Title: Garden Educator (Full Season)
Reports to: Troy Kids’ Garden Manager and Madison School Farm Manager
Location: Troy Gardens at 502 Troy Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Madison School Farm at 5017 Sudbury Way, Madison WI 53714
Position Type: 32 hrs/week; LTE Non-Exempt
Salary: $15/hour
Benefits: Garden educators receive a $50 gear stipend
Dates: April 7 – November 7, 2025
About the Position
Garden Educators will work at both the Troy Kids’ Garden and Madison School Farm. Both programs serve youth ages 3 through 18 with outdoor, garden-based learning. At each site, educators lead small groups of youth in gardening, cooking, animal care, outdoor art, and other hands-on activities. Garden Educators can expect to gain experience developing and implementing garden-based curricula and activities, while developing a working knowledge of vegetable gardening and small-scale farm management.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Assisting in field work to maintain urban agricultural sites, including planting, weeding, mulching, trellising, bed-prep, composting, cover cropping, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
- Leading groups of youth in garden-based activities, both independently and as part of a teaching team.
- Involvement in all preparatory work for our educational programs, including activity set-up and clean-up, developing educational materials, and program debriefs.
- Arriving on time and being ready to work for every shift.
- Occasionally directing groups of adult volunteers.
- Participating in preparing garden areas for student activities, including additional weeding, mulching, and bed preparation, among other duties.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to interact in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner with others in a variety of circumstances.
- Experience working with diverse groups of people in community settings with cultural competence.
- Ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to listen and solve problems.
- Flexibility and willingness to grow in response to needs or changes in the field.
- Ability to work on projects independently or as part of a group.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and tasks.
- Ability to lift, kneel, and do physical work.
- Ability to commit to and promote Rooted’s mission, goals, and priorities.
- Prior experience working with youth is desirable but not required.
Additional Information and Requirements
- Have reliable transportation to and from your site. Troy Kids Garden is located on the bus line B, Madison School Farm is located near bus lines C and D.
- Ability to pass a standard background check.
- May have to work in inclement weather or may be asked to adjust their work hours to accommodate the weather.
Academic Credit
Garden Educators may be eligible for academic credit. Please negotiate the terms of any academic credit directly with a faculty sponsor, and discuss with your Rooted program manager prior to starting the season.
How to Apply
Please apply directly through BambooHR or mail your cover letter and resume to:
Brian Emerson
Rooted
517 E. Badger Rd.
Madison, WI 53713-2120
For a paper application, please email [email protected] or call (608)609-0630.
Review of applications will begin March 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.