The Garden Coordinator reports to the Senior Manager of Education and provides engaging instruction for the pre-K through 12th grade environmental education and challenge education programming of Hidden Villa. The responsibilities for this position primarily center around teaching (75%). Other responsibilities (25%) include managing the educational garden, communicating with other departments, and developing specialty curriculum. During the summer season, this position provides primary leadership in garden education and activities for the Summer Camp program. The start date for this position will be March 2026.

Hidden Villa has over 50 years of providing experiential, place-based learning opportunities that focus on building connections with food & farms, wilderness exploration, environmental stewardship, and environmental and social justice. The Garden Coordinator works closely with the Senior Manager of Education and other instructors to deliver high quality experiences that connect participants to climate change mitigation, healthy local food systems, an antiracist and just society and place-based outdoor education for all.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction

• Deliver Hidden Villa’s environmental education programs to students and participants of all ages, particularly PreK-12th grade, and be open to modeling teaching strategies for other educators
• Support educational program logistics and administrative systems
• Provide training and resources for staff and volunteers on using the garden as a teaching space in accordance with our program goals and educational approach
• Contribute to department and organizational strategic efforts around service, access, outreach, impact and program design and delivery
• Support training and mentorship of Summer Camp staff in education garden protocols and activities
• Lead garden education and activities for the Summer Camp program
• Occasionally support organization-wide weekend or evening events
• Other tasks and duties as assigned from time to time

Garden Coordination

• Plan, manage, and tend a quarter- acre educational garden and small flock of chickens to support educational programs
• Prepare the garden as a teaching space for programs and be responsible for regular maintenance and care
• Manage pests and irrigation in order to maximize harvest and preserve food for programs and participants
• Communicate regular updates to staff and volunteers regarding changes in the garden space, program resources and needs
• Coordinate and manage garden volunteers for periodic work days

Candidate Qualifications

DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:

• At least 2 years of experience in environmental education, garden/farm education other related fields
• Experience, skills or abilities with: California ecology, organic gardening or farming practices, working with diverse populations, and working with volunteers
• Organized team player, capable of working with or without supervision, with excellent communication skills
• Must pass a Livescan background check
• Willingness to become certified in CPR and First Aid upon employment
• Willingness to be trained in and instruct on a high ropes challenge course

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular and consistent attendance and the ability to sit and work with hands and arms for at least eight (8) hours per day and five (5) days per week
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to walk/hike 3 miles with elevation change over uneven terrain

Terms of Employment

This is a nonexempt, full-time position. Workdays are Monday through Friday. The pay rate for this position is $28.50/hour. Occasionally weekend or evening shifts will be required to support organization/board events. This position is fully benefitted, including health insurance, paid time-off (vacation & sick), and retirement.

How to Apply

Email cover letter, resume and three professional references to jobs@hiddenvilla.org.