Farm to School Coordinator

Farm to School Program Coordinator

To apply for this position email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Anna Litz by April 13th, 2026. Email: farm2school.info@oxnardunion.org

Job Details

• Contracted Position: July 1st, 2026-June 30th, 2027
• Independent Contractor with liability insurance
• Monthly Contractor Rate: $6,666

Brief Description of Position

Under the direction of the Director Nutrition Services and Farm to School Program Coordinator, the Garden Specialist will implement garden nutrition programs as they relate to Child Nutrition. The Specialist will work collaboratively with Nutrition Services, administrators, teachers, community partners and organizations, athletic and activities directors, etc to implement Farm to School programs including garden lessons, training, fruit and vegetable lessons and demonstrations, special events, classroom lessons, parent and family events, and nutrition based learning projects. All work will continue to meet the OUHSD board goals and objectives.

Statement of Typical Duties

• Provides Support to the Nutrition Services Department.
• Create and maintain a detailed inventory of existing school gardens and develop district garden program infrastructure including:
• Expectations around maintenance and management
• Weed abatement, pest abatement, general upkeep and maintenance of OUHSD school gardens.
• Coordinate mulch and soil deliveries for school gardens, as well as tools and education materials
• Manage inventory of tools, irrigation and educational materials
• Manage proper records for planting, harvest and delivery of produce
• Manage all garden-related infrastructure and equipment, including garden beds, pathways, watering devices and gardening tools
• Manage community involvement through donations and volunteer programs
• Guide potential development of new school gardens
• Keep compliance with the Garden Safety Policy & Procedures
• Collaborate with Nutrition Services staff which include attending cafeteria manager meetings and cook’s meetings when necessary
• Lead learning experience in relation to school cafeterias, school gardens, and nutrition in the classroom.
• Conduct in-service activities for teachers in order to increase and maintain regular use of school gardens that can be incorporated into the state’s curriculum framework.
• Collaborate with district team to provide input for the development of garden based curriculum
• Implement garden based education curriculum to encourage and sustain the OUHSD Wellness Policy initiatives of greater opportunity to be physically active, simultaneously connecting with local produce
• Collaborate with the Farm to School team to implement nutrition and garden education - focused lesson plans and activities that expose and familiarize students with Farm to School fresh produce and harvest of the month offerings in school cafeterias
• Assist with tracking garden education activities and student participation
• Collaborate with Farm to School team, teachers, administrators, parents and community volunteers to maintain school gardens
• Collaborate with Farm to School Nutrition Specialist to coordinate planting and harvesting of produce based on school cafeteria and educational needs
• Work with cafeteria managers, cafeteria staff, and students on safe food handling of fruits and vegetables
• Assist with leading student and community events that promote child nutrition, farm to school, garden education, and nutrition education
• Assist in student exposure to observe and participate in hands-on experiences to grow local seasonal produce in school gardens and local farm visits
• Serve as a district resource in implementing and evaluating the District Wellness Policy
• Support students on topics related to gardens and nutrition and promote the Child Nutrition programs
• Foster positive relationships with local farms, agriculture industries, and higher education institutions aimed at reinforcing student learning
• Outreach to community organizations and coordinate donations of garden-related items
• Coordinate promotional campaigns for Nutrition Services Harvest of the Month and plant-based meals
• Create videos, social media, and website posts, newsletters, fliers, pamphlets and other informative materials concerning child nutrition programs, policies and procedures; distribute materials as appropriate
• Perform any other duties requested by a supervisor.

Knowledge of:

• Current garden and farm-to-school related programs.
• Garden techniques
• Sanitation and safety practices related to cooking, serving food, and food production
• Integrative pest management
• Modern food service methods and equipment
• Nutritional requirements of school aged children including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and required components.
• Budget preparation and control.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Principles and practice of examination, supervision and training
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Operation of a computer and other office equipment.

Ability to:

• Plan and maintaining garden education programming as it relates to Child Nutrition Programs
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations designed for large groups of students, parents, and teachers
• Assure that food items are harvested, prepared, delivered, served and stored properly
• Assure compliance with health and sanitation requirements
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relations with others
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Work independently with little direction and work as part of a team
• Plan and organize work schedules
• Attend district meetings as necessary

Education and Experience:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Public Health, Agricultural Management, Education or related field.
• Experience in garden and environmental education/teaching in the classroom; some experience in public health or garden programming for children
• In lieu of Bachelor’s Degree; college level coursework in Environmental Sciences or completion of a culinary arts program, public health or related field and three to five years increasingly responsible experience in teaching, course development.

Working Conditions

• Heat from ovens, exposure to hot foods, equipment and metal objects, working around knives, slicers or other sharp objects, exposure to cleaning chemicals and fumes
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, working with garden tools, working around dust and dirt

Physical Abilities:

• Handle frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and squatting required on uneven terrain
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling moderately heavy objects up to 55 lbs as assigned by position,
• Reaching overhead, above shoulders, horizontally, bending at the waist,
• Kneeling, stooping or crouching,
• Seeing to monitor food quality and quantity and read a variety of materials.

Pay: $6,666.00 per month

Work Location: In person

Salary : $6,666