Agricultural and Nutrition Educator

Job Title:

Agricultural and Nutrition Educator

Position Summary:

The Agricultural and Nutrition Educator is responsible for delivering SEEAG's Farm-to-Food Lab and STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture programs in Santa Barbara County. The role supports SEEAG's mission to build awareness of and appreciation for agriculture from farm to consumption through hands-on, experiential learning. Responsibilities include teaching students during free classroom presentations and farm field trips for 3rd-grade classes, as well as leading high school students through a three-part career exploration initiative. The Educator works closely with the Education Director, Program Coordinators, and fellow Educators to ensure high-quality program delivery and a positive student experience.

This part-time position is based in northern Santa Barbara County, with required office hours in Orcutt, and is scheduled for 24 hours per week. Candidates must be available Monday through Friday during program hours and have reliable transportation to travel to schools, farm sites, and the office. Major responsibilities include classroom and outdoor education, program coordination support, and site maintenance.

Core Responsibilities (75% of Position's Time):

1. Deliver engaging and educational experiences to students at our farm sites and in classrooms:
2. Educate students on the significance of agriculture, the food supply chain, and farm sciences such as soil, plants, and water, through experiential STEM-based lessons and activities.
3. Introduce students to topics within nutrition and wellness, providing hands-on lessons and activities that emphasize the connection between our health and consuming fresh local crops and agricultural products.
4. Inform students about the diverse career opportunities and pathways available within the agricultural industry.
5. Assist Director and Coordinator in classroom and field trip logistics, ensuring consistent inventory, organized educational materials, and effective lesson planning.
6. Aid in van and site preparation, including station setup, material organization, produce distribution, and other relevant tasks.
7. Continuously educate yourself on current curriculum, fundamental concepts, and the latest advancements in agriculture, nutrition, and education.

Secondary Responsibilities (25% of Position's Time):

1. Attend weekly education, staff, and topic-specific meetings for the organization.
2. Provide feedback and input on program activity curricula and lesson planning.
3. Communicate with teachers and faculty to ensure a positive experience and continual relationships between districts, schools, and organizations.
4. Represent SEEAG at educational events across Santa Barbara county.
5. Demonstrate readiness to travel between counties for presentations and other job-related activities.
6. Assist in various program education roles and duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• College degree (bachelor's or above) in Agriculture (Ag Science, Ag Business, Ag Education), Nutrition, or similar.
• Experience in program management, developing and delivering educational curricula, community organizing, and/or strategic advocacy campaigns.
• Knowledgeable in program evaluation methodologies and assessing educational outcomes.
• Knowledgeable in supporting student success, guidance, and engagement.
• Experience teaching in a nutritional context (classroom, gardens, kitchen).
• Experience teaching in an outdoor context (outdoor education, gardens, non-traditional classroom).
• Strong experience in classroom management.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and collaboration skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships within teams and across diverse demographic groups.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred.

Physical Conditions of Employment:

1. Kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk, constant use of hands in indoor and outdoor environments

2. Speak, hear, read, and write in English  

3. Use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and ability to sit for extended periods of time

4. Lift up to 20 pounds occasionally