Farm & Garden Educator, Substitute

About Us, and About You

The HEAL Project (THP) is a nonprofit organization providing hands-on programming that instills healthy lifestyle habits in elementary school children while inspiring environmental and agricultural awareness through a comprehensive, interactive curriculum. Our vision is a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health, and our environment.

We operate school garden sites at elementary schools throughout San Mateo County as well as the San Mateo County School Farm, a 2-acre working educational farm in El Granada, California where we grow vegetables, berries, cut flowers, and culinary herbs. Produce is primarily used for educational programming, and is also sold at the Coastside Farmers’ Market and donated to local food security organizations. We serve over 5,000 students annually throughout our program sites.

Who We're Looking For

The HEAL Project is seeking an enthusiastic, adaptable Garden & Farm Educator Substitute Teacher to join our growing team. This part-time, flexible position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with children, love being outdoors, and want to make a meaningful impact through hands-on environmental education.

Substitute educators provide coverage when our lead educators are unavailable, ensuring students continue to receive engaging, high-quality garden and farm experiences. Assignments may include school garden lessons, farm field trips, or other educational programs throughout San Mateo County.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Enjoys working with children in outdoor settings

• Is comfortable adapting to different school and farm environments

• Values flexibility and a schedule that aligns with the school calendar

• Enjoys working independently while being part of a supportive, mission-driven team

• Can confidently step into new situations and create positive learning experiences

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in education, environmental science, biology, agriculture, or a related field

• Experience working with elementary-aged children and managing groups

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• A positive, flexible, and dependable approach to teaching

Position Responsibilities

Garden & Farm Educator Substitutes cover planned and unplanned staff absences, delivering engaging, hands-on lessons that reflect The HEAL Project's educational philosophy and keep our programs consistent. Substitute assignments vary throughout the school year based on program needs and staff availability.

Garden & Farm Education (80%)

• Deliver engaging garden and farm lessons using The HEAL Project's established curriculum

• Facilitate hands-on activities including planting, harvesting, composting, nature exploration, cooking demonstrations, and food tastings

• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment that encourages curiosity and participation

• Supervise students during outdoor learning experiences while following school and safety protocols

Program Support & Administration (20%)

• Arrive early to prepare teaching spaces, materials, and supplies before classes begin

• Clean and restore garden and classroom spaces following each lesson

• Assist with garden maintenance between classes, including watering, weeding, harvesting, and organizing tools

• Communicate lesson summaries, student successes, and any incidents with lead educators and the Program Director

• Participate in substitute training, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities as available

Job Requirements

All candidates must:

• Have access to a personal vehicle and provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance

• Be able to walk up to two miles and lift/carry up to 40 lbs for 20 feet

• Be comfortable using a computer for program administration tasks

Prior to commencing employment, candidates are required to:

• Pass LiveScan fingerprint background check

• Provide a negative TB test

• Complete First Aid, CPR, and EpiPen training (costs will be covered by THP)

Working at The HEAL Project

Garden Educators are part of a distributed team of professionals working in schools across San Mateo County. They meet once weekly on Zoom or in person as a group, and otherwise work independently at their schools on a set schedule that will be shared early in the interview process. Program calendars align with the school year, however individual daily class schedules vary based on school and educator availability. We ask Garden Educators to commit to the full program year on hire.

In addition to a competitive wage, Garden Educators enjoy the following perks:

• Paid sick & safe leave

• An individual annual professional development stipend

• Ongoing training in trauma-informed and culturally-aware teaching

• A weekly share of fresh produce from the THP Farm during harvest season