Job description

Mission: Recirculating Farms is a 501c3 non-profit collaborative of farmers, educators, and activists, committed to building an equitable food system from farm to fork. We run ecologically and socially responsible programs, that grow local, affordable food, with innovative, eco-efficient methods, based on historic practices. Through training, outreach and advocacy, we advance sustainable farming and create stable jobs in green businesses, in diverse communities, for physical, mental and financial wellness.

RecircFarms leads a community garden and several small market farm spaces. We are committed to growing foods naturally, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. We use traditional in-ground growing and also raised bed and water-based methods like hydroponics and aquaponics. We engage in research to support farms and farmers. We are committed to increasing accessibility of healthy, fresh, local food through workshops, classes and special events that can improve overall community health and create stable green jobs. We sell and donate fresh food to our community.

RecircFarms’ educational programming includes: a farm-to-school program for students ages 6-18, a Veterans support farming project, a community gardening program and pro-farmer trainings designed to provide information and support to growers interested in producing food for the local community. Our programs are especially focused on accessibility for those who are traditionally excluded from healthy food and farm education, farm management, or ownership, including people of color, women, and Veterans.

POSITION

This is an exciting opportunity to join a nonprofit organization working at the nexus of food production and food justice. RecircFarms is seeking a Farm Education Coordinator. This position will be responsible for developing and coordinating educational programming, including outreach to and organizing of class leaders, assisting with teaching, on-the-farm maintenance, and local grants and in-kind donations to support these programs. The FEC will ensure that programs are grounded in the needs of our local food system and embody the mission and vision of RecircFarms and our larger community. In coordination with our management team, the FEC will continue to develop, promote and implement a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for all our programs.

As part of RecircFarm’s team, the FEC will be instrumental in shaping the farm spaces and learning environment by supporting the creation and implementation of clear and transparent policies and procedures, supporting the development of the farms’ equitable and ecologically regenerative practices, and promoting a compassionate, inclusive, and safe work environment for the team, class participants, educators and guests. The FEC may develop curriculum, including lesson plans, with external class leaders, advisors and our organization’s team, as well as partners. The goal of these is to offer education using a participatory, collaborative, and co-creative approach, where all participants share knowledge, learn, and build consensus in an environment of trust and respect.

The Farm Education Coordinator reports to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Education program development and implementation – including Farm-to-School, Veterans (VetsAg), community, professional (Pro- Farmer) growing classes and community classes,

o Develop classes curriculum, including lesson plans with class leaders

o Plan for educational activities beyond classes, such as field days and farm visits

o Schedule off-farm educational activities, like with partner orgs

o Assist with teaching, including workshops

o Set up and break down classes/events (chairs, snacks, sign ins)

o Develop and implement a recruitment plan for class leaders and interns

• Leadership and management

o Convene advisor and stakeholders to advise on curriculum content, program design, and teaching methodology

o Work with program partners and help with time management and coordination of joint programs

o Recruit and supervise class leaders

o Supervise education program support staff, like interns

o Work effectively with the management team, program, and outreach team

o Develop and manage the education program budget and work plans

o Arrange for needed language translation/interpretation support services for educational materials and events

o Develop and oversee calendaring and scheduling for trainings, visits, and other events

o Develop and implement onboarding and orientation plan for class participants, instructors, and others

o Acquire needed technology and learning materials

o Assist with writing grant applications and in-kind donation outreach to support educational programs

o Participate in on-the-farm maintenance and weekly garden bag packing

• Perform other duties as needed

Requirements and Qualifications:

Qualifications:

• Written and verbal proficiency in English (Spanish a plus)
• Commitment to RecircFarms mission and vision
• Excellent collaborator and communicator
• A self-starter who is able to learn on the job and multi-task
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and dispute resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including comfort with community outreach, group facilitation, and presentations to a diverse audience
• Have a flexible schedule with some evening and weekend hours, as required

Required Experience:

• At least 3 years experience in education or non-profit program work
• Experience using alternative education methods (e.g. popular/participatory education; peer-to-peer learning, inquiry learning; project-based learning)
• Experience in developing a program curriculum, including syllabi, lesson plans, fact sheets
• Experience in program design and management, agricultural education, and/or workforce development
• Instructional experience within a secondary, community-based organization, or college setting
• Demonstrated success in effective management and supervision of staff
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and Google Apps
• Financial management and budgeting for a nonprofit organization
• Grants writing, non-profit experience is a plus
• Comfort with public speaking and hosting events

The Farm Education Coordinator will begin as a part-time, position. The intent is for this to become a full-time salaried position. We offer a competitive salary and benefits and are an equal opportunity employer. All candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and two professional references. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Job Types: Contract, Part-time

Salary: $16.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Experience level:

• 3 years

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Choose your own hours
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• New Orleans, LA 70113: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Orleans, LA 70113
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations during educational activities
- Assist with animal care and handling as needed
- Perform equipment repairs and maintenance
- Operate heavy equipment for educational demonstrations

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Education or related field (equivalent experience will be considered)
- Proficient in urban farm operations
- Ability to perform heavy lifting as required
- Familiarity with greenhouse operations is a plus
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities

We offer competitive compensation based on experience.

Join our team as a Farm Education Coordinator and make a positive impact on the lives of our participants through engaging educational programs. Apply now!

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $16.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Afternoon shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed
• Year round work

Ability to Relocate:

• New Orleans, LA 70113: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Orleans, LA 70113