Position Title: Garden Education Program Facilitator

Summary of Position:

The Garden Education Program Facilitator will have responsibility for the preparation and delivery of garden-based lessons with PreK grade students, maintaining the on-site educational garden spaces, overseeing student/participant data tracking, communicating program-related activities with school partners, engaging with families monthly and at special events and providing a rich and engaging learning experience for students.

Key Attributes:

● Passion, integrity, positive attitude, and mission-driven work ethic

● Adaptable and innovative approach to hands-on lesson facilitation

● Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

Requirements:

● Recommended Early Education Teaching/Facilitation Experience (either in a formal educational setting or in an experiential educational setting as the lead facilitator)

● Experience working with young children in large group settings (at least 10-12 kids at a time)

● Experience and/or comfort in a garden is a benefit, as well.

Position functions include, but are not limited to:

Garden and Classroom

● Provide hands-on garden-based learning facilitation to weekly classes at an Early Learning Center. This includes teaching the given lesson to PreK students, as well as coordinating with the lead classroom teacher or Educational Assistant (EA) to maintain student behavior in order to ensure safety and an optimal learning environment in the garden and/or classroom. Prepare the garden and/or classroom in advance of students’ arrival each day; clean up and put away all tools, lock shed, and other items after classes.

● Advise on and implement garden design and regular garden maintenance at assigned site, prioritizing accessibility for students and providing input on general garden/growing methods and seasonal needs

● Material needs will be provided for Facilitator, but in case of unforeseen needs or enhancement material requests, submit a purchase request to Program Coordinator(PC)

● Maintain garden spaces in such a manner to ensure effective learning environment, including weeding, watering, pruning, planting, compost management, and organic pest and disease management

Communication and Outreach

● Work closely within a team setting, feeling comfortable to contribute from your unique point of view, as well as holding a space for differing views—ever seeking to arrive at what is best for the students, the garden and the mission of Plant the Seed

● Contribute to the culture and ethos of Plant the Seed by sharing ideas in a constructive way at team meetings and check-ins

● Respond with flexibility and patience to the needs of students, teachers, and administrators—demonstrating strong teamwork capacity

● Communicate effectively with all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, volunteers, and Plant the Seed staff. When in doubt, over-communicate.

● Send weekly partner email to site teachers and staff about upcoming lesson

● Contribute to a vibrant social media presence, including contribution of site pictures for Facebook posts and contribution to blog posts

● Develop relationships with parents, teachers and community stakeholders

Internal/Organizational

● Work closely with the Program Coordinator to further the mission and vision of PtS by creating quality programs and vibrant growing spaces

● Regular documentation of garden experiences

● Submit numbers and narrative reports in a timely manner as requested by PC

● Submit weekly time sheet of allocated hours to inform scheduling and budget

● Attend weekly PtS staff meetings (schedule TBD)

● Attend regular check-ins with PC

Work Environment and Schedule

● Work environment is a combination of on-site at partner(s) with shifts falling during school hours(7:30AM-12:30PM) four days a week and an occasional evening or weekend, as needed. Hours average between 15-20 hours weekly.

● 10-month status will be re-evaluated with an option for month-to-month extension of position depending upon organizational needs and funding.

Please send your resumé and a letter of interest, highlighting the ways in which your strengths might contribute to this dynamic and growing edible education nonprofit to sarahv@planttheseed.org by Friday, August 4th, 2023.

This position description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of associated attributes or duties. While intended to be accurate, it does not exclude that other, different duties may be required when circumstances change. Plant the Seed is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Plant the Seed prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.