Garden Educator

https://hurricaneisland.bamboohr.com/careers

FULL SEASON: April 21-October 26

COMPENSATION: Minimum $816.35/week, Exempt

 This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their contracted employment and meals are provided when on Hurricane island. Wages are commensurate with experience.

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane Island) is seeking a Garden Educator for the 2024 season. This island-based position supports daily operations on Hurricane Island and is integral to the goal of creating sustainable food system practices and engaging in our educational programming. The primary responsibilities of this position are the operational management of the vegetable and perennial gardens, integration of island-grown food into Hurricane’s kitchen, and facilitating place-based sustainable food and compost system education for island participants. This position also collaborates with our Research and Island Operations teams. The Garden Educator will work closely with the Director of Education, Assistant Director of Education, and Education team in creating and delivering lesson plans, facilitating participant service work in the gardens, and supporting student’s independent research projects and innovations. During the summer season (June-August) the Garden Educator will work closely with a Sustainability Steward, whose primary responsibility will be designing and leading garden lessons, and managing, enhancing, and educating students in our compost systems. The Garden Educator is expected to integrate into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane Island maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Develop and implement a Sustainable Garden and Food System Management Plan that includes, but is not limited to:
• daily management of all vegetable and perennial gardens (including edible plants and decorative/ornamental gardens);
• maintenance of food and vermiculture compost systems;
• appropriate planting for the island-based climate;
• coordination with the needs of the food service/kitchen;
• establishment of a crop rotation plan for succession planting;
• management of soil health; and,
• planting/overwintering of cover crops.
• Design and maintain an irrigation system that makes sustainable use of the island-based sources of water.
• Initiate and participate in meetings with the Galley to implement and plan menu items to best utilize the garden’s produce.
• Oversee and mentor a Sustainability Steward, which includes:
  • Oversight of daily duties and responsibilities.
  • Creation of work plans relating to the compost systems, including goals and development plans.
  • Work in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Education when creating work plans.
  • Assisting in lesson plan development that align with seasonal happenings in the garden. 

• Collaborate with Assistant Education Director and Hurricane Island staff to develop and deliver sustainable food systems learning opportunities that align with Hurricane Island’s philosophies, program goals, and student needs including, but not limited to:
  • Creating and delivering experiential lessons about horticulture, soil science, sustainable food systems, etc.;
  • Facilitating place-based, student driven learning experiences within a culturally responsive, inclusive learning community;
  • Developing and leading evening programs with student participants; 

• Practice care for student health and wellness including, but not limited to:
  • Regular overnight supervision in student housing with a partner;
  • Managing student physical, social, and emotional safety in outdoor settings;
  • Safeguarding student health needs and confidentiality according to existing medical records and emergent conditions
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in personal improvement through weekly reflections on best practices in teaching and learning with other education staff members;
• Participating as a full member of HICSL’s intentional community, including:
• • Following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations;
  • Welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about HICSL’s mission and work;
  • Participating in community tasks including daily and weekly chores;
  • Performing other duties relating to the organization’s goals and mission as required.

Essential Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in horticulture, gardens, farming, and food systems. (documentation/references required).
• Strong working knowledge of edible garden plants (fruiting vines, fruit trees,vegetables).
• Strong interest in environmental, edible and organic landscape design, management, and education. 
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision; 
• Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for teaching and leading experiential programs for youth (preferably middle and high school age);
• A growth mindset including a willingness to be coached and openness to feedback;
• Commitment to equity and inclusion within our community and participation in a culture of continual learning around equity and inclusion work;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (or equivalent applications).
• CPR, First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification (WFR course is available on Hurricane Island in the spring)
• Capable of safely lifting 50lbs of weight and working on unstable surfaces.
• Ability to work in a noisy, energetic environment while remaining welcoming to community members.
• Ability and willingness to work and live in a remote island community with rustic and off-the-grid accommodations where all staff share living and work spaces.
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Currently authorized to lawfully work in the United States.

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• Horticulture and gardening education or degree;
• Experience working with heavy equipment, including tractor operation;
• Experience with facilities maintenance, including but not limited to: basic carpentry, electrical and plumbing systems;
• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, English language learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education.

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is a transformative learning community on Hurricane Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our mission is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership development through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally-sustainable island community. Through experiential education programs and research opportunities in STEM disciplines we aim to excite people about doing science and about being leaders in the next wave of scientific discovery and environmental conservation.

https://hurricaneisland.bamboohr.com/careers