Garden Educator

At Highland Youth Garden, our mission is to grow food, grow minds and grow education in partnership with the Hilltop community of West Columbus. Highland Youth Garden is considered by the City of Columbus to be a local model for community engagement, food justice and beautification. We were established in 2009, grew thanks to the hard work of committed volunteers, and achieved federal nonprofit status in 2019. We grow and distribute fresh produce to our neighbors, build and support backyard Family Gardens, provide nature- and nutrition-based education to over 350 Hilltop students in grades preschool through grade 8, offer after school gardening clubs for neighborhood children, employ and mentor Westside teenagers and provide a peaceful and welcoming community gathering space in a challenged neighborhood. Our doors are literally always open.

Open Position Description: Seasonal Garden Educator

STARTING PAY RATE: $17-$19.72/hour depending upon qualifications

HOURS: From May 1 - Jul 12; extension possible

May 1 - 31 (15 hours/week):

• Hours to be negotiated

Weeks of June 3, 10, 24 and July 8 (Summer Camp, 40 hours)

• 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mondays - Fridays
• Additional hours to be negotiated on “off weeks”

TEACHING - 90%

• Assist the Manager of Afterschool and Family Programs in planning, leading and engaging children ages 4-13 in garden-based activities that support Ohio learning outcomes in math, science, language arts, visual arts, health, nutrition and social emotional development.
• Summer Camp, Garden Club, and some field trip visits will involve children ages 6-13
• Preschool groups also visit during individual field trips
• Assist other staff members with the Green Teen Program, the Garden Markets, Festivals and general gardening activities.

TEAM PARTICIPATION - 10%

• Support other team members in education, gardening, safety and facility needs.
• Represent Highland Youth Garden positively and support our mission in all interactions.
• Communicate via email, text messages and in-person regarding education plans to HYG staff and volunteers.
• Mentor youth employees.
• Support community outreach projects to promote educational programming.
• Provide stories and photos for social media.

SUPERVISION AND REPORTING

The Seasonal Garden Educator’s supervisor is the HYG Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for growing community, working with children and impacting others.
• At least one year of working with children in a formal or informal setting
• Beginning knowledge of gardening/horticulture/agriculture through formal or informal experiences.
• Basic cooking skills in the home and/or professional setting.
• Self-directed and flexible work style.
• Strong communication skills.
• Background check will be required.
• Spanish language skills are preferred but not required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and simultaneously supervise a variety of tasks.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, reach and bend.
• Mobility of arms to reach.
• Dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate large and small objects.
• Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects that may weigh approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions, including full sun and high temperatures.
• Upon acceptance of position, ability to pass a complete background check.
• HYG permanent staff are required to be fully vaccinated per the CDC’s definition of full vaccination status or commit to weekly testing.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Highland Youth Garden is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. HIghland Youth Garden is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Seasonal

Pay: $17.00 - $19.72 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 15 per week

Grade school specialties:

• Elementary school
• Middle school

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• Camp
• In-person
• Outdoor work

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbus, OH 43204: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person