Farm Educator Open Positions

SAUVIE ISLAND CENTER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2022

We are gearing up for a busy spring season and for summer farm camp. We are excited to announce we are recruiting and hiring for the seasons! We have several open positions. You’ll find a brief description of each position below.

Mission Statement: We are a land-based nonprofit that educates about food, farming and the land. We cultivate equity and food justice with our words, intentions and actions and prioritize service to under-resourced communities.

Organizational Overview: Since our founding in 2005, more than 20,000 elementary school students and community members have participated in programming at the Center’s home on Sauvie Island. The majority of programming is offered at no or low cost to under-resourced individuals, and children/families living in neighborhoods served by Title 1 elementary schools.

Our hands-on, educational programs include educational field trips and camps for elementary school students and service learning projects for BIPOC partners. Activities take place in our teaching garden, which includes a sensory garden, native hedgerow and (vegetable) Grow Lunch Garden. Most recently we partnered with Wisdom of the Elders to establish a First Foods Forest. This living classroom showcases the plants that were used by the island’s original indigenous inhabitants for food, fiber and medicine.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to: Helen Dixon, Program Manager,  helen@sauvieislandcenter.org, 503-341-8627. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. 

1).Seasonal Program Coordinator: The position acts as the coordinator for all youth-based programming activities including: field trips, family farm days, farm and summer break camp.

Dates of Employment/Hours: 35 hours per week to 1 FTE* and monthly technology stipend. A three month review will be conducted in September of 2022 with the possibility of an increase in hourly rate of pay.

*week of July 4 no camp, flexible staff schedule

Compensation: $16.25 – $16.75/hour DOE

Reports to: Program Manager

Major Duties and Responsibilities: The position acts as the coordinator for all youth-based programming activities including: field trips, family farm days, farm and summer break camp.

Onsite Program Coordinator

• Coordinating field trips, summer camps, and family farm days.
• Leads small groups of students, teaching science principles in an outdoor, experiential setting
• Coordinate farm education activities Capstone students and volunteers, ensuring safety of all.
• Supports program manager in maintenance of site including office, storage, supplies, and equipment
• Collaborates with Program Manager to administer student assessments and teacher evaluations
• Perform a variety of general office tasks, including word-processing, proofreading, photocopying, collating, filing, data entry, etc.
• Support for  interns, capstones, and volunteers including recruitment, training and supervision

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to teaching children, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, and ability to communicate effectively with people of  diverse backgrounds and ages.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to work outdoors in a farm setting, lift up to 50 pounds, dig, and use hand tools. ? First Aid / CPR certification or ability to become certified.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Desired Qualifications

• Comfortable in natural settings
• Enjoys gardening, has knowledge of native plants and natural resources
• 6 months experience as an environmental educator, preferably in farm or garden education.
• Comfortable with Google Suite
• 2 years of college education or relevant experience.

Work Location: Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to: Helen Dixon, Program Manager,  helen@sauvieislandcenter.org, 503-341-8627. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. 

Position 2: Farm Camp Counselor (four positions) – Summer 2022 

These positions act as camp counselors for our summer camp including: leading educational modules, arts and crafts, and youth garden tasks.

Dates of employment: Tuesday, June 21^st (including three days paid training) thru Friday, July 29th with a wrap up day on Monday, August 1st. Must be available Monday-Friday, approximately 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM for the full employment period. While this is a seasonal, funding-limited position, there is potential for part-time employment during the school year. *week of July 4 no camp, flexible staff schedule

Compensation: $15.25 – $15.75/hr DOE, 30-35 hours per week.

Reports to: Program Manager

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead activities for campers entering 1^st-5^th grade at Sauvie Island Center Farm Camp, including gardening,  nature exploration, art, music, and more.
• Teach science principles in an outdoor, experiential setting.
• Be responsible for group management of students and ensuring student safety.
• Be passionate about serving youth through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Assist as needed with maintenance of our Grow Lunch Garden, including watering, weeding, planting, and  harvesting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to teaching children, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, and ability to communicate effectively with people of  diverse backgrounds and ages.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to work outdoors in a farm setting, lift up to 50 pounds, dig, and use hand tools. ? First Aid / CPR certification or ability to become certified.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Desired Qualifications

• Comfortable in natural settings
• Enjoys gardening, has knowledge of native plants and natural resources
• 6 months experience as an environmental educator, preferably in farm or garden education.
• 2 years of college education or relevant experience.

Work Location: Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to: Helen Dixon, Program Manager,  helen@sauvieislandcenter.org, 503-341-8627. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. 

The Sauvie Island Center is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, and those we serve. People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.