What are the responsibilities and job description for the Garden Educator position at School Garden Project of Lane County?
Position: Garden Educator Location: Eugene, Oregon
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: Up to 16 hours per week
Schedule: Tuesday/ Thursday Thursday between 8 am - 6 pm
Application deadline: 8--2026 Compensation: $18.00/hour
Start Date: 9-8-2026 End Date: 6-18-2026
School Garden Project
School Garden Project of Lane County (SGP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2001 whose mission is to teach children science, the basics of growing food, and how to be good stewards of the earth using school and community gardens as outdoor classrooms.
We support building resourceful communities that celebrate every member's unique strengths, talents, culture and perspectives.
Position Description
School Garden Project (SGP) seeks an individual with a positive attitude, integrity, and interest in working with youth in the garden for our Garden Educator position. You will be providing garden and science based outdoor learning opportunities and activities for children at our partner school gardens.
This includes teaching basic elementary science concepts, teaching basic gardening skills including how to plant and care for a garden, and leading interactive games and activities that support learning about science, gardening, our environment and nutrition all while having fun.
The position is 10 months in duration with the possibility of an opportunity for summer employment contingent on summer programming needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead SGP Science in the Garden sessions with children (1st - 5th)
- Lead Afterschool Garden Club Sessions with children (1st-8th)
- Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment
- Communicate in a timely and effective manner with any and all community stakeholders, including but not limited to SGP partner schools' teachers, students, parents, and SGP community partners
- Participate in SGP's outreach efforts which include tabling events, attending parent and family nights at SGP partner schools
- Lead work parties with parents, students and community partners to assure gardens are maintained, safe learning environments
- Assist in the maintenance of gardens at assigned schools which includes watering, weeding and keep apprised of condition of garden and garden beds
Required Qualifications, Education and Skills
- Minimum of 1 year experience in the field of classroom education, outdoor education, or working with youth in a leadership/mentorship role
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently; self-starting and motivated
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Willingness to work with children in both outdoor and indoor classrooms
- Subject to initial background check before beginning to work with children
- Attain/or provide Current CPR and Basic First Aid Certification (within 15 days of hire)
- Attain Oregon Food Handlers license within 15 days of hire
- Access to reliable transportation (you will be transporting session materials and garden tools)
- Ability to lift 25 pounds
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
Desired Qualifications & Experience
- Bilingual Spanish/English
- General gardening experience/knowledge
- Experience teaching including classroom management skills
- Demonstrated commitment to community involvement and/or community service
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18