Farm to Table Specialist & Nature Programs Coordinator

Sandy Loam is a unique organization that leads farm, nature and cultural programs for young people, educators and families. Our goal is to connect people with agriculture and nature. We operate at Veronda-Falletti Ranch in Cotati, in partnership with the City of Cotati. This lovely urban demonstration farm is protected as public open space, through a matching grant agreement between the City of Cotati and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Check out sandyloam.org to learn about us.

We are seeking an experienced, innovative, and energetic farm-to-table, garden and environmental education specialist to lead our core TK-12 educational and adult programming, and collaborate with our team on community education, public outreach and events coordination.

Responsibilities include:

1. Early Release Enrichment Program (Wednesdays during school sessions): Lead a dynamic afterschool program on Wednesdays from 12:30am to 5pm for TK-5 students. Up to 8 school age students led by you independently. Develop and implement a unique farm-to-table and nature curriculum around a monthly theme. Ensure a caring and high-quality learning environment for young learners. Use positive discipline to guide behavior. Maintain warm and professional relationships with families. Promote program.

2. Summer Camps (Duration 9 weeks): Plan and lead summer camp sessions for TK-5 students. Camps are implemented with other members of the team. Our camps are fun, yet peaceful and methodically planned. Ensure a caring and high-quality learning environment for young learners. Use positive discipline to guide farm-appropriate behavior. Maintain warm and professional relationships with families. Promote program.

3. Field Trip Program (during school year): Host regular farm field trips for local preschoolers, community groups and school groups. Year-round.

4. Community Education and Events (year-round): Implement workshops and events in collaboration with colleagues and ranch partners that target individuals of all ages.

5. Farm-To-Table Programs (during school year): Host Farm-to-Table programs for folks of all ages and abilities, including seniors with low-mobility. These will be held on Saturday mornings.

6. Program innovation (year-round): Collaborate with colleagues and ranch partners to envision and implement innovative new programming.

7. Pollinator Hedgerow and Culinary Garden Management (year-round): Fully responsible for managing native plants, culinary gardens and fruit trees. Basic irrigation skills are a must. Ensure the indoor and outdoor environments beautiful, clean and engaging.

Job Details:

• Email Aishwarya at info@sandyloam.org. Please include a resume, cover letter letting us know a little bit about yourself, and writing samples (newsletters, blog posts, social media campaigns).
• Hours: September through May, hours are 9am to 5:30pm, Mon-Fri or Tues-Sat. to accommodate weekend programming. During summer camps (roughly June through August), work hours are 7:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
• Full-time employee salary includes approximately 6 weeks of time off during pre-scheduled breaks.
• Full-Time employees are eligible for healthcare stipend.
• IRA Simple Plan, 3% matching for part-time and full-time employees

Qualifications:

• Credentials or commensurate in education, agriculture, natural resources, or environment – related fields.
• Small-scale food and flower production a must. Basic working knowledge of irrigation required.
• Demonstrable experience implementing TK-12 farm, garden or environmental curriculum. Early childhood teaching experience is a plus but not necessary.
• Must be gentle, kind, patient and respectful of children and youth. Must be confident around young people, well-versed in positive discipline and courteous when guiding young people with manners.
• Spanish & English bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.
• Experience coordinating and marketing programs for all ages.
• Our programs are spaced throughout the year with ample preparation time. Coordinator must be able to manage their time and plan ahead, and be able to juggle the dynamic programming we offer.
• Must be a responsible professional who shows up for their team. Open to training and feedback and be a constructive and open communicator.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must pass all health (incl. TB) and background clearances mandated by law. These include criminal record clearances, Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification and health statement/TB.
• MMR, TDAP, and annual Flu vaccines are mandatory.