School Garden Instructor
Job Title: School Garden Instructor
Reports to: Education Coordinator
Employment Type: Part time (28 hrs/week)
Compensation: $17-20/hour DOE
Location: Roseburg, Oregon
Start date: Flexible between November 2023 – January 2024
Umpqua Valley Farm to School
UVF2S is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides school garden and nutrition education, farm to school, and community agricultural support throughout Douglas County. We believe food security begins with a strong community connection to the land and its food. By supporting local food systems and providing education to Douglas County youth and families, UVF2S cultivates skills and passion to build food-community connections. UVF2S aims to achieve an equitable and sustainable food system that nurtures and strengthens Douglas County’s people and economy.
Position Description
UVF2S is hiring two or more school garden instructors to teach lessons about gardening, cooking, health, culture, and local agriculture to 2nd-5th grade students in their school gardens and classrooms. They develop and maintain productive and engaging school gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms throughout the year. Instructors build relationships with school faculty and staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the sustainability and future success of the farm-to-school program in Douglas County. The position is part time at 28 hours/week and will work with two elementary schools in Roseburg and/or surrounding communities.
Responsibilities
- Create a safe, structured and warm learning environment for all students modeling respect and curiosity for learning, while encouraging students’ interests and talents
- Collaborate with UVF2S staff and school faculty to develop lessons that are integrated with classroom teaching and core academic standards
- Deliver virtual and in-person lessons for 2nd-5th grade students
- Lead after-school garden clubs, field trips, and summer camps
- Assist in the development of innovative virtual and in-person programming
- Document lessons and programs, and implement assessments effectively and consistently
- Provide feedback on lessons and programs demonstrating a commitment to improving program quality and rigor over time
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and community partners to generate support and enthusiasm for UVF2S programming
- Work with school administrators and teachers to integrate environmental issues, wellness, and garden activities into school events and curriculum
- Collaborate with school nutrition staff to utilize local produce in school meals
- Identify and train school garden champions at each school
- Recruit a group of core volunteers to assist in maintaining gardens during summer break
- Actively participate in weekly education team meetings, observations, and check-ins
- Collaborate with the Phoenix Farm Manager around programming needs including crop planning and availability of seeds, plant starts, and produce
- Support Farm Manager and/or School Garden Champions with site care responsibilities when called on, including watering and site checks as needed
- Prepare healthy snacks for nutrition lessons, adhering to proper food safety guidelines
- Maintain clean and organized work spaces both in the office and at school(s)
Skills and Qualifications
We are seeking an independent, self‐motivated, creative, and enthusiastic individual who enjoys nutrition, gardening and working with young people in a fast‐paced environment. Preferred skills and qualifications for this position include:
- Experience working with youth in an educational setting
- Gardening or farming experience, knowledge, and skills
- Experience creating or adapting garden‐based lessons and activities
- Experience in community outreach and engagement
- Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to multi‐task, be a team-player, and think creatively
- Regular and reliable attendance
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or Associates Degree with two years’ experience
- A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable vehicle. Use of a personal vehicle for travel between schools is required.
- Professional conduct while working with partner organizations
- Ability to work independently at times, show initiative, and communicate
- U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident
- COVID vaccination OR exemption letter is required to work in schools
- Instructors will be required to undergo a background check with each school district and provide vaccination status which will be held on file with the individual districts
How to Apply
We strongly encourage people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, or those who are members of other marginalized communities to apply.
Please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to info@uvf2s.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Umpqua Valley Farm to School is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of age, race, national origin, religion, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.
