Garden Educator

For details, see https://www.hurricaneisland.net/employment

Garden Educator

FULL SEASON: May 1  - October 15th

COMPENSATION: Minimum $735.59/week, Non-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) is seeking a Garden Educator. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island. The Garden Educator 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 system education for island participants, including creating and delivering lesson plans, facilitating participant service work in the gardens, and supporting student’s independent research projects and innovations. The Garden Educator will work closely with the Director of Education and the Education Manager to implement delivery of Hurricane Island’s hands-on, experiential science education and leadership programs, and will be responsible for the supervision and management of the Garden/Research Assistant Educator. The Garden Educator will also work with operations and research, and is expected to integrate into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment. Additional responsibilities to those described here may be required, as needed.

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.
• Manage and track the operational budget for all garden needs, activities and projects.
• Initiate and participate in meetings with Island Operations Director and Cook to implement and plan menu items requiring garden produce.
• Oversee and mentor a Garden/Research Assistant Educator, which includes:
• Management and oversight of daily duties and responsibilities.
• Creation of work plans, including goals and development plan for the intern.
• Work in collaboration with education and research managers when creating work plans.
• Weekly check-ins to review work plan, goals, and development plan. 
• Assist Educators with program delivery as appropriate and coordinate garden access for program participants.
• Collaborate with Education Manager and Hurricane Island staff to deliver sustainable food systems learning opportunities that align with Hurricane Island teaching philosophies, program goals, and student needs including, but not limited to:
• Facilitating place-based, student driven learning experiences within a culturally responsive, inclusive learning community;
• Developing and leading experiential lesson plans on horticulture, soil science, sustainable food systems, etc.;
• Creating 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;
• Participate as a full member of Hurricane’s intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane’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.

How to apply:

Required Application Materials: Applications are due on a rolling basis unless otherwise indicated in the specific job description. We will continue to review applications until the position has been filled. 

Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience

Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references. We want a complete picture of you so don’t be afraid to include details that may not pertain directly to this job.

A letter of recommendation from an academic/industry professional who can speak to your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Copies of any relevant certifications.

Application Submission: Please submit all parts of your application on our hiring portal at https://hurricaneisland.campbrainstaff.com  

There are many complications related to planning and running in-person programming on Hurricane Island in the time of Covid. At this time, we fully intend to move forward with hiring for 2022. It is important to note that circumstances and decision making connected to Covid may require changes to the start date and overall hiring status for seasonal employees. We will make every effort to keep seasonal staff applicants and hires informed about Board decisions that impact the status of our 2022 on island season and our ability to offer employment.