Garden & Plant Science Educator at St. Margaret's Episcopal School - Orange County
About the Employer
Be a part of an institution on an important mission. Under the leadership of Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham, the St. Margaret’s professional community comprises a dedicated and passionate team of more than 275 faculty and staff. We view the mission as the responsibility of every member of the professional community, and we foster a culture that values, loves and supports their individual contributions. We embrace and encourage creativity, innovation, ingenuity and continual iteration as we strive to advance our academic excellence and transformative experience for our students. We ask our professional community members to enthusiastically bring their whole selves to St. Margaret’s, every day, their varied identities, unique perspectives, interests, expertise, so they can contribute to a vibrant, creative, nurturing environment that reflects our students and provides windows for them to view the world.
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Garden and Plan Science Educator leads the care and instructional use of St. Margaret’s La Novia Farm, promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning across all school divisions. This role blends deep horticultural knowledge with a passion for experiential education. The Farm Educator cultivates outdoor spaces that support inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and the holistic development of students from Early School through Upper School. This position plays a key role in connecting classroom experiences to real-world environmental issues and food systems, in alignment with the School’s mission and core values. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Education and Curriculum Integration • Design and facilitate garden and ecological activities rooted in experiential education pedagogy that highlights active exploration, reflection, and meaning making. • Collaborate with faculty across disciplines (science, social studies, art, service learning) to engage Early School through Upper School students in experiential, place-based learning in both core curriculum and interdisciplinary projects-based learning. • Inspire students to explore food systems, nutrition, ecology, agricultural science, and environmental responsibility. • Collaborate with Division Principals to create meaningful connections between classroom learning, experiential learning, and the food students enjoy daily in the Commons, reinforcing a full-circle approach to sustainability, nutrition, and education. • Mentor student groups and clubs engaging in environmental stewardship or sustainability projects. • Provide educational and administrative support for Summer at St. Margaret’s and Extended Day programming. Garden Stewardship • Collaborate with Ecology Center farmers to help design, develop, and maintain vibrant, safe, and productive school garden and farm environments year-round. • Contribute to organic and ecologically responsible practices that promote soil health
Requirements / Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: Required • Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, education, or a related field. • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in ecological farming, sustainable gardening, or horticulture. • Demonstrated success in outdoor or experiential education with children or adolescents. • Strong knowledge of composting, soil science, native species, and climate-appropriate farming methods. • Ability to build curriculum collaboratively and adapt instruction to a wide range of ages and learning styles. • Excellent organizational, communication, and community engagement skills. • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the mission and values of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Preferred • Master’s degree in a related field
Requirements / Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: Required • Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, education, or a related field. • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in ecological farming, sustainable gardening, or horticulture. • Demonstrated success in outdoor or experiential education with children or adolescents. • Strong knowledge of composting, soil science, native species, and climate-appropriate farming methods. • Ability to build curriculum collaboratively and adapt instruction to a wide range of ages and learning styles. • Excellent organizational, communication, and community engagement skills. • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the mission and values of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Preferred • Master’s degree in a related field
Comments and Other Information
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000
• 12-Month position, with a start date of 1 July 2026
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off: Accrue 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick pay
• Retirement: 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Additional: Tuition Remission, Salary Continuance Plan, Wee Tartan Childcare Center (upon availability)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT:
The Garden and Plant Science Educator must be physically capable of performing a wide range of outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions. This includes the ability to lift and carry materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, kneel or bend for extended periods while working with soil and plants, and operate basic hand tools and gardening equipment safely. The role requires frequent walking across uneven terrain, manual dexterity for planting and harvesting, and visual acuity to assess plant health and identify pests or hazards.
Candidates should expect to work outdoors in direct sunlight, rain, wind, and other elements, as well as indoors for planning, instructional coordination, and community engagement activities. Regular movement between the Farm, classroom spaces, and campus facilities is required.
St. Margaret's Episcopal School is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Comments and Other Information
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000
• 12-Month position, with a start date of 1 July 2026
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off: Accrue 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick pay
• Retirement: 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Additional: Tuition Remission, Salary Continuance Plan, Wee Tartan Childcare Center (upon availability)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT:
The Garden and Plant Science Educator must be physically capable of performing a wide range of outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions. This includes the ability to lift and carry materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, kneel or bend for extended periods while working with soil and plants, and operate basic hand tools and gardening equipment safely. The role requires frequent walking across uneven terrain, manual dexterity for planting and harvesting, and visual acuity to assess plant health and identify pests or hazards.
Candidates should expect to work outdoors in direct sunlight, rain, wind, and other elements, as well as indoors for planning, instructional coordination, and community engagement activities. Regular movement between the Farm, classroom spaces, and campus facilities is required.
St. Margaret's Episcopal School is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Application Deadline
Until Filled
Date Posted
10/1/2025
Contact
Tito Cervantes
9496610108 1224
9496610108 1224
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$85,000 - $100,000 Annually
$85,000 - $100,000 Annually
Length of Work Year
12 months
Employment Type
Full Time