URBAN FARMER EDUCATOR

About the role

This position is part of a pilot program in a school system that involves growing productive and beautiful raised bed vegetables gardens as a part of early education programs during the outdoor growing season, running indoor growing systems and conducting indoor early education programming for the wintertime, under the direction of Green City Growers.

Responsibilities

• Gardening: Train on a framework for crop planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting at a variety of raised-bed gardens and indoor hydroponic units, according to GCG’s horticultural practices.
• Education and Programming: Plan and teach inclusive, age-appropriate, hands-on gardening programs for a primarily Pre-K audience, as well as indoor garden-themed sessions during inclement weather, aligned with GCG methods. Programs will include bilingual/English language learners, and students of all abilities. Training and support will be provided.
• Customer Service: Represent GCG on-site with partners and participants. Build positive relationships with school staff and administrators, as well as families and community members.
• Communication: For internal use, document tasks and lesson plans for each site visit, and photograph gardens and programs. Communicate additional site needs and customer feedback to management as needed for continual internal improvement and for GCG’s communication with customers.
• Transportation: Applicants must have their own vehicle for getting to sites and transporting themselves and goods between sites. Occasional travel to Boston will be company paid.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who will work independently using skills gained from in-house training, possess excellent time management, communication skills, a positive attitude, and maintain a keen sense of personal responsibility. Detail-oriented, with a commitment to high quality work and continuous improvement.
• Must love working with young children, ages 3-5.
• At least 2 years of experience leading programs for children or youth in a group setting such as school, after-school, camp, or outdoor/farm education program required.
• At least 2 years of experience in farming or professional garden work.
• Ability to work a schedule that meets school needs: early mornings, occasional nights for school events.
• Ability to perform physically challenging work in all weather conditions and to move up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Driver’s license and good driving record required. Following a conditional offer of employment, GCG may require a motor vehicle record check on all final candidates.
• Must be comfortable with their image being used on the company website and social media platforms.
• CORI check will be required.
• Spanish language skills preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Discretionary bonus program

Pay

This position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Schedule

This is a year-round, full-time position at about 40 hours per week and will be managed remotely out of Boston. The position begins with a week-long training program in Boston, and then continues with ongoing support in Elizabeth, New Jersey as school programs begin in September.