Student Garden Outreach Coordinator

Dates of Service: September 22nd, 2026 – June 30th, 2027 (1,200 hours, approx. 32 hours/week)

About the role

This position is a partnership between the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, and Springwater Environmental Sciences Charter School. The Garden Teacher & Student Outreach Coordinator will coordinate hands-on, nature-based education for K-8th grade students and serve as the vital link between the school and the greater environmental community. This dual-role requires a passionate educator who will teach in an outdoor classroom and coordinate outreach programs that foster student engagement in the greater community. The position partners with the current Garden teacher to promote and create a healthy and thriving Garden program.

The member’s core responsibilities include garden education and instruction (45%), garden maintenance (20%), student outreach and community coordination (15%). The AmeriCorps Member will participate in Confluence-led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Training Series, team meetings, National Service events, and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate engaging, hands-on garden and environmental science lessons for students.
• Partner with classroom teachers to develop lessons that support comprehensive learning.
• Create a safe, supportive, and dynamic outdoor learning environment for K-8 students.
• Support students growing in outdoor free play in the natural environment of the school.
• Integrate nutrition education and healthy eating habits through direct garden activities, harvesting, and tasting.
• Coordinate regular care of the school garden, including planting schedules, composting, irrigation, and seasonal crop rotation.
• Maintain garden tools, seeds, and materials inventory.
• Coordinate student field trips, community-building garden events, workdays, and school-wide celebrations that bring families and local residents together.
• Manage garden volunteers, parent helpers, and student "green teams" in coordination with other teachers.
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; attend and complete all training and service requirements.
• Wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
• Abide by program and AmeriCorps policies.

Requirements

• Works well both collaboratively and independently.
• Has experience planting, tending, and caring for various types of plants and food.
• Has experience working with students ages K-8.
• Is comfortable in outdoor settings and all-weather conditions.
• Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues.
• Ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability.

AmeriCorps Volunteers must be:

• 17 years of age or older at the beginning of the service term.
• A U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
• In possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving the education award.
• Able to commit to the full term of service.
• Able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Community engagement experience, skills, or knowledge.
• Experience teaching in an outdoor setting.

Benefits

• $15,200 living allowance paid over the 9-month term of service (approx. $1,688 monthly, before taxes).
• $5,176 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses).
• Loan forbearance.
• Health care insurance.
• Child care reimbursement option.
• $50 training fund.
• Professional Leadership Certificate, trainings, and networking opportunities.
• May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Monthly TriMet passes available.
• Access to a Member Assistance Program (free counseling, health & financial tips, etc.).
• Additional $150/month compensation provided by Springwater Environmental Sciences School.

Schedule

Approximately 32 hours per week over a 9-month term (September 22nd, 2026 – June 30th, 2027).

Location & Transportation

Located at 16491 S Springwater Road, Oregon City, OR 97045. Car strongly recommended, as the location is not accessible by public transportation. Possible opportunities for carpooling.

About the Program

The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life-changing service opportunities that engage AmeriCorps Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities as part of a cohort model (20%).

www.confluencecenter.org

Equity & Inclusion

Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace and supports volunteers and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. As a non-profit organization, Confluence Environmental Center has historically been a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we strongly encourage people of color to apply. Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.