Farming and Gardening Educator

This isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.

Our mission at Meristem is to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. We strive to create a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated. We facilitate the ability of adults with autism to have full and meaningful lives, with ample opportunities for mainstream employment and independent living.

Meristem is a great place to work and grow. We all work together, each of us motivating those around us with our commitment to high standards. At Meristem we have a highly motivated team, a rewarding career path and opportunities for personal growth.

Location: 9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Weekday Shift: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Our Benefits show how much we value our team!

• $20 - $25 per hour depending on experience
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance; generous portion paid by the Foundation
• Extremely Generous Paid Holiday Schedule that includes extended holiday breaks (Spring Break – 5 days/ Thanksgiving Break- 5 Days/ Winter Break- 10 Days) in addition to 5 other holidays.
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave

This position both challenging and rewarding!

Do you have a love for gardening, farming and educating? Do you enjoy rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands into the soil while shoulder to shoulder with another person educating them on the amazing miracle of life from the ground? Then this position is for you! This opportunity includes planning, preparation and budgeting for the seasonal gardens at Meristem, working with students on the many facets of farming and gardening with the bonus of bringing to the Meristem table what was grown each season for everyone to enjoy!

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare curriculum and lesson plans for daily instruction with a developmental progression
• Assess students abilities, connect them with projects and lessons that support them to develop their skills and track their progress through the progression.
• Record daily notes from the field based on students goals and objectives.
• Develop individualized plans with students as needed
• Maintain Meristems cultural norms and be active in shaping a positive culture
• Maintain and manage the space and materials of the classroom spaces you use for instruction
• Attend weekly staff meetings and staff check in’s
• Participate in staff training and practice the Meristem method to the best of your ability.
• Develop a professional growth plan with your immediate supervisor
• Engage with parents as asked.
• Plans, budgets and schedules garden modifications and seasonal plantings.
• Inventories and orders tools, supplies and equipment.
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled manual duties requiring a basic understanding and knowledge of techniques, tools, equipment and safety precautions.
• Tends the garden with an emphasis on land conservation and care of plant life and vibrant health.
• Assists with maintenance of all irrigation timers, stations, valves, sprinklers, and storage of parts within the garden.
• Seeds, fertilizes, plants, waters, weeds, trims and grooms shrubbery, trees and controls pests in the garden.
• Maintains planted areas and gardens in an attractive, neat manner.
• Maintains all storage areas in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Selects and plants appropriate annuals and perennials, shrubs and trees for local climate.
• Works collaboratively with or Culinary and Life skills instructors to ensure planting and harvesting matches up with the needs of the program.
• Harvest and process garden food for the program and for donation.
• Support the onboarding process of new students and staff
• Actively familiarize and engage with the materials from the key founding bodies of work that the meristem program is built on.
• Engage in collaborative educational offerings with colleagues
• Engage the highest level of your skills as an instructor
• Teach other program specific content when asked
• Implement program oriented approaches
• Participate in student substitutions when members of the team are out
• Perform other duties as asked and directed

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience
• At least two years of experience working in education
• Experience working with a Neuro Diverse population
• 1-2 years’ experience working with a comparable participant population to meristem or similar experience
• Familiarity with either Transformative movement education, Ruskin Mill therapeutic craft education or Waldorf education

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