Company description

The mission of Wylde Center is to connect people to nature.

Wylde Center accomplishes this through educational programs, events and greenspaces that actively engage youth, families and individuals in their environment, health and community, and that develop skills in environmental science, sustainable urban living, organic gardening, health, and nutrition.

Wylde Center was founded in 1997 out of a need to provide opportunities to experience nature in an urban environment. As a result of the community’s involvement and commitment, the organization has evolved into a large and active nonprofit organization operating five greenspaces (Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden) in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods, open year round for the community, for events and for Wylde Center’s educational programs.

Additionally, Wylde Center provides one of the largest youth environmental and science education programs in metro-Atlanta, including the Decatur Farm to School program, Atlanta Farm to School, Healthy Living by Healthy Growing at the Decatur Housing Authority, and science program and field trips linked to Common Core standards.

OUR VALUES

• We believe that we should honor the land by remaining conscious of how we impact the environment in which we live. By embracing sustainable living and organic practices we strive to be good environmental stewards.
• We understand value racial equity as an organizational operating principle and are committed to continued learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• We believe in encouraging a healthy lifestyle by nurturing the mind, body and soul.
• We believe that education is the key to creating a change in human behavior and our approach to how we impact the environment.
• We embrace life-long learning and feel that proactive outreach is critical to creating social change.
• We believe that we must embrace community engagement and be receptive to the needs of the community. Our organization exists due to cooperation between the people that live, work, and play within our community.
• We believe in equal access and inclusion for people of all economic, ethnic, religious, generational, lifestyle, and ability groups.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Educators are a vital part of the Wylde Center team, serving as organizational representatives while delivering-high quality programming to the community. The Lead Educator works directly within our Farm to School Partner Schools, teaching environmental education programs while making and maintaining community connections. As part of the Education department, they are also responsible for developing programming and tracking its success. This position works 30 hours per week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan with a co-teacher and prepare for visits to partner schools; during visits, co-teach environmental science to K-8 students up to 6 hours per day, 4 days per week
• Develop comfort with a variety of lessons relating to partner school curriculum pacing and in-school garden programs 
• Lead field trips at the Wylde Center’s five greenspaces
• Develop curriculum for classes with the education team
• Measure and track program outcomes and communicate outcomes and program status to the Education Director
• Represent the Wylde Center at meetings, conferences, tabling events as it relates to the education program, including some evenings and weekends
• Other duties related to being a member of the Wylde Center staff as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to work outside to facilitate hands-on farm to school programming and environmental science programming
• Knowledgeable of how public schools work
• Knowledgeable of gardening and environmental education, and able to practically instruct students on these topic
• Three years experience in education, farm to school, and/or youth programs
• Must enjoy working with children, teens, and adults
• Experience with collaborative planning and delivering garden and science-based curriculum; previous experience working with urban communities and leading Farm to School programs preferred; experience with Georgia Performance Standards/Common Core a plus
• Takes initiative in establishing and pursuing community connections
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times
• Experience developing, assessing, and managing projects from start to finish
• Strong skills in communication, organization, time-management, and computer usage
• Self-directed; able to work independently and on a team
• Ability to work after school hours as it pertains to certain programs
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to engage in a background check. This role interacts with vulnerable populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Education or related program
• Experience working within public or private schools
• Knowledge of Google Drive

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Environmental Requirements:

• Able to lift up to 35 pounds
• Able to work outside in extreme temperatures, weather conditions and on uneven surfaces
• Able to work in an office environment

Travel: 

• Required to travel from the Wylde Center’s Oakhurst Garden location to partner school sites around Decatur and Atlanta up to 4 days per week and will be reimbursed for mileage.

OTHER JOB INFORMATION

Compensation: $19/hr    

Benefits: Healthcare Reimbursement Account (currently $250/month), 403(b) retirement account, paid time off (9 days per year), paid holidays (16 public holidays), and free/discounted seedlings. Wylde Center maintains a friendly, flexible, and casual work environment. 

Schedule: 30 hours per week, Monday-Friday, primarily during standard 8-5 working hours, with occasional weekend or evening hours to accommodate community meetings and volunteer garden work days.

Working Locations: Assigned Wylde Center Farm to School partner schools in Atlanta and Decatur.

Wylde Center Office Location: 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, Georgia 30030

Job Description Post Date: January 1, 2025

Start Date: Immediately

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline