Youth Educator I and Animal Program Lead

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.

To Apply: Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to Shannon
Hardwicke, Education Programs Manager shardwicke@soilborn.org