POSITION OVERVIEW

Oxbow Education (“OxEd”) provides year-round farm-based agriculture and environmental education programming for kids aged 3 to 18 (and beyond) based out of our Organic Farm and Conservation Center located on the banks of the Snoqualmie River near Carnation, Washington (~25 miles east of Seattle). We are seeking an Environmental Educator to join our team to facilitate education program delivery during the program season (January through November), as well as support seasonal camp programs (during spring and summer camp program seasons), support the development of educational programming and facilitate activities for special events. This position would be a great fit for an energetic person with experience in outdoor education or children’s programming, a commitment to social, environmental and food justice, and a love of gardening and connecting children and families to their food through farm-based environmental education experiences.

POSITION DETAILS

The Environmental Educator position is year-round, Full-Time (40 hours per week). The preferred starting date for this position is April 24th, 2023. The work schedule will be primarily Monday-Friday with occasional evening and weekend work, and some off-site work at our partner schools and organizational events. The majority of work will be on-site at the farm (or otherwise in-person), with the option of remote work during the winter (“off-season”) or when site-based work and/or programming is not scheduled.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Environmental Education:

• • Facilitation: Deliver environmental/agriculture education programs to all age groups, including on-farm programs, off-site programs at area schools and partner locations, public education, and seasonal festivals. Support camp programming by supervising 10-12 campers for 1 week of spring camp as group leader, and serving as guest activity facilitator, staff support and filling in as needed for camp group leaders during summer camp.
  • Program Development: Collaborating with OxEd Staff (especially Education Specialist, Coordinator, and/or Assistant Manager) on the design, planning, and revision (as well as maintaining and organizing) of physical and digital educational programming resources and materials.

• Farming and Gardening: Work alongside the Site Team and Garden Coordinators to assist with planting, sowing, weeding, mulching, harvesting, seed-saving and general maintenance and upkeep of OxEd program spaces, including assistance with care and maintenance of the 1-acre Kids’ Farm and Living Playground as needed.

• Other Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned in support of all Oxbow program and business areas, including but not limited to special events, membership programs, support with seasonal staff training and curriculum development, and general operations.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 2 years’ experience in outdoor education and/or working with kids, particularly preK-12th grade, including demonstrated skill in creating and fostering safe (emotionally and physically) environments for youth
• Exceptionally positive attitude
• Experience farming or gardening and/or a strong desire to learn
• College degree or comparable experience in the areas of agriculture, sustainability, food systems, education, childcare/development, or environmental studies

• Clear, consistent communicator; comfortable speaking in front of large groups
• Ability to stay organized while juggling multiple time-sensitive projects
• Consistent attention to detail
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Familiarity with Microsoft Teams and/or ability to learn MS Teams tools for internal and external collaboration

• Possess or are willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED certification (training/certification cost will be compensated)
• Possess or are willing to obtain Washington State Food Handling certification (training/certification cost will be compensated)
• Ability to perform work standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling, to lift heavy and awkward objects (up to 50 lbs.), to perform physical work, such as digging or planting, and to work in inclement weather
• Skill in language other than English (esp. Spanish) preferred, but not required
• A musical inclination, theatrical experience, visual arts or any other sort of artistic/creative expertise is a plus! Please make note of any skills you have in your cover letter

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

This is a permanent, full-time position, paying a starting rate of $22.00 to $23.10 per hour (DOE) as well as benefits including full employer-paid medical, vision and dental, sick and PTO that start immediately upon hire, and retirement 403(b).

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Monday, April 10, 2023, however, we are accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.