Farm Educator

Total Hours: Averaging 15-20 hours per week during the school year with possible changes in hours as field trips increase or decrease seasonally and special events are scheduled. 40 hours per week for up to 8 weeks are available during the summer.

Compensation: $25.00/hour plus a weekly share of produce and flowers

Weekly Schedule: Typical hours are weekdays from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm; occasional hours outside of these times may be requested.

Start Date: Mar 3, 2025

Specific Location: San Mateo County School Farm, El Granada, California

Reports To: Donya Foley, Programs Manager

About Us:

The HEAL Project (THP) is a nonprofit organization providing hands-on programming that instills healthy lifestyle habits in elementary school children while inspiring environmental and agricultural awareness through a comprehensive, interactive curriculum. Our vision is a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health and our environment.

In addition to school garden sites throughout the coastside, THP operates the San Mateo County School Farm, a 2-acre diversified fruit and vegetable farm in El Granada, California. We grow annual vegetables, berries, cut flowers, and culinary herbs. Produce is primarily used for educational programming, and is also sold at the Coastside Farmers’ Market and donated to the Coastside Hope food pantry. Over 4,000 students visit the farm annually to learn about sustainable agriculture and nutrition and to connect with nature.

Job Description:

This part-time position will be part of our team of farm educators leading field trips and camps at the San Mateo County School Farm in El Granada. Farm Educators play a key role in interacting with the community of students, teachers, and supporters who visit the farm. This position works with teachers to guide science-based, interactive field trips that include harvesting, planting, hiking, and nutrition lessons. The field trip lessons reinforce Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core educational standards.

This role has room for growth as our programs grow, and the estimated initial allocation of time can be found below:

80%: Farm Education & Interpretation:

1. Lead PreK-5th grade students on field trips at the farm
2. Lead PreK-5th grade students in cooking or food prep demonstrations
3. Plan and lead summer and seasonal day camps
4. Lead volunteer and tour groups of adults or teens
5. Collect survey data and liability forms from visiting groups
6. Fill out monthly staff report and bimonthly timesheet online

10% Special Event Support:

1. Occasional weekdays, weekends or evenings
2. Assist in supporting volunteering and fundraising events on or off the farm
3. Assist with service learning field trips at farm

10% Farm Maintenance:

1. Assist in keeping educational areas clean and orderly
2. Assist in occasional farm tasks such as: weeding, watering, planting, pest management

Basic Eligibility:

1. Be legally allowed to work in the United States
2. Test negative for Tuberculosis
3. Pass fingerprinting & DOJ background check to work with children
4. Enthusiasm for leading groups of children, youth and adults

No experience is required but preferred experience and qualities include:

1. Have a high school diploma/GED
2. An understanding of or willingness to learn about agriculture and communicate these concepts in a fun and engaging way to diverse audiences
3. Strong group management skills
4. Comfort and confidence working independently and with a small team
5. Creativity, flexibility, and willingness to learn and share ideas
6. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
7. Familiarity with Google Drive and Google Calendar
8. Bilingual Spanish-speaking applicants are highly encouraged to apply

Additionally the Farm Educator:

1. Will comply with organizational tenets as outlined in THP Employee Handbook
2. Will utilize computer to maintain routine communication
3. Will attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings
4. Will complete First Aid Training and Food Handler’s Certification within six months of hire.

Typical Mental & Physical Demands:

1. Prolonged physical activity with bending, crouching, lifting and stretching
2. Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate garden tools and office equipment such as a keyboard, photocopier, etc.
3. Range of hearing and eyesight which permits one to communicate with students and adults in an outdoor environment, as well as maintain data records
4. Ability to walk up to two miles and lift and carry 40lbs for 20 feet
5. Flexibility to adapt to a changing environment

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are seeking to create a diverse work culture that represents the diversity of the community we serve.

Travel Requirements:

Must be able to travel independently to and from THP’s Half Moon Bay office and the San Mateo County School Farm in El Granada.

Application Instructions:

Email farm@thehealproject.org with (1) a brief explanation of your interest in the position; and (2) a resume or other detailed summary of your experience by end of day February 14th, 2024.

The HEAL Project is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Equal opportunity is given to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.