Garden Educator
May 1 - October 15, 2022

Minimum $735.59/week, Exempt

Responsibilities & Expectations

This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their
contracted employment and meals are provided when on Hurricane island. Wages are commensurate with
experience.

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is a transformative learning community on Hurricane Island in
Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our mission is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership development
through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally sustainable island community. Through
experiential education programs and research opportunities in STEM disciplines we aim to excite people about doing
science and about being leaders in the next wave of scientific discovery and environmental conservation.

• Develop and implement a Sustainable Garden and Food System Management Plan that includes, but is not limited to:

gardens);
o Maintenance of food and vermiculture compost systems;
o Appropriate planting for the island-based climate;
o Coordination with the needs of the food service/kitchen;
o Establishment of a crop rotation plan for succession planting;
o Management of soil health; and,
o Planting/overwintering of cover crops.

• Design and maintain an irrigation system that makes sustainable use of the island-based sources of water.

requiring garden produce.
• Oversee and mentor a Garden/Research Assistant Educator, which includes:

o Management and oversight of daily duties and responsibilities.
o Creation of work plans, including goals and development plan for the intern.
o Work in collaboration with education and research managers when creating work plans.
o Weekly check-ins to review work plan, goals, and development plan.

• Assist Educators with program delivery as appropriate and coordinate garden access for program participants.

opportunities that align with Hurricane Island teaching philosophies, program goals, and student needs including, but
not limited to:

o Facilitating place-based, student driven learning experiences within a culturally responsive, inclusive learning
community;

o Developing and leading experiential lesson plans on horticulture, soil science, sustainable food systems, etc.;
o Creating and leading evening programs with student participants;

• Practice care for student health and wellness including, but not limited to:

conditions
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in personal improvement through weekly reflections on best

practices in teaching and learning with other education staff members;
• Participate as a full member of Hurricane’s intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies

and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane’s mission and work,
participating in community tasks including daily and weekly chores, performing other duties relating to the
organization’s goals and mission as required

19 Commercial Street, Rockland ME 04841 207-867-6050

About the Position
The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane) is seeking a
Garden Educator. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island. The
Garden Educator supports daily operations on Hurricane Island and is integral to the
goal of creating sustainable food system practices and engaging in our educational
programming. The primary responsibilities of this position are the operational
management of the vegetable and perennial gardens, integration of island-grown
food into Hurricane’s kitchen, and facilitating place-based sustainable food system
education for island participants, including creating and delivering lesson plans,
facilitating participant service work in the gardens, and supporting student’s
independent research projects and innovations. The Garden Educator will work closely
with the Director of Education and the Education Manager to implement delivery of
Hurricane Island’s hands-on, experiential science education and leadership programs,
and will be responsible for the supervision and management of the Garden/Research
Assistant Educator. The Garden Educator will also work with operations and research,
and is expected to integrate into the day-to-day operations of the island and help
Hurricane maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful
candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working
environment. Additional responsibilities to those described here may be required, as
needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Horticulture and gardening experience, education,or degree;

carpentry, electrical and plumbing systems;
• Experience engaging with students while teaching and/or working in an

educational environment.
• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, English language

learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ
communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are
underrepresented in the field of environmental education.

Preferred additonal qualifications include:

Hurricane Island Foundation is dedicated to
a policy of nondiscrimination in employment
on any basis including race, creed, color,
age, sex, religion, or national origin.
Because we work with middle and high
school students, we are required to do
background checks on all seasonal and
full-time staff.

• Knowledge and experience in horticulture, gardens, farming, and food systems.

• Strong working knowledge of edible garden plants (fruiting vines, fruit trees,

• Strong interest in environmental, edible and organic landscape design,

• Experience with landscape maintenance and use of garden tools and equipment.

programs for youth (preferably middle and high school age);
• Experience with facilitating student driven projects, preferably within a place-

based context;
• A growth mindset including a willingness to be coached and openness to

feedback;
• Commitment to equity and inclusion within our community and participation in a

culture of continual learning around equity and inclusion work;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work

independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work

independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency with

Microsoft Word and Excel (or equivalent applications).
• CPR, First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Capable of safely lifting 50lbs of weight and working on unstable surfaces.
• Ability to work in a noisy, energetic environment while remaining welcoming to

community members.
• Ability and willingness to work and live in a remote island community with rustic

and off-the-grid accommodations where all staff share living and work spaces.
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work

independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• U.S. Citizen or non-citizen permanent resident.

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience
• Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references.
• We want a complete picture of you so don’t be afraid to include details that may

speak to your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for personal and
professional growth.

• Copies of any relevant certifications.

There are many complications related to planning and running in-person
programming on Hurricane Island in the time of Covid. At this time, we fully
intend to move forward with hiring for 2022. It is important to note that
circumstances and decision making connected to Covid may require changes to the
start date and overall hiring status for seasonal employees. We will make every
effort to keep seasonal staff applicants and hires informed about Board decisions
that impact the status of our 2022 on island season and our ability to offer
employment.

Required Application Materials Applications are due on a rolling basis unless
otherwise indicated in the specific job description. We will continue to review
applications until the position has been filled

Please submit your application through https://hurricaneisland.campbrainstaff.com

Garden Educator

19 Commercial Street, Rockland ME 04841 207-867-6050

May 1 - October 15, 2022
Minimum $735.59/week, Exempt