Schenk Elementary Gardener-in-Residence

Rooted WI, Inc.•Madison, WI

20h•$20 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

Rooted is seeking an experienced educator and grower to serve as Gardener-in-Residence (GiR) at Schenk Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin for the 2025-2026 school year. About Rooted Rooted, formed in 2020, grows a community-led, sustainable food system through urban agriculture education, food production, and land access so that people can grow and thrive in healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Rooted connects communities across the north and south sides through its three core sites—Troy Farm, the Madison School Farm, and the Badger Rock Neighborhood Center & Urban Farm—as well as a network of community and school gardens. General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities The Gardener-in-Residence (GiR) manages and maintains the school garden in collaboration with the school. Following best practices in the field of garden-based education, the Gardener-in-Residence develops and implements engaging gardening, cooking, and arts activities for diverse populations of Madison area students. The GiR collaborates with school administration, staff, students and families to ensure the school garden serves as a thriving teaching resource to the school community. Schedule 10 weeks in spring of 2026 - 10 hours per week (8 hours of teaching/garden maintenance, 2 hours of planning/prep). Schedule will follow MMSD calendar.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
Ability to commit to and promote Rooted’s mission, goals and priorities.

Nice To Haves

At least two years experience working with elementary-aged children in educational and/or recreational settings is preferred.
At least one year of experience gardening or farming using sustainable and/or organic practices is preferred.
Experience working with cultural competence in diverse groups of people in community settings.
Proficient use of smart phones, office software, email, and other technology.

Responsibilities

Builds relationships and coordinates with teachers, school staff and volunteers.
Develops engaging gardening, cooking, and arts activities, following best practices in the field of garden-based education.
Leads hands-on garden experiences with students.
Collaborates with school staff to ensure garden lessons support the school community.
Performs hands-on garden work to maintain the school garden, if desired by school.
Coordinates volunteers (parents, students, community members) to support garden activities.
Communicates regularly with Rooted Farm to School Director based on a mutually agreed upon schedule.
Responsible for communicating with school staff to establish a schedule for garden lessons and responding to emails within 48 hours to ensure program efficiency and clear communication with school staff.
Other tasks as assigned.

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