Farm Educator
$52k - $54k USD
About Us
Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.
Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122nd and 152nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.
Our Programs
Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.
At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.
Type: Full-time (non-exempt)
Schedule: Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5:30pm or 10am – 6pm (July – August 8:30am-4:30pm)
Location: Primarily Riverton After-School with time on farms/greenhouse/offices.
Job Overview
Harlem Grown (HG) is seeking an experienced, responsible, and organized educator to lead food & farm-based education, farm tours, and community programs at multiple sites in Harlem. This person will be a self-starter and excited to bring their food and gardening background to our programs and farm sites. This Farm Educator will lead K–5 after-school programming for Riverton Square residents, work closely with the Riverton Group Leader, co-lead farm tours, and spend significant time working independently while staying connected to the broader programming team based at 127th. The Educator also maintains the Riverton Garden and Geodome and collaborates on crop planning under the direction of the Farm Education Manager. They will also work closely with other HG staff, including the agriculture team and other program educators, to ensure that farm-based programs are safe, educational, and fun.
Responsibilities:
- Lead Riverton After-School (School Year) for Riverton Square residents with approximately 13 participants (grades K-8)
- Write, facilitate, prepare, and differentiate daily food and farming after-school lessons, including weekly cooking lessons, and maintain organized spaces
- Partner closely with the Riverton Group Leader to support routines, engagement, and positive behavior strategies
- Create a safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment
- Maintain child safety and classroom management
- Build strong relationships with youth and contribute to a supportive community program space
- Manage interpersonal relationships between students
- Maintain the Riverton Garden, Geodome, and hydroponic tower (year-round), support crop planning, and integrate the green spaces into the curriculum
- Teach and/or co-teach engaging, age-appropriate food and farm education programs for children and their families in our partner schools, on our farms, holiday camps, summer camp, and at community-based organizations
- Lead and prepare Educational Farm Tours (April – October), service-learning experiences, and farm- and community-based programming for groups of 30 participants varying in age, with support from Farm Education Manager
- Administrative and Operational Tasks
- Document program and tour sessions as required (e.g., Salesforce or Harlem Grown systems)
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development
- Communicate proactively with the youth programming team
- Represent Harlem Grown at occasional community events as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- HS Diploma
- 2+ years' experience working with youth in gardening and/or 2+ years' experience working with youth
- Comfort working outdoors and doing hands-on garden work in varied weather and walking between sites
- Ability to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds of gardening and programming supplies
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Compensation Range
$52,000—$54,288 USD
At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.