Sowing Seeds Coordinator

This permanent, full-time position works closely with the Youth Programs Director to fulfill the important goals of Walking Mountains Science Center’s Youth Programs department. This position requires an independent educator who is capable of developing and teaching science and garden curriculum for K-5 students while performing administrative duties and maintaining a garden and greenhouse. The Sowing Seeds Coordinator reports to the Youth Programs Director (YPD).

Responsibilities:

Program Coordination and Administration

• Develop strong relationships with faculty and staff at Brush Creek Elementary School (BCES) and Eagle Valley Elementary School (EVES).
• Work with school faculty and administration to determine class schedule for in-school garden specials.
• Contact teachers to connect with school curriculum and engage classes in the garden and greenhouse on days when Sowing Seeds specials are not taught. 
• Serve as a liaison between Walking Mountains Science Center, Eagle County Schools and the community at large.
• Integrate into school procedures and culture while communicating Sowing Seeds program goals to school faculty, administration and parents.
• Attend school-specific staff and PTA meetings as appropriate to share updates and make connections for the Sowing Seeds Program.
• Represent Walking Mountains Science Center with partner organizations that share common programmatic interest.

Program and Curriculum Development

• Design and develop a curriculum framework to serve all K-5 students at Brush Creek Elementary School (BCES) and Eagle Valley Elementary School (EVES) aligned with NGSS, Colorado State and Eagle County Schools curriculum standards.
• Write weekly lessons focused on science and gardening for K-5 students at Brush Creek Elementary School and Eagle Valley Elementary School aligned with NGSS, Colorado State and Eagle County Schools curriculum standards.
• Work with YPD and Summer Programs Coordinator to develop and coordinate Sowing Seeds summer camp offerings, curriculum, materials and field trip opportunities.
• Revise curriculum as needed and work with YPD to continually improve Sowing Seeds offerings at BCES and EVES.
• Field and Classroom Instruction
• Plan, prepare materials and teach all Sowing Seeds lessons at BCES and EVES.
• Teach to an identified learning objective, present content accurately, implement a variety of instructional strategies, check frequently for student understanding and monitor student progress.
• Co-teach Sowing Seeds camps throughout the summer.
• Attend or conduct occasional evening and weekend programs and events.

Garden and Greenhouse Management

• Create garden plans for year-round growing in the school garden at EVES and greenhouse at BCES.
• Execute garden plan year-round including soil preparation, seed propagation, watering, transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, washing and delivering food to students, school cafeterias and PTA fundraising dinner.
• Work to adjust growing based on curriculum needs.
• Work with YPD and School Administration/Maintenance staff to effectively and efficiently plan and schedule overall greenhouse and garden maintenance and improvements.
• Engage students in all aspects of gardening during lessons.

Statistics and Analysis

• Maintain Sowing Seeds contact numbers in data spreadsheets
• Provide quarterly updates on Sowing Seeds programs and impacts to YPD for Board Reporting
• Develop an assessment plan for Sowing Seeds programs and implement student assessments for each unit taught
• Generate end of year report for Sowing Seeds program (including numbers served, student assessment data, food grown etc.)

Operations and Risk Management

• Follow all Risk Management procedures
• Maintain required medical certification (WFR, CPR)

Communications/Marketing/Finance

• Manage and maintain WMSC Sowing Seeds budget
• Work with YPD and School Administration/Maintenance staff to manage school garden and greenhouse budgets
• Assist YPD with annual budget planning process
• Provide photos, quotes and other Sowing Seeds marketing materials throughout the school year and summer
• Work with Marketing Manager to promote Sowing Seeds in-school and summer programs

Science Center Responsibilities

• Participate in organizational staff meetings, retreats, and cross departmental committees
• Assist in staffing front desk of Mountain Discovery Center as needed
• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures
• Assist with and participate in all special events
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field; MA/MS preferred
• 1-2 years experience managing a gardening or growing program
• 1-2 years of outdoor or classroom teaching experience; knowledge of standards-based curriculum preferred
• Strong work ethic and understanding that garden work is rewarding, but also physically demanding
• Enjoy working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to work with tools, basic woodworking skills preferred
• Strong willingness and desire to learn
• Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to teach a variety of audiences
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to provide exceptional customer service
• Strong organizational skills
• Creative in curriculum design and development
• Positive, flexible and friendly
• Independently-driven team player
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive 15-passanger vans
• Ability to hike up to 4 miles on steep, uneven terrain carrying a pack up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge and experience in using computers and software including Microsoft Office
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications preferred
• Ability to work a full-time schedule with some evening or weekend responsibilities
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred