The Garden & Nutrition Educator manages and teaches CommunityGrows’ garden and nutrition education classes for elementary-aged students in San Francisco. They are responsible for planning and teaching 6-8 classes per week, approximately one (1) hour each, engaging teachers and students in garden care, and maintaining the garden spaces of their sites. This work will be split across two school sites, William Cobb Elementary in the Fillmore neighborhood, and John Muir Elementary, in the Western Addition neighborhood.
We are seeking staff members that have a real love of teaching and nutritious eating and who want to work creatively as a part of a passionate team. Successful candidates will also have a demonstrable track record of working effectively in diverse, low-income communities. The ideal candidate does not need to have everything listed in this job description, but they are excited and willing to collaborate and learn.
Environmental Education Program Delivery
Plan lessons and curriculum for gardening and nutrition classes using the Next Generation Science Standards and Out of School Time (OST) best practices
During the academic year, teach 6-8 classes each week. During the summer, teach 3-4 classes a week
Develop, organize and coordinate at least one schoolwide gardening activity per academic year
Build relationships with teachers and school community
Create garden class schedules with teachers for the fall and spring semesters
Provide program and organizational updates to principal and teachers on a timely basis
Keep accurate attendance records and evaluations of classes and curriculum taught and share results with staff, teachers and partners
Input data as needed
Support CommunityGrows general activities and operations, such as garden workdays and community events
Communicate clearly with all CommunityGrows staff on a weekly basis
Co-lead field trips to local farms, gardens and other sites
Garden Maintenance
Oversee garden maintenance at assigned sites
Organize & keep track of tools and gardens sheds
Create garden maintenance schedules as needed
Coordinate and oversee volunteers
Assist with garden maintenance at other CommunityGrows sites as assigned
Partnership Development and Collaboration
Serve as an effective spokesperson for CG representing the programs’ values to all partners and the general public
Attend quarterly fundraisers and community events which occur an average of two (2) times a year
Required Qualifications
At least (1) year teaching experience, especially with youth ages 5-12
At least one (1) year experience managing a farm or garden
Strong knowledge of organic gardening practices
Excellent classroom management skills
Strong relationship building skills and ability to communicate effectively with teachers
Significant experience working in multicultural communities of color
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and take initiative
Good writing skills and computer proficiency
Strong collaboration, mediation, and team-building skills
Advocate for environmental justice; knowledge of environmental principles and issues
Pass a background check, TB test, and provide proof of COVID vaccination prior to start date
Experience supervising and managing volunteers/interns
Desired Qualifications
BA or equivalent experience in early childhood K-5 education, urban agriculture, science, nutrition and health or other relevant field
Knowledge and practice of restorative justice principles
Bilingual, or equivalent fluency, in Spanish
Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, ideally garden based
Experience supporting program staff
Experience analyzing and evaluating educational programs
Experience working or living in Western Addition, and/or Fillmore neighborhoods
Experience supervising and managing volunteers/interns
Possess a valid CA driver’s license
First aid and CPR certification
To apply, please fill out the application at https://tinyurl.com/CGGardenEdApp2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, the deadline to apply is September 17th.