Garden Educator in Novato, California at North Bay Children

Position: Garden Educator: Novato

Classification Nonexempt

Supervisor: Tanya Stiller, Garden of Eatin’ Manager

Supervise: None 

Job Title: Garden Educator

Job Description: The Garden of Eatin' (GOE) Educator role is a dual-role position combining hands-on garden stewardship with instructional coaching. This role is responsible for maintaining healthy, productive, safe, and welcoming gardens while building classroom teachers' confidence and capacity to lead the GOE Living Curriculum within their own classroom. As a GE, you will engage, teach and coach students and teachers year-round through innovative best practices that align with the mission, values, and goals of NBCC.

Responsibilities:

Coaching & Curriculum Support:Model GOE Living Curriculum lessons for head teachers and classroom teachers, demonstrating pedagogy, pacing and child-centered facilitation.Coach teachers through gradual progression from modeling to co-teaching to observation and support, with the goal of confident independent classroom implementation.Meet teachers where they are, including those with little gardening experience, and provide specific, constructive, encouraging feedback grounded in observation.Support curriculum seasonal alignment across sites while helping teachers adapt activities to their age group, classroom context, and garden conditions.Help teachers connect garden experiences with nutrition, literacy, science, sensory exploration, and other classroom learning.Prepare and stage plants, tools, and materials so teachers can successfully lead garden activities; identify implementation gaps and collaborate with the GOE Manager on solutions.Communicate proactively with teachers and site supervisors about schedules, garden needs, opportunities, and classroom engagement; contribute photos and updates through GOE communication channel.Participate in monthly GOE team meetings, seasonal planning, Staff Development Days, family events, and other GOE activities as needed. Mission Alignment:Ensure that all education programs are executed in alignment with the mission, values, and goals of North Bay Children’s Center.Promote a child-centered approach to education that nurtures children's physical, emotional, and intellectual growth.Garden Stewardship:Maintain assigned gardens in a healthy, productive, safe, accessible, well-organized, manner with consistent quality and attention to innovation.Manage greenhouse and propagation work, including seed starting, transplanting, hardening off, seed and supply inventory, and seasonal propagation planning aligned with GOE Living Curriculum. Install, maintain, monitor, and trouble shoot drip irrigation; program seasonal watering schedules, address leaks and failed components, and escalate larger infrastructure needs.Develop year-round succession planting plans that support curriculum modules, tastings, cooking lessons, family food programs, and child-friendly sensory experiences. Build healthy soil through compost, cover crops, and organic amendments; maintain compost systems/worm bins and model safe composting practices with teachers and children. Monitor plants for pests, disease, and stress and use Integrated Pest Management practices consistent with NBCC policy and California childcare licensing requirements.Maintain safe, age-appropriate tools and garden infrastructure; keep pathways clear, address hazards promptly, and complete minor maintenance while escalating larger repairs to Facilities.Maintain planting, harvesting, site-condition, and seasonal records and coordinate harvests and garden needs with classroom teachers and the Food & Nutrition Specialist. Team Collaboration:Demonstrate effective communication skills with classroom staff.Collaborate and communicate with the Garden of Eatin' Team and NBCC staff to create supportive and successful learning environments.Contribute to a collegial atmosphere, valuing teamwork and professional growth.Problem-Solving:Demonstrate independent problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise during program implementation.Seek creative solutions that uphold the quality and integrity of the education programs.Professionalism:Contribute professionally to the NBCC community, upholding the organization's standards and values.Represent NBCC positively to students, parents, and the broader community.Individual and Team Impact:Work as an integral part of the Garden of Eatin' Team, contributing to the collective goals of the team.Independently take initiative while also valuing teamwork to achieve shared objectives.

Qualifications:

2-3 years of proven hands-on experience and knowledge in gardening, horticulture, farming, landscaping, or a closely related field. Tree and plant pruning skills are helpful.Working knowledge of edible gardening, propagation, soil health, composting, and pest and disease management.Practical experience with drip irrigation installation, repair, and timer programming, preferred greenhouse or propagation experience. Experience delivering education programs to children.Strong interpersonal skills and skills to coach and encourage adult learners with patience, flexibility, and cultural humility.Competent use of all Microsoft products, phone apps, and effective use of technology.A passion for experiential learning and a strong commitment to children's growth and development.Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving educational environment.Proficient problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and the ability to make informed decisions.Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently as required.

The Garden Educator role at North Bay Children's Center presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of experiential education while positively impacting the lives of children. The right candidate processes a growth mindset, resilience, and a passion for garden-based learning. We encourage you to join our team and help shape the success of the Garden of Eatin’ Living Curriculum at NBCC.

Additional Duties:

Contribute to and plan for GOE’s participation in NBCC’s annual fundraising event, Night in Tuscany.Contribute knowledge to GOE curriculum, newsletter, and special programs. Present, co-present or teach at occasional workshops, conferences, or events (after hours and Saturdays)

NBCC promotes ongoing professional development and expanded opportunities to grow and learn.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and move items up to 50 pounds, reach, bend, squat, and kneel.

I have reviewed and agree to the parameters of this job description.