Garden & Farm Educator

Position: Farm and Garden Educator (part-time, irregular hours)

Total

Hours:

Averaging 2 hours per week for 14 weeks in the Fall and 14 weeks in Spring during the school year; option for additional hours staffing farm Field Trips and Summer Camp sessions.

Compensation : $26.00/hour; earns paid time off

Weekly

Schedule:

Weekly garden class schedule will be set based on the educator’s availability; occasional hours outside of these times may be requested.

Start Date: February 2025

Specific Locations :
Kings Mountain Elementary School, Woodside

Reports To :
Program Director

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 San Mateo County, 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:

The HEAL Project (THP) is seeking a passionate and flexible Garden and Farm Educator to join our team. This part‑time, irregular, non‑exempt position is responsible for delivering our award‑winning garden and farm education programs to students across San Mateo County. The role combines leading garden‑based science lessons at elementary schools in San Mateo County with seasonal field trips and camps at our two‑acre San Mateo County School Farm in El Granada.

Garden and Farm Educators play a vital role in fostering curiosity, respect for the natural world, and healthy lifestyle habits among youth. Using THP’s established curriculum, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core, Educators deliver engaging, hands‑on lessons in gardening, nutrition, and environmental literacy for students in grades PreK–5.

This role is ideal for someone who loves teaching outdoors, is enthusiastic about working with children, and thrives in both school and farm settings.

Position Responsibilities

Garden and Farm Education (70%)

• Teach engaging, garden‑based science lessons at partner schools and field‑based lessons at the School Farm
• Lead students in seasonal cooking and food preparation demonstrations, tastings, and nutrition lessons.
• Facilitate hands‑on garden and farm activities such as planting, weeding, composting, harvesting, and nature walks.
• Plan and lead summer and seasonal day camps at the San Mateo County Educational School Farm.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and joyful learning environment for all students.

Program Support & Administration (20%)

• Prepare materials and maintain teaching gardens and educational farm areas in collaboration with the THP team.
• Track attendance, maintain program documentation, and collect student surveys and assessments.
• Contribute to THP communications by sharing program updates, photos, and stories for newsletters and social media.
• Participate in THP staff meetings, professional development, and trainings.

Special Events & Outreach (10%)

• Support THP and school‑based events, including Back to School Night, Open Houses, and community celebrations.
• Assist with volunteer and fundraising events, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Lead farm tours, service‑learning groups, and volunteer workdays.

Application Instructions:

Email gardens with (1) a brief explanation of your interest in the position, and (2) a resume or other detailed summary of your experience. The position will remain 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.