Outdoor Garden Educator: Trauma-Informed STEM & Wellness

Leah's Pantry; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Leah’s Pantry seeks garden educators to bring engaging, trauma-informed garden-based lessons to elementary and K-8 students at San Diego schools.

Most instruction is outdoors, with back-to-back classes after school; candidates deliver English and Spanish lessons, ensure student safety, and support garden maintenance.

This part-time role requires strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to work with diverse communities while upholding program values.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-year experience delivering instruction to full classroom cohorts (up to 38 elementary-aged students).
• Ability to deliver pre-written lessons in English and Spanish.
• Ability to manage students in a garden/outdoor setting.
• College degree or relevant experience in garden, environmental, or nutrition education.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, including youth and adults.
• Knowledge of organic gardening, urban gardening, environmental science, or food systems and food access.
• Availability for occasional weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, interdisciplinary garden-themed lessons outdoors, mainly at elementary level.
• Teach from provided lesson plans with fidelity and consistency.
• Co-teach with classroom teachers and support roles during garden lessons.
• Supervise and ensure student safety following policies.
• Incorporate trauma-informed strategies into instruction and classroom management.
• Optional: conduct occasional workshops on gardening and nutrition for the school community.
• Manage, organize, and maintain program facilities, equipment, and supplies for outdoor classrooms and indoor nutrition lab.
• Engage students, teachers, and volunteers in garden upkeep.
• Report on garden conditions and coordinate maintenance requests.
• Be active in school communities and plan events with staff and partners.
• Maintain records including attendance and evaluations; assist with data collection for reporting.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Outdoor classroom management

Student supervision

Curriculum delivery

Communication

Organizational skills

Leadership

Flexibility

Adaptability

Diversity engagement

Education

College degree or relevant experience

Job description

Leah’s Pantry seeks garden educators to bring engaging, trauma-informed garden-based lessons to elementary and K-8 students at San Diego schools.

Most instruction is outdoors, with back-to-back classes after school; candidates deliver English and Spanish lessons, ensure student safety, and support garden maintenance.

This part-time role requires strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to work with diverse communities while upholding program values.