Company description

FRESHFARM builds a more equitable, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient food future for the region by producing innovative solutions in partnership with local communities and organizations in the DC area. We create food access, economic development, and community building through hands-on education, farmers markets, and distribution programs. FoodPrints is FRESHFARM’s school-based food education program that aims to make positive changes in what children and their families eat by giving them hands-on experiences with growing, harvesting, cooking, and eating nutritious, fresh, local foods in season. We currently operate in 21 D.C. Public Elementary Schools, each of which has garden space that FoodPrints teachers use in classes. The FoodPrints Garden Team is supported by the FoodPrints Curriculum Director & Instructional Coach, and led by one Senior Garden Manager, who supervises two Garden Managers (one of whom will also be a Floating Assistant Teacher); this position will also have an Instructional Coach to support their Assistant Teaching duties.

Job description

WHO YOU ARE:

• Experienced working in a range of gardens focused on food production, with proficient to advanced skill sets in working with garden systems, trellising, organic pest control, seasonal planting, etc.
• Experienced working with youth (ideally in an educational or outdoor setting!)
• Flexibility to cope with change and work independently

WHAT YOU’LL DO: The FoodPrints Garden Manager & Floating Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting the management and maintenance of FoodPrints partner school gardens, as well as for supporting FoodPrints program implementation at designated partner schools under the direction of that school’s Lead Teacher.

Garden Management & Maintenance

• Develop seasonal planting schedules and maintenance plans for gardens with varied capacities.
• Responsible for garden tasks and maintenance, including all basic garden maintenance tasks.
• Support the distribution of materials to school gardens across the city.
• Plan new garden installations and garden rebuilds and be available to lead the projects as necessary.
• Collaborate with partner schools and Lead Teachers to develop and manage school garden projects.

Garden Coaching

• Direct and support FoodPrints Teachers with the overall management of assigned school gardens.
• Coach FoodPrints Teachers and be available to answer questions on all aspects of garden care.
• Send regular communications to FoodPrints Teachers regarding gardening updates.
• Assist with planning and leading professional development for teachers on garden maintenance.

Teaching

• Utilize the FoodPrints curriculum and program model to assist Lead Teachers with classes
• Assist with the preparation, set up, and clean up for each lesson.
• Support the management and maintenance of school gardens and teaching kitchen classrooms.
• Partner with and take direction from Lead Teachers and Instructional Support team.

Classroom Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend weekly FoodPrints team meetings and periodic professional development sessions.
• Assist with data collection, submission of grant reports, maintaining documentation, etc.

THE PERKS:

• Join a collaborative, diverse, & supportive team passionate about food, gardening, & sustainability
• Help FRESHFARM bring experiential food education to children and families across Washington, DC by managing beautiful, productive, and enriching school gardens
• Get access to fresh, local produce from our gardens!

THE DETAILS

• This is a full-time (40 hour / week), non-exempt position and therefore is eligible for overtime
• The hours for this role will typically occur during Monday-Friday during standard business and school hours. Some weekend or evening hours may be required infrequently for special projects.
• A typical week for this role will look like: Monday meetings (at the office), admin & garden work; two days per week doing garden work; two days per week assistant teaching (as needed) or doing additional garden work.
• This role will require work at partner schools in Washington, DC, the FRESHFARM Office, and some remote work.
• For Floating Assistant Teacher Duties: this teacher will be assigned to Assist at schools on a floating basis, meaning as needed they will be assigned to a location.
• This role will require the use of a personal laptop; a $1000 tri-annual stipend can be used to purchase such a device, if needed.
• All full-time employees receive 11 annual holidays (8 hours each), 3 floating holidays per year, and accrue up to 73 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of annual vacation leave (with increases after 3 and 6 years of service).
• Typically, FRESHFARM offices close for a 1+ week winter break, which includes paid time-off for salaried employees.
• Eligible to enroll in 100% employer covered healthcare, as well as generous employer coverage for vision and dental and employer paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D and an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Eligible to contribute to a 403b plan (opt-in; Roth or post-tax).

PHYSICAL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain in a stationary position and move about garden or classroom spaces for 6-8 hours per day, multiple days per week
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
  DCPS clearance (free of charge; FRESHFARM will provide support to navigate this process as needed)
• Ability to lift, transport, or move objects up to 35 lbs
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and has/will receive booster when eligible
• Must have a personal smartphone ($25/month stipend provided for use)
• Access to a personal car for transporting materials and supplies, and to commute to multiple locations daily; standard mileage reimbursement is available.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

FRESHFARM is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and building an equitable and inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented groups to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate, and will take affirmative action measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, disability, or veteran status in any conditions of employment.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $58,000.00 - $65,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

May 04, 2025