[CLOSED] Summer Children’s Educator

Tilth Alliance believes everyone deserves to eat well, every day. For 40 years we’ve created a better food culture in Washington by teaching people to grow, prepare and eat food with a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of food, health, community and the environment. Our youth education programs invite young people to explore these interconnections through hands-on and experiential learning activities on our farm and in our gardens, kitchen and wetlands. At Tilth Alliance's summer camps, kids develop practical garden skills, learn about the animals and plants they encounter, and experience harvesting and cooking food they have helped grow.  

Tilth Alliance is hiring three temporary full-time Summer Children’s Educators for summer camp positions at either the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands or our main offices in Wallingford. 

Duration

• June 20th – 23rd, 2023 (part-time training week in-person)  

• June 26th – August 28th, 2023 (full-time) 

• 3 trainings sessions in late May and early June prior to June 20th (Dates TBD)   

• Opportunities to continue part-time during the school year may become available 

Job Responsibilities

• Co-lead designated groups of up to 20 summer campers ages 1-15, focusing generally on ages 6-11; ensure the safety and emotional well-being of children in the group; demonstrate accountability and professionalism as a representative of Tilth Alliance to the community involved in our youth programs  

• Implement Tilth Alliance summer camp curriculum; adapt and develop new place-based activities in alignment with Tilth Alliance and Learning in Places’ philosophy and standards as needed; guide children through hands-on, outdoor science investigations and cooking activities; engage children in farm stewardship tasks that create meaningful connections with the natural environment, food, and health.   

• Co-lead up to three Saturday Family Camp programs for young children (ages 1-3 or 3-5) and their families. Dates are July 15, 29, and Aug. 12; selected after hiring 

• Report and document incidents and administer first aid as necessary  

• Orient new Junior Counselors (ages 12-15) each week to camp policies and procedures; provide and facilitate leadership opportunities that allow junior counselors to learn and grow 

• Support ongoing maintenance of outdoor learning areas at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands and Good Shepherd Center Children’s Garden; contribute to farm and garden upkeep and operations as needed 

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of summer camp supplies and equipment 

• Demonstrate excellent customer service in interactions with camp families; refer higher level concerns to manager on site 

• Collect and organize camper forms and attendance sheets 

• Uphold Tilth Alliance’s Covid-19 safety policies in all interactions while at work 

• Photograph camp activities for newsletters and other promotional materials 

Required Skills

• Minimum age 18 years old  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, Horticulture, Education, or a related field OR 2 years of a combination of education and experience necessary to fulfill the minimum job requirements 

• Experience leading outdoor education programming for children aged Kindergarten-6th grades; some experience leading programming for ages 5 and under preferred but not required 

• Some hands-on experience with gardening/farming and/or environmental stewardship  

• Ability to lead cooking activities for young children  

• Demonstrated ability and success working with people from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds  

• Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions 

• Outstanding organizational and time management skills  

• Ability to problem solve and work in dynamic settings  

• Excellent interpersonal skills  

• Self-directed and able to work independently as well as with a team  

• Able to transport self and materials (on occasion) to camp locations  

• Ability to lift 30 pounds related to lifting and carrying materials, gardening supplies and tools. Accommodations can be made if needed. 

• CPR/First Aid Certified, Washington State Food Worker Certified or ability to obtain after hire paid for by Tilth Alliance 

• Proof of Covid vaccination and booster 

Desired Skills

• Skills in art, music, and other creative pursuits  

• Demonstrated success working with non-English speaking communities  

To Apply

No phone calls please. Submit a letter of interest and resume outlining 1) your experience with the qualifications listed above and 2) why you are interested in this position. Email all materials to youthprograms@tilthalliance.org with the subject "Summer Children’s Educator Application.” This position is open until filled.  

Tilth Alliance is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is essential to achieving our mission. Tilth Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Women, people of color, and individuals from under-represented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

COVID-19 Response

As Covid-19 rates have declined in 2023, we have adjusted our Covid safety policies in line with state standards. Proof of Covid vaccination and booster is required for staff. Masking is optional for participants and staff.  A more comprehensive list of our program policies can be found on our Youth & Families website page. It is important to note that due to Covid-19, the nature of the job duties may change or transition to a virtual setting depending on governmental statutes.