Exciting Opportunities with Share Food Program! We are looking for a Farm Education Coordinator to add to our team!
Share Food Program (“Share”) is the leading hunger relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia region and one of the largest independent food banks in the nation. Share feeds hundreds of thousands of individuals each month - more than half of whom are children and seniors. The ripple effects of the pandemic, record rates of inflation, and critical cuts to government assistance benefits have plunged even more people into hunger and poverty. Philadelphia has the highest rate of poverty of any major city in the U.S., and food insecurity is a public health crisis. Our network of caring volunteers, dedicated professionals, and generous donors works to bring nourishing food to our neighbors in need.
Nice Roots Farm Overview
Share Food Program’s Nice Roots Farm, started in 2010, is an urban agriculture project located in the Allegheny West neighborhood of Philadelphia. Through partnerships with the Philadelphia Orchard Project, the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, and Penn State Extension, the farm now features 20+ fruiting trees, two high tunnels for extended season growing and harvesting, and 20+ raised beds. The quarter-acre farm grows organic, vegetables and herbs, and donates the yield to the community. The main function of Nice Roots Farm is to serve as a demonstration and educational space for youth and the community.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Nice Roots Farm Deputy Director, the Farm Education Coordinator will coordinate and facilitate educational programming at Nice Roots Farm and in local schools, connecting youth and community members to agriculture, food systems, food justice, and nutrition & wellness. This position will support hands-on learning experiences for students in grades K–12, interns, youth groups, school groups, and community organizations.
The Farm Education Coordinator will coordinate the day-to-day implementation of the Youth Land Stewardship program, school field trips, and in-school educational programming. The position will also build relationships with schools and community partners, support program evaluation and grant reporting, and collaborate with Nice Roots Farm and Share Food Program staff.
Core Job Functions and Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver hands-on educational programming, age-appropriate lessons, and activities at Nice Roots Farm and in school settings for K–12 students, interns, youth groups, and community organizations, with a focus on agriculture, food justice, food systems, food sovereignty, nutrition and wellness and environmental stewardship
- Serve as the lead educator and coordinator for the Youth Land Stewardship program, supporting curriculum development, program scheduling, participant engagement, hands-on learning, mentorship, and recruitment.
- Coordinate educational program logistics, including developing agendas, preparing materials and supplies, facilitating educational activities and discussions, communicating with educators and community partners, maintaining program records, tracking participation and outcomes, and compiling program information to support evaluation and grant reporting.
- Build and maintain relationships with schools, educators, youth-serving organizations, community groups, farm partners, and other stakeholders, including outreach and recruitment of additional schools into educational programming.
- Represent Nice Roots Farm and Share Food Program at community events, school meetings, educational programs, conferences, and other public-facing opportunities.
- May support projects and initiatives that expand the scope and reach of Nice Roots Farm’s programming.
Additional Program Support
- Assist with school-based fresh produce distributions as needed.
- Support Nice Roots Farm events, seasonal programming, and other educational initiatives.
- Collaborate with Nice Roots Farm staff and other Share departments on educational programming and special events.
Preferred Experience and Abilities:
- Experience developing and facilitating educational programs, lessons, or workshops for youth across multiple age groups, particularly K–12.
- Knowledge of and passion for sustainable agriculture, food justice, food systems, and nutrition education.
- Knowledge of local food systems, urban agriculture, and/or the Philadelphia food and agriculture landscape.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, particularly when working with schools, educators, youth, and community partners.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple programs, schedules, and partnerships.
- Experience working with youth in outdoor, farm, garden, or other experiential learning settings.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
- Willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certification, PA Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Check, Mandated Reporter Certificate, and ServSafe certification.
- Current driver's license and clean driving record.
Physical Requirements:
- Position requires standing and walking for extended periods, including during farm-based programming and field trips.
- Position requires bending, kneeling, reaching, and navigating uneven outdoor terrain at times.
- Position requires working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Position requires keyboard use or repetitive hand motion
- Position requires carrying up to 30 pounds at times
Environmental Risks:
- Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Position includes potential exposure to loud noises, vibration, and extreme temperature up to 50% of the time.
LOCATION
This position will be primarily based at the Share Food Program Warehouse, located at 2901 West Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129.
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Share offers a comprehensive benefits package including access to group healthcare, dental, vision, short-term disability, life insurance paid time off.
Share Food Program is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender or gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Share Food Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resumé through the “Apply” button on Share's careers webpage.