Outdoor Educator – Garden & Nutrition

FoodWork; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused educational organization is seeking an experienced Outdoor Educator to facilitate engaging programming in school gardens. The role involves collaborating with team members, delivering lessons, and managing garden activities for youth aged 5-13 in Metro Vancouver. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and experience in educational settings. Flexibility and a passion for gardening are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging youth in educational programs.
• Bilingualism in French and English is an asset.
• Self-motivated and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead nutrition education lessons.
• Facilitate outdoor programs in various weather conditions.
• Manage school garden activities and needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Gardening knowledge

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Volunteer management

Flexibility

Education

Food Safe certification

Job description

Outdoor School Gardens, Urban Food Gardening

• Type: Contract; approximately 25-30 hours/week during school sessions; reduced hours during school vacations. The successful candidate will primarily work at the program delivery locations.
• Salary: Pay commensurate with experience
• Start Date: ASAP
• Application Closes: July 16, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT
• Language: Bilingualism in French and English is an asset

EarthBites is a hands-on educational program designed to teach children about local food growth and nutrition. We collaborate with PACs, teachers, and students to transform school gardens into vibrant outdoor classrooms integrated into the school curriculum. For more information, visit earthbites.ca.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Outdoor Educator to co-coordinate and facilitate the EarthBites program in Metro Vancouver. This role involves delivering engaging in-person programming in outdoor school gardens for students aged 5-13, with the potential for online settings as needed. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. The ideal candidate will be passionate about gardening, nutrition, and regenerative solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with team members to plan, implement, and lead high-quality garden and nutrition education lessons.
• Assist in enhancing and developing curriculum.
• Facilitate outdoor programs in various weather conditions.
• Supervise and mentor volunteers in a garden, nutrition, and market workshop setting.
• Capture photos and simple videos for social media, ensuring participant anonymity.
• Support the team by covering workshops or roles as needed.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with students and teachers, respecting diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• Maintain a safe and clean program environment, reporting repairs or concerns as appropriate.
• Manage the school garden's annual needs, including planning, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and food processing in collaboration with the EarthBites team.
• Support budget management, including ordering supplies and equipment.
• Attend regular team meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Food Safe certification (can be obtained upon contract acceptance).
• Police Information Check.
• Experience engaging youth and facilitating educational programs with an inquiry-based approach.
• Knowledge of urban gardening and/or food growing and harvesting.
• Interest in nutrition and sharing nutrition education with students.
• Bilingualism in French and English is an asset.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and a problem solver with the ability to work with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and long-term planning.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate thoughtfully as a representative of EarthBites.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Able to work a flexible schedule.
• Interest in Indigenous culture.
• Access to a vehicle for transporting lesson materials (groceries, garden equipment, supplies, harvests) and the ability to perform physical tasks.
• Ownership of a computer or laptop is an asset.