Rooted School Garden Educator – Schenk Elementary School

Rooted WI, Inc.•Madison, WI

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Rooted is seeking an experienced educator and grower to serve as School Garden Educator for our Gardener-in-Residence (GiR) program at Schenk Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin for the 2026-2027 school year. 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Responsibilities

Manages and maintains the school garden in collaboration with the school.
Develops and implements engaging gardening, cooking, and arts activities for diverse populations of students, following best practices in the field of garden-based education.
Collaborates with school administration, staff, students and families to ensure the school garden serves as a thriving teaching resource to the school community.
Builds relationships and coordinates with teachers, school staff and volunteers.
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.
Engages with 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.