Job Description

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Brief Description of Position and Organization

This is a full-time professional position under the direct supervision of the Program Director of the Washington Youth Garden (WYG) at the U.S. National Arboretum.  Using the garden cycle as a tool, the mission of the WYG is to inspire children and families to engage in self-discovery, explore relationships with food and the natural world, and contribute to the health and well-being of their communities.  WYG is a project of the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), a small, congenial non-profit organization located on the magnificent grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.  FONA is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing, through private and public sector resources, support for the educational and research programs of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Job Responsibilities

The Education Coordinator is responsible for planning, developing, and executing educational programs that will teach participants to understand and appreciate horticulture, food and nature. The curriculum spans over four programs and includes topics such as: plant needs, plant structure and function, life cycles, pollination, soils and water, watershed, composting, organic food production, cooking and nutrition.   The Education Coordinator shares the responsibility for the safety and well-being of the children participating in the program and ensures that a favorable educational environment is maintained.  (S)he must be comfortable working with diverse populations, especially, urban elementary school children (age 8 to 12).  In addition, the Education Coordinator must possess good communication skills and work closely with Program Director, Garden Coordinator, FONA staff and Board, teachers, principles, parents, interns, volunteers and community partners. 

Responsibilities include:

Ø    Develop and conduct educational programs for four major programs:  Garden Science, SPROUT, Growing Food…Growing Together and Seed to Supper.  Programs include hands-on, cooperative, and interdisciplinary activities;

Ø    Coordinate with the Garden Coordinator to develop and conduct garden-based activities for SPROUT, Garden Science, Growing Food…Growing Together and Seed to Supper programs;

Ø    Develop program schedules and maintain contact with local schools and other partners pertinent to WYG programs;

Ø    Develop gardening and curriculum workshops for local educators with the help of the Garden Coordinator and Program Director;

Ø    Recruit, train and supervise program volunteers and education interns;

Ø    Assist with the planning and facilitation of WYG and FONA special events (i.e., fundraisers, garden/community socials, garden fairs);

Ø    Assist with the management/development of WYG media tools, i.e., website, brochure, newsletter;

Ø    Assist with daily operations of the WYG (i.e. develop work plans, inventory and order programming supplies, assist Garden Coordinator with garden design and maintenance, assist Program Director with some office administration); and

Ø    Coordinate with Program Director to secure in-kind program supplies

Qualifications

The Education Coordinator must have a BA/BS in Education, Environmental Science or a related field.  The ability to communicate well with children, teachers, parents, staff and volunteers is imperative. (S)he must be capable of physical work in various weather conditions and able to lift 50 lbs. Classroom teaching and agricultural/horticultural/ experience is ideal.  Arts/creative experiences, First Aid/CPR certification are highly recommended and bilingual skills a plus.

Annual salary is $32,000. Excellent benefits package: 100% paid health and disability insurance.  Free parking.

Please email resume, cover letter, and references to Kaifa.Anderson-Hall@ars.usda.gov, fax to (202) 544-5398, or mail to:

Kaifa Anderson-Hall

Program Director

Washington Youth Garden

Friends of the National Arboretum

3501 New York Avenue, NE

Washington DC 20002