Farming and Gardening Instructor

This isn't just a job, it's a calling!

Our mission at Meristem is to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. We strive to create a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated. We facilitate the ability of adults with autism to have full and meaningful lives, with ample opportunities for mainstream employment and independent living.

We operate a small college-like campus in Fair Oaks that houses many of our students full-time. Meristem is seeking an experienced Farming/Gardening Instructor to join our team. Are you passionate about gardening, farming, and education? Do you thrive in hands-on environments where you can teach others while working directly with the land? This role offers a unique opportunity to combine agricultural expertise with meaningful educational impact. As the Farming/Gardening Instructor, you will lead seasonal garden planning and operations while working closely with students to develop practical skills in farming and horticulture. You'll help bring the harvest full circle - contributing to meals and shared experiences within the community.

Meristem is a great place to work and grow. We all work together, motivating those around us with our commitment to high standards. At Meristem, we have a terrific work culture and provide the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting with an amazing purpose.

Our compensation shows how much we value our team!

Salary:         $25.00 per hour

Benefits:      

• Medical plus $3k HRA to help offset medical costs
• Dental, Vision, and 401K  
• Daily Lunch and Snacks provided

Location:     9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Schedule:    Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, with occasional weekend flexibility

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree - a must
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in an educational setting
• Experience working with neurodiverse populations
• 1-2 years of experience with similar participant groups or relevant background
• Familiarity with one or more of the following approaches: Transformative Movement Education, Ruskin Mill Therapeutic Craft Education, Waldorf Education - a plus

Job Responsibilities:

Instruction & Student Development

• Design and deliver curriculum and lesson plans with clear developmental progression
• Assess student abilities and tailor projects through daily field notes
• Develop individualized learning plans as needed
• Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment aligned with Meristem's culture
• Support onboarding of new students and staff
• Collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary educational offerings
• Teach additional program content as required

Garden & Land Management

• Plan, budget, and schedule seasonal planting and garden modifications
• Maintain garden spaces with a focus on sustainability and land conservation
• Perform planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management
• Select appropriate plants for the local climate
• Maintain irrigation systems, tools, and storage areas
• Harvest and process produce for program use and donation
• Coordinate with culinary and life skills teams to align planting with program needs

Operations & Collaboration

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and check-ins
• Contribute to a professional growth plan with supervision
• Engage with parents and the broader community as requested
• Uphold and contribute to Meristem's organizational culture
• Support team operations, including coverage when needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

• The ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• The ability to move in uneven terrain on our campus as needed
• The stamina to lead a class in different temperate climates (i.e., summer heat and winter chill)

Pre-Employment Background and Drug Test Required