Outdoor Garden Specialist

Seasonal Grant Funded Position | Part-Time | summer 2026

The Outdoor Garden Specialist will serve as the welcoming face of the newly opened Knight Memorial Library Garden, a vibrant outdoor park-like space in front of the Knight Memorial Library in the West End of Providence. The Specialist will ensure the garden is a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for neighbors of all ages by providing hands-on programs, distributing activity supplies, and maintaining a welcoming presence throughout the summer. This is a pilot position that will help establish routines and best practices for the garden's long-term success.

Community Welcome & Garden Presence

•        Maintain a consistent, welcoming presence in the Knight Memorial Library Garden during scheduled hours.

•        Greet visitors, introduce them to the garden's resources and spaces, and communicate the library's behavior expectations.

•        Proactively engage individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds, including Spanish-speaking community members.

•        Work collaboratively with Knight Memorial Library staff, outside educators, visiting teachers, camp counselors, and library security.

Programming & Activities

•        Lead and assist with art, STEM, MakerSpace, games, and literacy programs for all ages.

•        Distribute and manage supplies including art materials, building kits, investigative STEM tools, board games, and active games.

•        Support outside program providers during concerts, nature workshops, and nature illustration courses.

•        Maintain the three micro-libraries with nature and environmental books for all ages.

Documentation & Evaluation

•        Record daily visitor counts, program attendance, and activity usage statistics.

•        Collect and record participant evaluation forms following organized programs.

•        Gather and share written anecdotes and visitor stories with CLPVD project administrators.

•        Document garden activities and support the project videographer in capturing programs and events.

Required

•        Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science/studies, education, or a related field.

•        Enthusiasm for working outdoors with a diverse, urban community.

•        Experience working with children, youth, and/or families in an educational, recreational, or community setting.

•        Ability to lead engaging, hands-on activities for a variety of ages and skill levels.

•        Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to set a welcoming, respectful tone.

•        Comfort working independently and exercising sound judgment in a public space.

•        Reliability and punctuality; ability to work a consistent outdoor schedule in warm weather.

Preferred

•        Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

•        Interest or background in nature, environmental education, gardening, art, or STEM.

•        Experience with behavior management or community engagement in a public-facing setting.

This position is primarily outdoors in all warm-weather conditions. The Specialist will spend the majority of their shift in the Knight Memorial Library Garden. Occasional indoor access to the library building will be available. The Specialist will not work alone; Knight Memorial Library staff, security, and program partners will be present throughout the summer.

The Knight Memorial Library Garden is a newly designed outdoor park-like space featuring three distinct pavilion areas — the Red Garden Pavilion (outdoor classroom), the Blue Garden Pavilion (peaceful reading area), and the Yellow Garden Pavilion (pollinator garden) — along with an event lawn, a play lawn, a fruit orchard, and three micro-libraries. The space was designed in collaboration with community members, library staff, and the Library's Friends Group.

Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD) operates nine neighborhood libraries across Providence, Rhode Island. CLPVD is committed to building an inclusive, welcoming community through programs, services, and spaces that serve all residents. The Knight Memorial Library is located in the West End of Providence, a vibrant, densely populated, and diverse neighborhood where nearly 29% of residents are foreign-born.

To apply, please email your resume and a list of 3 references to the CLPVD Human Resources Manager.

Maria Melvin, HR Manager, mmelvin@clpvd.org, Phone: 401-467-2700 x1606

Community Libraries of Providence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.