What are the responsibilities and job description for the Beardsley Farm Education Specialist (Part-time) position at Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee?
Summary: The Education Specialist supports the mission of CAC Beardsley Community Farm by organizing and delivering educational programs focused on fresh food access, cooking, and sustainable gardening. Under the general supervision of the Education and Outreach Manager, this role plays a key part in engaging community members of all ages through hands-on learning experiences at the farm and partner sites.
Email your resume and CAC job application to cachr@knoxcac.org or apply using our online form. Note: Emailed resumes sent as attachments must be provided in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
See complete job description below.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
KNOXVILLE-KNOX COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
URBAN AGRICULTURE JOB DESCRIPTION
Beardsley Farm Education Specialist (Part-time)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and facilitate educational programming at Beardsley Community Farm, including field trips, tours, classes, interactive games, and garden-based activities for diverse age groups.
- Lead regular garden and cooking lessons, nature-based activities, and structured garden time at partner locations.
- Assist with the maintenance of educational gardens at partner locations, including schools and after school care facilities.
- Deliver presentations and interactive tours on Beardsley Farm’s mission and related topics.
- Develop and share seasonal recipes, videos, and other accessible content to promote healthy eating and cooking.
- Communicate effectively with the public via email, phone, presentations, tours, and outreach events.
- Support the Education and Outreach Manager with scheduling, public communications, and event coordination.
- Promote Beardsley Farm’s gardening resources to program participants.
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all visitors, volunteers, and program participants.
- Assist with surveys, needs assessments, and program data collection.
- Contribute to social media content and digital outreach efforts.
- Support farm maintenance and produce distributions.
- Assist with annual farm events and fundraisers.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Education and Outreach Manager
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
- Experience creating and delivering lessons on food, cooking, gardening, and environmental topics for various age groups.
- Strong communication and public speaking skills.
- Ability to engage with the public with patience and positivity.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and community service.
- At least two years of experience in sustainable agriculture or environmental education.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Canva.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds independently and 100 pounds with assistance.
- Working knowledge of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security issues at local and national levels.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and events in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in education, nutrition, environmental studies, or a related field. Hands-on experience in gardening, composting, and soil preparation.
Preferred Qualifications: Two years’ prior work experience in sustainable agriculture, food access work, environmental education, or related field.
Salary: Skill level 7, step 3 at 25 hours/week