Riverdale Neighborhood House, a settlement house in the Northwest Bronx, is seeking a Garden Educator /Activity Specialist to develop and deliver a hands-on food justice curriculum for program participants from pre-K through High school. The Educator/Activity Specialist, in collaboration with the Food & Farm team, will be responsible for creating engaging lesson plans around the Food & Farm Hub, an educational garden, community fridge and, soon to come, teaching kitchen. Participants will learn about growing food, nutrition, cooking, environmental stewardship, and food justice. The Garden Educator will also participate in the management and maintenance of the garden and assist in occasional special projects, such as community workshops and garden events. 

This position requires comfort and experience in leading hands-on gardening and cooking lessons. A “can do” attitude is essential as well as a sense of creativity and ability to work in all environments. Candidates should also have an interest in food and culture, as well as a commitment to advancing equity in all work. 
 

This position is a part-time (10-12 hours, 2-3 days flexible) role that will report to the Director of Community Engagement.
 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop hands-on curriculum for the teaching garden, culinary, and food justice program for student groups ages 3 yrs to 12th grade
• Manage instructional programs including planting, weeding, plant anatomy, and cooking
• Help with occasional community workshops based in the garden for adults and children
• Support special projects as requested, including but not limited to events, board activities, workshops
• On occasion, support the management and maintenance of the garden and teaching kitchen

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Professional experience working with children in educational setting and comfort working with all age groups, including young children and teens
• Experience developing and delivering gardening and culinary curriculum
• Working knowledge of gardening, food systems, and cooking
• Willingness to work hard and outdoors in all weather (rain, heat, snow)
• Confident, with strong interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to lift 50lbs 
• Self-starter, able to work independently, a motivational team player and creative thinker
• Sense of humor and ability to work in changing environment
• Interest in food
• Preferred proficiency in Google Workplace (particularly Docs & Sheets) 
• Bachelors degree preferred 
• Successful Background check and State Central Registry clearances required because this role interacts with children
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required