Job Description — Farm Workshop & Farm to Youth Educator – Spring 2022

About the Position:

The Farm Educator will co-facilitate educational workshops for two programs: Farm Workshops, which are on-site at Brooklyn Grange’s rooftop farms (located in Sunset Park or the Brooklyn Navy Yard), and Farm to You(th) Workshops, which are off-site at a school yard or local park. Farm Workshops are designed for students on field trips visiting the rooftop farms; Farm to You(th) Workshops are designed for students at an outdoor site at or near their school, exploring the nature that exists in our urban ecosystem. We anticipate a mixed demand for workshops both on the farm and in local schoolyards, and are combining programs to maximize the number of hours for applicants.  

Scheduling for both programs will be dependent upon the number of bookings. Educators will work in pairs with a Lead Educator and an Assistant Educator, or, in some cases, two co-Leads. These two educators will co-facilitate lessons, manage educational materials, travel to schools, and prepare for upcoming workshops.

For Farm Workshops: We offer up to two 90-minute time slots per workday: one morning and/or one afternoon session, from 10:30 – 12:00, and 12:30 – 2:00. The workday will also include time for setup and breakdown, totaling 3-6 hours, again depending on bookings. 

For Farm to You(th) Workshops: Schools may book between two and five 60-minute workshops per day. Time slots are very flexible depending on availability, and educators will always be given a break when more than 3 workshops are booked. The workday will also include time for setup, breakdown, and travel, totaling 3-8 hours, again depending on bookings. 

This part-time, seasonal position offers meaningful experience in environmental education. We are seeking passionate and enthusiastic educators with a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and food systems to join our team. All programming is conducted outdoors, see attached COVID-19 protocols.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate hands-on lessons on a variety of sustainable concepts, including urban agriculture, compost, environmental issues, pollinator health, urban ecology, plant science, and insects 
• Review and familiarize yourself with City Growers’ curriculum and, with the support of your program team and supervisor, explore adaptations or adjustments to the curriculum that highlight your unique style/voice as an educator
• Coordinate with Program Managers and teachers/chaperones as necessary on day of workshops in cases of inclement weather, tardiness or other day-of unforeseen circumstances
• Maintain relationships with Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farms & Programs and Events staff
• Maintain records and collect data from visiting groups 
• Maintain and cultivate City Growers “learning bed;” our 100-200 square foot farm plot rented from Brooklyn Grange – used for exploration through planting, growing, harvesting, and tasting with young people.
• Sustain vermicomposting worm bins through weekly feeding and monitoring
• Support chicken care as needed (i.e.  feeding, collecting eggs, refilling water before workshops)
• Support young people in developing comfort in inquiry, exploration, and being in community

Qualifications

• Teaching experience or experience working with children/teens in non-traditional teaching environments, including after school programs, camps, and outdoor spaces
• Understanding of or interest in inquiry-based learning
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility and leadership qualities
• Gardening / farming experience
• Flexibility to work at different locations
• Knowledge of or interest in sustainable practices and basic biological processes
• Positive attitude around children and young adults of all ages
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Self-motivated with excellent time management skills

Position Duration

Programs occur on designated weekdays from April 11th through June 24th, depending on demand for booking requests. Educators are expected to attend a paid orientation/training the week of March 21st. Additional shadowing hours will be included as part of training, dependent on bookings. Educators must indicate their availability and work with the Program Managers to develop a workable schedule.

Compensation

• Assistant Farm Educator starts at $18/hour
• Lead Farm Educator starts at $20/hour

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and 2 references (1 professional, 1 character)  to employment@citygrowers.org.  Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

City Growers is an equal opportunity employer. We provide all individuals consideration for employment and advancement opportunities without regard to race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, partnership status, status as a domestic violence victim, disability, pregnancy, military status, status as a Vietnam Era or Special Disabled Veteran, genetic information as defined by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act or state law, source of income, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including without limitation, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, training opportunities and all other terms and conditions of employment. Violations of this policy will not be tolerated, and any City Growers employee found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

COVID-19 Policies and Protocol

The safety and health of our staff and participants remain our top priorities. To review City Growers’ full COVID Safety Policies and Procedures go to  www.citygrowers.org/COVID-19