Edible Schoolyard Associate

Edible Schoolyard Associate  

 Opened to the public in 2010, The Edible Schoolyard includes a half-acre urban teaching garden and kitchen classroom. We offer hands-on experiences that focus on fresh, seasonal food, wellness, and outdoor play. Using a seed-to-table philosophy, kids and families learn how food is grown, harvested, prepared, and shared as a meal. By giving children, a greater knowledge of and connection to what they eat, we inspire them to make better choices for their health and the health of their communities.    

This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about food education, sustainable growing practices, and working with children and families. The role offers an opportunity to build skills in garden-based education, urban agriculture, and community engagement while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. 

Position Description  

The Edible Schoolyard is seeking a part-time Edible Schoolyard Associate to assist with the maintenance of its half-acre garden at The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. This is a year-round, paid position. If you are seeking course credit or if you attend a college or university with a work-study program, please indicate any necessary details in your letter of interest.  

 Schedule and Hours:  

10–20 hours per week; schedule varies seasonally and may include weekends. 

Reports to:  Garden Manager 

Position Status:  Part-time  

Pay Rate:  $12/hour  

 Roles and Responsibilities  

• Work with Garden Educators to maintain the health and productivity of plants across garden sites, including weeding, pruning, planting, harvesting, seed saving, soil health management, organic pest control, and composting 
• Maintain the tidiness and safety of work and play spaces in the garden 
• Care for a small flock of laying hens  
• Work to preserve the harvest for later use in cooking classes   
• Follow planting and harvesting schedules 
• Facilitate guest engagement and learning by facilitating play and exploration, answering visitor questions, and running garden-based programs 
• Assist with garden and kitchen classes, events, and activities 

Qualifications 

Ideal candidates will bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and a strong interest in working at the intersection of food, education, and community. 

Preferred qualifications include: 

• A sincere interest in food literacy and a personal connection to local food and seed-to-table values 
• Experience with gardening, farming, horticulture, or plant care 
• Experience working with children in formal or informal educational settings 
• Ability to communicate with children and caregivers from a place of openness, patience, and respect 
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt in a dynamic outdoor learning environment 

Physical Requirements 

This position requires regular physical activity in an outdoor environment. 

Applicants should be able to: 

• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods 
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds 
• Use hands and tools to handle both large and small garden materials 
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions 
• Travel reliably to multiple garden locations as needed 
• Ability to read small print.  

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, sex, including pregnancy, national origin, age (for those 40 years of age or over), or disability. Decisions on employment will be based so as to further the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. This nondiscrimination policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, assignment, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  

To Apply: This position is open until filled. Please email your letter of interest, resume, and 2 professional references to zcarmon-rogers@mbcmuseum.com