Garden Educator, In-School Programs - Ortega Elementary School

Job Description

Job Description

About Us, and About You

The HEAL Project (THP) is a nonprofit organization providing hands-on programming that instills healthy lifestyle habits in elementary school children while inspiring environmental and agricultural awareness through a comprehensive, interactive curriculum. Our vision is a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health, and our environment. 

We operate school garden sites at elementary schools throughout San Mateo County as well as the San Mateo County School Farm, a 2-acre working educational farm in El Granada, California where we grow vegetables, berries, cut flowers, and culinary herbs. Produce is primarily used for educational programming, and is also sold at the Coastside Farmers’ Market and donated to local food security organizations. We serve over 5,000 students annually throughout our program sites.

The HEAL Project is seeking a warm, enthusiastic Garden Educator to join our team. This part-time, flexible position is a great fit for anyone who wants to stay connected to local schools, work on a schedule that mirrors the school calendar, and make a meaningful impact on children’s learning.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Enjoys working with children

• Values time outdoors

• Wants to be part of a supportive, mission-driven community

• Is looking for a flexible schedule.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A four-year bachelors degree in any field

• Demonstrated comfort with kids and group management

• Experience working independently with minimal supervision

The Garden Educator leads engaging, hands-on garden lessons at Ortega Elementary School in Pacifica during a 14-week fall session and a 14-week spring session. Classes will be held on Wednesday and Thursday each week . During these instructional periods, educators can expect to work approximately 12 to 15 hours per week .

This position follows the school calendar and is scheduled only during the 28 instructional weeks each school year. Hours are not guaranteed outside of these scheduled program periods. The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2026.

Using THP’s established, award-winning curriculum, educators guide students in exploring science, gardening, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Lessons are active, outdoor, and aligned with state standards, helping students build curiosity, confidence, and healthy habits.

Garden Education (80%)

• Teach engaging, garden-based lessons for children at partner schools

• Lead students in seasonal cooking demonstrations, tastings, and nutrition lessons

• Facilitate garden and farm activities like planting, weeding, composting, and harvesting

• Create a safe, inclusive, and joyful learning environment for all students

Program Support & Administration (20%)

• Prepare materials and maintain teaching gardens in collaboration with the THP team

• Track attendance, maintain documentation, and collect surveys and assessments

• Share program updates, photos, and stories for newsletters and social media

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training

All candidates must:

• Have access to a personal vehicle and provide valid driver’s license and proof of insurance

• Be able to walk up to two miles and lift/carry up to 40 lbs for 20 feet

• Be comfortable using a computer for program administration tasks

Prior to commencing employment, candidates are required to:

• Pass LiveScan fingerprint background check

• Provide a negative TB test

• Complete First Aid, CPR, and EpiPen training (costs will be covered by THP)

Garden Educators are part of a distributed team of professionals working in schools across San Mateo County. They meet once weekly on Zoom or in person as a group, and otherwise work independently at their schools on a set schedule that will be shared early in the interview process. Program calendars align with the school year, however individual daily class schedules vary based on school and educator availability. We ask Garden Educators to commit to the full program year on hire.

In addition to a competitive wage, Garden Educators enjoy the following perks:

• Paid sick & safe leave

• An individual annual professional development stipend

• Ongoing training in trauma-informed and culturally-aware teaching

• A weekly share of fresh produce from the THP Farm during harvest season