About Sager Family Farm

Sager Family Farm, fiscally sponsored by Mission Edge San Diego, is a nature education organization offering pre-k through adult classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego County. Our elementary school programs are designed to bring field trips into the classroom and are a fun way to enhance life science, animal or insect units. In a typical class, we bring in live insects or animals, which is always exciting!

The Position

We’re looking for a Nature Educator who will teach our honey bee curriculum in elementary schools in the San Diego Area. Our “Big Buzz About Bees” (BBAB) program is Sager Family Farm’s flagship education program; our modular lessons are designed to enhance existing curriculum and inspire curiosity about the natural world. As part of the BBAB program, our Nature Educators bring all the parts of a working beehive into the classroom, creating an exciting learning environment and reinforcing key concepts. We utilize observational hives specially designed for in-class use which allow students to sneak a peek at worker bees caring for young larvae, making honey, and building the walls of their hive. Each lesson is designed to help students achieve state learning standards as well as teach vital life skills, including socialization, self-reliance, teamwork, and overcoming fear.

The ideal candidate will have experience teaching elementary school-aged children, is flexible in adapting to different teaching environments, and uses a variety of strategies to ensure each child is engaged and excited to learn. We’re looking for a passionate educator who loves to share their enthusiasm for nature, science, and learning in general.

Most of our partner-schools are located in the city of San Diego in the Promise Zone and surrounding neighborhoods. The majority of the students we present to are Kindergarten to 2nd grade.

Our Nature Educators typically travel to different schools on a daily basis, teaching in 1-5 classrooms at 1 or 2 schools in a single day. Each lesson is 40-60 minutes depending on age range, class size, and school schedules.

No knowledge of bees is required and paid training will be provided. We have a professional beekeeping team who ensure that our educational animals and insects are maintained and cared for (you are not expected to be a beekeeper or have direct contact with the bees). The hours are variable (typically 10 to 25 hours per week) and can be flexible based on your schedule.

Responsibilities

• Teach nature education classes to a wide range of students. Typically K-2nd grade. Curriculum, training, and materials will be provided to you.
• Prepare course materials before class. After class, note anything that needs to be updated or replaced, fill out a “class report form” which records information about the classes taught.
• Arrive on-time to scheduled classes and commitments.
• Transport live insects or animals safely in your own vehicle (insects and animals will be properly contained in appropriate enclosures provided by Sager Family Farm).
• Maintain a safe environment in class with children, teachers and critters.
• The ideal candidate is energetic, highly organized, and flexible.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and are not all inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organizational ability. Proficiency with Google Drive/Docs/Slides is a plus.
• Must have availability during normal elementary school hours (Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 2:30PM). Not necessarily every day.
• Must be comfortable working with critters: honey bees, butterflies, chickens, etc.
• Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, auto insurance and a clean driving record.
• Must be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States, and willing to undergo a background check.
• Strongly prefer candidates who have 2+ years of experience working with children and teaching.
• Strongly prefer candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in a related field (Education, STEM, Conservation, Environmental, Sustainability, etc.)
• Strongly prefer candidates with lived experience within the communities we serve.
• Strongly prefer candidates who are bilingual or fluent in Spanish.

Compensation

Compensation for this hourly, non-exempt, part-time position is $25-$40 per hour depending on experience.

To Apply

If interested, please fill out the application and include your resume and two references.

Mission Edge San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.