part-time Seasonal, 15 - 20 hours per week (up to 5 hours per day, Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm) March 30 - October 30, 2026

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COMPENSATION AND APPLICATION DETAILS

The pay rate for this temporary, part-time, independent contractor position is $16-18 per hour, commensurate with experience.

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To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume by email with “[YOUR NAME] Garden Assistant Application” in the subject line to jobs@myneighborhoodproject.org. Electronic submissions only. No phone calls please.

Deadline to apply: March 13, 2026

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Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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