Caulfield South Community House (CSCH) resides in the heart of Glen Eira and has been operating as a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organisation since 1988.

CSCH provides a warm, welcoming space for local families and community members and is committed to delivering motivating, inclusive activities and programs, to encourage social cohesion and strengthen community connections.

Our Community Garden is a vibrant shared space, uniquely designed for everyone to contribute to and enjoy. Our Community Garden is nurtured collectively by our dedicated Garden Group of members and volunteers, led by the Garden Coordinator. Through careful planning and planting they help the garden thrive year-round. More than just a place to grow food, the garden is a welcoming space where people come together, connect with others, and enjoy a sense of community.

Position Summary

The Community Garden Coordinator reports to the Operations Manager and is responsible for generating and ensuring a vibrant, inclusive, and productive community garden space. This role engages the local community and identifies and responds to the emerging needs of our diverse community.

The Community Garden Co-ordinator grows and supports the engagement of garden members. The role has critical objectives to build the capacity of members; and develop gardening activities that foster community connection; as well as promote environmental sustainability and education.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled individual to innovate and play a fundamental role in positioning our Community Garden as a hub for social inclusion and gardening education.

Position type: Casual Position - 1 year contract, open to review

Position Conditions: 8 casual hours per week, minimum 2 days. Some weekend work.

Key Position Responsibilities & Requirements:

Engagement & Support

Build a welcoming, inclusive space where all community members feel a sense of connection and belonging:

Establish a strong and regular presence in the garden, welcoming and orienting new members, supporting current members and actively engaging with visitors.

Design, coordinate and evaluate orientation and member support systems.

Develop capacity of members to take on leadership roles (Team Leaders).

Ensure member communication and support resources are up to date and accessible.

Volunteer and Team Coordination

Coordinate and support Garden Group participants to ensure they feel valued, heard, and well-informed, contributing to the smooth and successful operation of the garden.

Actively develop the capacity of members to take on the shared responsibility of garden operations.

Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between Teams, through regular team meetings, online tools and maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Program Development

Lead initiatives that support garden improvements, knowledge sharing, and community connection. Promote the Community Garden as a hub for learning, inclusion, and growth.

Facilitate and encourage participation of members in development and implementation of the Garden Planting Plan.

Design, plan, and lead garden and social connection activities, including Monthly Working Bees and seasonal Garden Open Days. This involves coordinating volunteers, organising tasks, arranging catering, booking guest speakers or presenters by liaising with Glen Eira Council and other external organisations and being present on the day.

Be responsive to emerging community needs.

General Garden Operations
Identify and respond to Garden and operational requirements.

Coordinate for the operation, maintenance and improvement of the garden’s physical environment.

Ensure Occupational Health and Safety requirements and compliance across.

Communications & Administration
Use a range of communication and data management tools to ensure effective communication and up-to date operational documents

Manage garden communications and administration, including writing and distributing monthly Garden updates, maintaining marketing materials, coordinating volunteer communications and database, providing bi-monthly reports to the Garden Sub Committee and attending meetings as required.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role you will have:

Applied knowledge and practice of gardening and community-based programs.

Well-developed interpersonal skills including demonstrated capacity to problem solve and work collaboratively.

Demonstrated experience in managing relationships to build and maintain engagement of diverse groups

Well-developed organisational skills including proven ability to work independently and prioritise tasks.

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficient with Microsoft package, familiarity with WhatsApp and MailChimp based systems is desirable.