Summer Children’s Educator (hiring multiple educators)

About Tilth Alliance

Tilth Alliance works in community with Washington farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future. Through our work we endeavor to promote and support the adoption of organic, regenerative, sustainable growing practices by farmers and gardeners throughout Washington; to make the food produced by these farmers and gardeners more accessible; and to inspire people to enjoy growing, cooking, and eating food that is both good for them, for their communities, and for the environment. The primary strategies we employ in this effort are advocacy, education and collaboration. Equity, inclusion and the promotion of a culture of anti-oppression are important outcomes expected of all the work we do.

About the Position

Our youth education programs invite young people to explore the interconnections of food, health, community, and the environment 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.

Summer Children’s Educators co-teach alongside a team of educators to implement and adapt the Tilth Alliance summer camp curriculum and place-based activities in alignment with Tilth Alliance and Learning in Places’ philosophy and standards. The Summer Children’s Educator will guide children through hands on, outdoor science investigations and cooking activities; engage children in farm & garden stewardship tasks that create meaningful connections with the natural environment, food, health, and community.

Job Responsibilities

• Co-lead designated groups of up to 20 campers, ages 315, focusing
• generally on ages 6-11; ensure the safety and emotional well-being of children in the group; able to manage groups of young children with enthusiasm and joy
• Implement, prepare, and co-teach the Tilth Alliance Summer Camp curriculum and place-based activities with ease and confidence
• Demonstrate accountability and professionalism as a representative of Tilth Alliance to the community involved in our youth programs
• Report and document incidents and administer first aid as necessary
• Co-facilitate two Saturday “Family Camp” programs for children (ages 1-3 or 3-5) and their adult caregivers; Dates are July 12, July 26, and August 9, and will be selected after hiring.
• Support new Junior Counselors (ages 12-15) each week to camp policies and procedures; provide direct supervision 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 information and attendance sheets
• Uphold Tilth Alliance’s public 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 Education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Conservation or a related field OR 2 years of a combination of education and related experience necessary to fulfill the minimum job requirements
• Experience leading outdoor education programming for children in Kindergarten to 8th grade
• Experience leading programming for ages 3-5 year olds
• Some hands-on experience with gardening/farming and/or environmental stewardship
• Ability to lead cooking activities for 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. Accommodation can be made if needed.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certified, Washington State Food Worker Certified or ability to obtain after hire date; paid for by Tilth Alliance
• Proof of Covid vaccination or booster, or ability to obtain after hire date
• Clearance of mandatory state and national background check for working with children (background check run by Tilth Alliance upon to hire)

Desired Experience

• Skills in art, music, and other creative pursuits
• Demonstrated success working with non-English speaking communities
• Conversational or fluent in non-English languages including but not limited to Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin), Vietnamese, Tagalog, Somali, Amharic

Benefits & Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt, temporary/fixed duration position that requires occasional weekend work (40 hours/week, June 24, 2025 – August 25, 2025, plus part-time training week June 16 – 20, and three remote, evening trainings late May/early June). This position is eligible for sick time, accrued at 3.69 hours per 80 hours work. Staff will have access to internal benefits including free classes, no/

low-cost youth programming, produce discounts and more.

Compensation is $21.75 per hour.

In line with our commitment to equity practices, names & identifying factors are redacted from first review of resumes. Additionally, the salary for this position has been carefully determined to reflect market standards and internal equity considerations. We value the skills and expertise that each candidate brings to the table, and we believe that our non-negotiable salary approach fosters a level playing field for all applicants. This practice aligns with our core values of transparency and fairness.