Garden Educator (Kings Mountain Elementary School Intensive Garden Program)

Position: Garden Educator (Kings Mountain Elementary School Intensive Garden Program)

Reports to: Garden Program Manager

Position Type: Part-Time Irregular, 2-5 hours per week for 28 weeks during the school year: instruction/programming to planning time is approximately 1:1

Compensation: $25-$27 per hour. Position earns Paid Time Off, prorated paid holidays, and access to a pre-tax 401k plan after 90 days of employment.

Organization:

The HEAL Project (THP) is a unique 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. THP teaches kids where their food comes from and why it matters.

Job Summary:

This part-time position is a collaborative role supported by the Garden Program Manager and peer support from other garden educators. The individual will be responsible for the following:

1. Running a gardening program for 2nd & 3rd grade students during the school year at Kings Mountain Elementary School.
2. Leading and preparing lessons using existing THP curricula, developing additional lessons as needed. THP curricula reinforces Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards.
3. Communicating and coordinating regularly with school staff.

Responsibilities:

70% – Garden Instruction

1. Deliver nutrition and agricultural instruction following THP curriculum, obtain and prepare materials, and foster a vital, pleasant, and safe learning environment for students and program participants.
2. Lead students in seasonal cooking activities, demonstrations, and tastings.
3. Lead students in gardening activities including planting, weeding, harvesting, composting and walking field trips to a local farm.

20% – Administrative Tasks

1. Participate in THP staff meetings and trainings.
2. Actively contribute to social media, share photos, write updates for school and THP newsletters as assigned.
3. Maintain THP’s routine records, tracking, evaluation, and reporting.

10% – Special Events/Additional Tasks

1. Assist with volunteering and fundraising events.
2. Participate in one Saturday “Farm Open House” for IGP students and families.

Preferred Experience and Qualities:

1. Experience and enthusiasm for leading groups of elementary students in a garden setting.
2. An understanding of agriculture and the ability to communicate these concepts in fun and engaging ways.
3. Strong classroom 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.
8. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

1. Will comply with organizational tenets as outlined in THP Employee Handbook and CUSD campus policies.
2. Will utilize a computer to maintain tracking and routine communication.
3. Will utilize their own vehicle if assigned to get to THP sites/activities; provide proof of driver’s license and insurance.
4. Will meet physical requirements: can walk up to two miles and be able to lift and carry 40 lbs for 20 feet.
5. Must pass fingerprinting and Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and Tuberculosis test to work around children.
6. Will complete First Aid Training and CPR certification within six months of hire.

How to Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to gardens@thehealproject.org

Position open until filled.

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.