Youth Educator I and Animal Program Lead

Soil Born Farms; Rancho Cordova (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Farm produce provided

401k

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Soil Born Farms is seeking a Youth Educator I and Animal Program Lead to guide hands-on educational programming for students from early childhood to high school. You’ll develop immersive agricultural projects and oversee the educational animal program, ensuring animal husbandry and safety while partnering with the education team for field trips, summer camps, and homeschool activities.

You’ll teach about gardening, soil, seasonal food, and environmental stewardship, manage students outdoors, and

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree in a related field.
• Strong teaching and facilitation skills in outdoor settings.
• Experience with Future Farmers of America, 4H or similar programs is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in Sacramento weather.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging, hands-on educational programming for students from early childhood through high school.
• Develop immersive agricultural projects and oversee the educational animal program.
• Deliver field trips, summer camps, and homeschool activities with the education team.
• Teach students about gardening, soil, seasonal food, and environmental stewardship.
• Care for the chicken flock and address medical needs or pest issues.
• Train and supervise student interns within the Animal Education Program.
• Coordinate animal care schedules, barn maintenance, and supplies with barn staff.

Skills

Outdoor education

Animal husbandry

Teaching

Program development

Communication

Collaboration

Education

BA or BS degree in related field

Job description

Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture and Education Project

Job Title: Youth Educator I and Animal Program Lead

Reports To: Youth Education Manager

Job Summary: Soil Born Farms is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Youth Educator to lead engaging, hands-on educational programming for students from early childhood through high school. A primary focus of this role is developing immersive agricultural projects and overseeing the educational animal program while ensuring high standards of animal husbandry and safety. In addition, you will partner with the education team to deliver engaging field trips, summer camps, and homeschool activities.

Youth Education Program Responsibilities

• Teaching students about natural phenomena, gardening, soil, seasonal food and environmental stewardship
• Managing students in outdoor environments
• Working on an education team that plans and teaches collaboratively
• Developing lessons that are standards based about a variety of topics that relate to our dynamic teaching spaces including gardens, composting, creek and native plant habitats
• Educating students from kinder through high school.
• In collaboration with the team, maintain the youth garden and other educational spaces
• Care for our existing chicken flock and address any medical needs or pest intrusion.

Animal Education Program Responsibilities

• Working with key teacher leads at Cordova High FFA program
• Training and managing student interns
• Coordinating FFA students/animals to complete interior barn maintenance, animal care and supplies, feeding and program schedules
• Guide and train youth education staff as they facilitate field trip and summer day camp learning about the barn and the farm animals
• Develop educational materials/practices for public days at the farm
• Collaborative with our Barn Manager to coordinate needs of the grazing flock and the students' animals
• Work with district staff and the grants team to build funding mechanisms for the animal barn program.

Qualifications

• Experience: The ideal candidate for the Youth Educator 1 position possesses a strong background in agricultural science, environmental education, and animal husbandry, with a proven ability to translate complex concepts into interactive, outdoor learning experiences. Additionally, extra consideration will be given to applicants with experience in Future Farmers of America, 4H or other related programs. Retired teachers or newly credentialed teachers wanting an alternative educational environment are encouraged to apply.
• Administrative and Operational Skills: Proficiency in time management, scheduling, animal barn management (cleanliness, materials, safety, repairs, training).
• Education and Interpersonal Skills:
  • BA or BS degree in a related field required
  • Strong teaching and facilitation skills, particularly in an outdoor, farm, or garden setting.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build positive and effective relationships with staff, volunteers, community members, and youth from diverse backgrounds.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team and a manager to achieve shared goals.
• Knowledge & Problem-Solving:
  • Some knowledge of organic gardening principles and practices is preferred.
  • Experience with non-profit and grant reporting is a plus.
  • A proactive and resourceful approach to problem solving, with the ability to "think on your feet" and manage special projects from start to finish.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to safely lead and participate in physically demanding work on on uneven terrain, be outdoors in all Sacramento weather conditions, and lift up to 50 lbs

Hours and Compensation

This is a full time position requiring 40 hours a week, including Saturdays and some evenings. Medical, vision, dental, 401k, paid holidays, paid time off and farm produce provided. Wage range $26-29/hr. commensurate with experience.