Garden Education Nonprofit Leadership Fellow

About the role

We are looking for an energetic Garden Educator to transform our partners' school gardens into lively hubs of learning, growth, and connection. This job is about more than just harvesting vegetables; it's about inspiring the next generation to care for the environment and lead their communities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and teach multiple lessons per day to various grade levels (K-5), which may include Special Day Classes.
• Apply a lens of cultural humility to all teaching and learning with students to create a safe and positive outdoor classroom culture.
• Adapt and implement the provided Energize Schools curriculum for your school site.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate students’ indoor (classroom) experiences with outdoor learning experiences.
• Collaborate with your school community to maintain and improve the school garden.
• Plant and maintain an edible garden.
• Plant and maintain perennial plants for student exploration and long-term garden habitat.
• Perform regular maintenance tasks such as weeding, watering, harvesting, and pest control.
• Build strong relationships with community members to serve the needs of the school and students.
• Engage parents and community volunteers in the garden.
• Attend and actively participate in required training sessions focused on building your teaching, gardening, and community engagement skills.
• Engage in quarterly lesson observations with your Regional Supervisor to discuss and implement feedback.
• Track and input student attendance.
• Administer pre- and post-student assessments at the beginning and end of the school year.

Requirements

This is a full-time, ten-month fellowship position, beginning on August 10, 2026, and ending on June 10, 2027. The role will require working on-site at two elementary schools in San Francisco and offers the flexibility to work remotely during non-site days.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of experience teaching or working directly with youth.
• Experience with or willingness to learn about gardening or farming.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and responsiveness.
• Ability to work independently, across competing priorities and deadlines.
• A commitment to social justice and anti-racism.
• A desire to work in a public school setting.
• Experience working with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Access to a reliable mode of transportation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with executives, candidates, and staff.
• The role involves frequent site visits and transporting program materials between locations, a reliable personal vehicle, a valid California driver’s license, and current insurance and registration are required.
• This position requires the employee to be physically located within the immediate Bay Area at the time of hire. Only Bay Area residents will be considered.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and provide practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Takes the initiative and completes work without undue supervision.
• Keeps track of responsibilities and meets deadlines and goals.
• Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to SEI’s mission and values.
• Requires a normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with students as well as maintain data records.
• Requires flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.

Skills

Competitive wages of $29.31/hour.

Generous paid time off, including 2 weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, and sick time.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with substantial employer contributions for both employees and their dependents.

403(b) Retirement Plan.

Dedicated 8 hours of time each month for your professional development.

The chance to excel in your strengths, working in areas where you're naturally talented and professionally trained.

A fair and inclusive workplace dedicated to making real and meaningful changes.

Benefits

SEI is a teams-based, non-profit organization dedicated to building leaders who accelerate climate solutions. Through our Education and Workforce programs, we partner with schools, communities, and businesses to develop inclusive and just sustainability leadership pathways from elementary school to early career.

Pay

Competitive wages of $29.31/hour.

Schedule

This is a full-time, ten-month fellowship position, beginning on August 10, 2026, and ending on June 10, 2027. The role will require working on-site at two elementary schools in San Francisco and offers the flexibility to work remotely during non-site days.