Youth Farm- Farm Educator

JOB TITLE: Youth Farm - Farm Educator

DEPARTMENT(S): Program, Youth Farm

REPORTS TO: CEO

FLSA: Part-Time

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (with rotating Saturdays), 6 hours daily
Start and end times are dependent on the season

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
Girls Inc. of Memphis inspires girls ages 6-18 to be strong, smart, and bold. Since 1946, Girls Inc. of Memphis has delivered research-based, outcome-driven programming that supports college readiness, leadership, and economic independence. At the Youth Farm in Frayser, girls engage in hands-on learning that integrates agriculture, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

JOB PURPOSE:
The Youth Farm - Farm Educator is a critical educator and practitioner responsible for integrating science, agriculture, and youth development within a working urban farm. This role requires strong knowledge of agricultural science, greenhouse management, soil health, and seasonal planting cycles.

The Facilitator works in tandem with farmers, the Farm Operations Lead, and youth farm interns and volunteers to maintain and nurture the farm while delivering high-quality educational experiences to participants and guests. This role blends hands-on farming, teaching, and community engagement to ensure the farm operates as both a production space and a dynamic learning environment.

The Facilitator will lead instruction in soil remediation, ecosystem support, sustainable agriculture practices, and farm-based entrepreneurship while helping youth connect real-world agricultural systems to business and leadership skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a farm educator with demonstrated knowledge of agricultural science, including soil health, crop planning, greenhouse operations, and seasonal planting schedules
• Collaborate daily with farmers, youth interns, and staff to maintain, cultivate, and sustain farm operations
• Teach and facilitate hands-on learning in:
  • Soil remediation and composting systems
  • Ecosystem development and regenerative agriculture practices
  • Seasonal crop planning and food production cycles
• Manage and operate greenhouse systems, including seed starting, propagation, and climate control
• Implement regenerative agriculture practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, fallow management, composting, and integrated pest management (organic methods only)
• Lead and support youth in farm-based entrepreneurship, including production, pricing, marketing, and sales
• Deliver curriculum including:
  • Entrepreneurship Experience Curriculum
  • Generation Giga Girls Curriculum
  • Woz Ed Drones & Agriculture Curriculum
• Support youth in connecting agriculture to technology, innovation, and business development
• Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, farm networks, and farmers' markets
• Coordinate participation in farmers' markets, including setup, sales, and customer engagement
• Engage visitors, partners, and community members through educational farm tours and experiences
• Participate in visits to and learning exchanges with other farms and agricultural partners
• Assist harvesting, washing, packaging, and distribution of produce
• Assist in managing produce sales relationships and tracking inventory and revenue
• Operate farm van to transport youth, supplies, and products
• Plan and facilitate field trips, enrichment activities, and guest speaker engagements
• Recruits and Trains Youth Farm Interns
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment aligned with the Girls Inc. Experience
• Support program evaluation through documentation, data collection, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure alignment across all Girls Inc. programming
• Represent Girls Inc. with professionalism, integrity, and respect

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of agriculture, including soil science, greenhouse management, and seasonal planting cycles (required)
• Experience in farming, urban agriculture, or sustainable agriculture (minimum 2 years preferred)
• Experience facilitating or teaching youth, preferably in outdoor or experiential learning environments
• Ability to integrate science, agriculture, and entrepreneurship into engaging learning experiences
• Passion for youth development, food justice, and community impact
• Ability to build relationships with farmers, markets, and community partners
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, and interpersonal)
• Comfortable working in outdoor, classroom, and community settings
• Must demonstrate alignment with the Girls Inc. mission and pro-girl environment
• High school diploma required; additional education in agriculture, environmental science, or related field preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Valid driver's license, current car insurance, and reliable transportation required
• Willingness and ability to drive a 15-passenger van
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must pass background check and drug screening

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Engage in ongoing professional development related to agriculture, youth development, and Girls Inc. programming
• Contribute to a culture of joy and learning for all participants
• Perform other duties as assigned

This position is ideal for someone who is both an educator and a grower-someone who understands that a farm is not just a place to produce food, but a powerful space to cultivate knowledge, leadership, and opportunity.