Educator

The Educators will implement IHFL’s innovative after-school curriculum, delivering hands-on instruction in food literacy, health education, and environmental sustainability for students in grades 4–8. Working Monday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, they will create engaging learning experiences in gardens, teaching kitchens, and indoor farming labs, fostering student growth and community connection. Ideal candidates have teaching or youth program experience, expertise in environmental or health education, and a passion for empowering diverse urban communities.

This position requires a dynamic individual who can work effectively from (11:00 AM - 8:00 PM) and support weekend community programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Program Manager to design and deliver dynamic lessons that integrate food literacy, health education, and environmental sustainability programming for grades 4-8

• Facilitate hands-on learning experiences including:

  • Indoor farming and hydroponics systems management

  • Cooking demonstrations and nutrition education

  • Garden-based learning activities

  • Health and wellness workshops

• Create an inclusive learning environment that supports diverse student needs and learning styles

• Collaborate with Program Manager to refine curriculum and implement program evaluation metrics

• Document student progress and program impact through comprehensive data collection

• Support bi-monthly weekend community events and family workshops

• Maintain safety protocols and proper use of facility equipment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, or related field

• 2+ years experience teaching or facilitating youth programs

• Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following:

  • Garden-based education

  • Nutrition or cooking instruction

  • Environmental education

  • Health education

• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, startup environment

• Commitment to serving diverse urban communities

• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred

Additional Requirements

• Flexible schedule to accommodate evening hours (11:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

• Available to work two weekend days per month for community events

• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to create structure in a startup environment

• Willing to adapt and grow with an evolving pilot program

• Passionate commitment to the mission of creating lasting change in underserved communities

• Comfortable with physical aspects of garden and kitchen work

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage

• Flexible PTO

• FSA/HSA

• Mental health benefits

• Parking/Commuter stipend

• Retirement Plan - 401(k) with employer matching, limited contribution

• Team Building and Employee Engagement Activities

This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise to an innovative pilot program working to transform health outcomes in Newark communities through education and engagement. The ideal candidate will be passionate about community nutrition education and creating lasting positive change in urban communities.