Career Opportunities

Under the direction of the Executive Director and in close collaboration with OVSD’s Child Nutrition Director,  the Garden and Nutrition Educator will coordinate and lead OVSD’s garden and nutrition programs.  Specific program responsibilities include:

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School Garden Program- Coordinate OVSD’s garden program by leading lessons and activities to plant, harvest, and maintain edible and native plants.  Manage school garden food safety plan and coordinate garden harvests for use in cafeteria meals.  Organize volunteer work days for large garden projects. Serve as a resource to connect teachers to standards-aligned garden based curriculum.  

 

Nutrition and Cooking Education- Coordinate nutrition and cooking education lessons in OVSD that feature locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, while connecting students to the cafeteria as a daily source of nutrition and wellness. Coordinate family cooking events that celebrate OVSD’s diverse families and features culturally relevant recipes. Coordinate activities to connect students to the school meal program, such as taste testing new recipes, kitchen tours, and cooking lessons. 

 

Farmer of the Month- Connect with VCF2S Food Hub Farmers to teach students about the local fruits and vegetables served in OVSD school meal programs, during classroom lessons and cafeteria tasting activities.  Coordinate farm field trips for students to have hands-on experiences learning about local agriculture.  

 

Student Leadership- Collaborate with the afterschool programs and teachers to establish student clubs that participate in garden activities, cooking lessons, and farm to school projects to provide leadership opportunities for students. 

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Essential Duties:​

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• Coordinate and lead the educational program activities for OVSD nutrition, cooking, and garden education programs. Monitor instructional activities to assure alignment with curriculum standards and program goals and objectives. 
   

• Maintain school gardens through coordinating community and school gardening days and communicate garden needs to OVSD and VCF2S leadership. 
   

• Establish and maintain program timelines and priorities in accordance with the 2024 CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant. 
   

• Research current trends, new resources and curriculum to monitor best practices in farm to school, nutrition, cooking, and environmental education programs. 
   

• Collaborate with community partners, parents, students, teachers, school administrators, state and national organizations, and universities to provide exceptional educational opportunities and resources for students. 
   

• Plan and coordinate field trips to provide alternative educational experiences that enhance student learning in the areas of agriculture, environmental science, and nutrition. 
   

• Collect and analyze data related to program participation and write reports as needed. 
   

• Track program expenditures and follow established procurement policies and procedures. 
   

• Prepare monthly grant invoices and quarterly grant reports.

 

Other Duties: Perform related duties as assigned.

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Qualifications:

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• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required, training in education, botany, or nutrition preferred. 
   

• Experience: Five years’ experience in an educational setting, preferably in the areas of outdoor/environmental education, agriculture, or nutrition and culinary education. Direct teaching experience is a plus. 
   

• Bilingual skills desired. 

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Abilities:

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• Knowledge of gardening, landscaping, plant maintenance
   

• Familiarity with nutritional concepts

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• Cooking skills
   

• Strong communication and organizational skills

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• Thrives while working both independently and in a team environment
   

• Detail-oriented

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• Project and event planning and management 
   

• Efficient with great time management skills

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• Creative thinker
   

• Problem-solver with positive approach to challenges 

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• Demonstrates initiative to learn and grow

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• Able to manage competing priorities and adhere to deadlines 
   

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with a broad range of individuals and communities
   

• Deliver instruction and curriculum to diverse student populations and age groups

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Working Conditions: Indoor and outdoor work environments

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Physical Abilities: 

• Dexterity of hands to use computer and telephone

• Lift objects up to 25lbs

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information

• Write legibly

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Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid California Drivers’ License

Livescan background check

ServSafe Food Handler

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Compensation:  Salary commensurate with experience.  Ventura County Farm to School provides full medical benefits and generous paid time off. 

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To Apply:  Please send a cover letter, resume and three letters of recommendation to anna@vcfarmtoschool.org by 5pm by December 13th, 2024.