OLD ADOBE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASSIFIED POSITION DESCRIPTION
Science/Garden Facilitator
DEFINITION:
The Science/Garden Facilitator works under the direction of the site principal. The Science/Garden Facilitator works to assist teachers in facilitating science or garden-based lessons using the NGSS and district-adopted science curriculum for all grades TK-6th grade. The Science/Garden Facilitator works to assist teachers in planning science lessons, use of the tools necessary for garden work; and will attend ongoing training in the safe use of garden and science tools and materials. The facilitator will work with the site principal and teachers to complete these tasks and to assist in planning for student work in the garden, science lab and classroom.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Assist with processes necessary for the acquisition, organization, and maintenance of materials, resources and plants that will sustain a working garden that supplies vegetables and fruits for the school farmstead program and culinary applications with the students.
- Regularly communicate information about the available resources and services of the garden to students, staff and the community.
- Assist in facilitating activities and the use of adopted FOSS curriculum that reinforce the NGSS.
- Assist with the refinement of a TK-6 scope and sequence of activities and lessons. Provide teacher assistance for group instruction in garden development and sustainability, Farm to School activities, and healthy nutrition as appropriate for various age groups of school students.
- Assist teachers in maintaining standards of behavior for the garden area that support district and school codes of student conduct, while also maintaining a warm, welcoming and safe environment.
- Encourage and help motivate students to think independently and begin to take personal responsibility for their health, wellness, and nutrition as appropriate for their age and maturity.
- Participate in approved workshops and in-services in order to maintain a high level of professional competence in student wellness, garden sustainability, farm produce, and plant-based education.
- Assist classroom teachers in providing lessons to students that emphasize healthy nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and the NGSS using the district-adopted FOSS curriculum.
- Attend ongoing training in the safe use of science materials and any garden tools and equipment including but not limited to: hand tools, irrigation equipment, and other equipment used in the garden.
- Assist teachers in training students in the safe use of hand tools that they will use in the garden, classroom and science lab. Tools for student use must be approved by the site principal.
- Performs other related work as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Good oral and written communication skills;
- Routine record keeping;
- Safe work practices, including proper lifting techniques;
- Exercise good judgment, use discretion, work independently, and maintain confidentiality;
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
- Relate positively to students, staff and public;
- Preparation of science classroom and lab materials;
- Ability to assist teachers to develop and learn the science units used in laboratory experiments;
- Ability to assist teachers in organization, supervision and instruction of students in a variety of science activities;
- Ability to foster and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with teachers, students and parents;
- Ability to help maintain a positive learning environment for students;
- Maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties;
- Learn and follow the safe workplace practices, rules, and regulations of the District and the school to which assigned;
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs;
- Knowledge of planting cycles, garden management and maintenance.
EDUCATION:
- High School graduate or the equivalent.
EXPERIENCE:
- Good general background and work history, including demonstrated experience in successfully working with children.
- Experience in science, gardening, plant-based education
- Experience in working with children
OTHER:
Post Offer/Pre-Placement Physical examination is required prior to hire.
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Site principal
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Never (N) Rare (R) Occasional (0) Frequent (F) Constant (C)
Not Required
Less than 10% of the shift Up to 33% of the shift
Up to 66% of the shift Over 66% of the shift
Lifting
Weight Range
Frequency
Examples of Items Lifted
Height Lifted
Item Weighed
N
R
0
F
C
Y
N
0-10 lbs
X
Planted plants, materials, tools
1-6'
N
11-25 lbs
X
Plants, tools, soil, supplies
1-5'
N
26- 50 lbs
X
Materials, plants,
2-3'
N
51-75 lbs
X
Soil and supplies
2-3'
N
76-100 lbs
X
Soil, hay, supplies
2-3'
N
Over 100 lbs
X
2-3'
N
Carrying
WeightRange
Frequency
Examples of Items Carried Distance
I Carried
Item
N
E (
t F
(
N
0-10 lbs
X
Plant material, tools
1-100'
N
11-25 lbs
X
Plant material, tools
1-100'
N
26- 50 lbs
X
Bag of soil, tools and equipment
1-100'
51-75 lbs
X
Bag of soil, tools and equipment
1-100'
76-100 lbs
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Heaviest Item Carried
X
Bag of soil, tools and equipment
1-100'
N
Weivhed
y
Category
Frequency
Surface(s)
Activity
N
R
O
F
C
Sitting
X
chair
Computer/office functions, writing plans
Walking
X
Outside, uneven walkways
All manner of work in the garden
Standing
X
Outside, uneven walkways, in classrooms tile and carpet
Working in the garden, inside and outside teaching.
Category
Frequency
Activity
N
R O
C
Bending (Neek)
X
Working with soil and plants
Bending (Waist)
X
Working with soil, plants
Twisting (Neck)
X
Watching the garden and children
Twisting (Waist)
X
Working and moving supplies
Squatting
X
Working with soil and plants
Climbing
X
Kneeline
X
Working at ground-level
Crawling
X
Working at ground-level
Pushin2/Pullin2 (Dominant hand)
X
Digging, using tools
Pushing Pulling (Non-Dominant hand)
X
Digging, using tools
Reaching - Above Shoulder Level
X
Working on trees or in the greenhouse.
Reaching - Below Shoulder Level
X
Working in the garden and teaching
Balancing
Coordination (Eye, Hand, Foot)
X
Working in the garden
Category
Frequency I Activity
N
R 0
F
C
Repetitive Use of Hands
X
Garden work, typing, hand tool use
Simple Grasping (Dominant Hand)
X
Working with hand tools, gardening
Simple Grasping (Non-Dominant Hand)
X
Working with hand tools, gardening
Power Grasping (Dominant Hand)
X
Working with tools, gardening, teaching, preparation, hand tools
Power Grasping (Non-Dominant Hand)
X
Working with tools, gardening, teaching, preparation, hand tools
Fine Manipulation (Dominant Hand)
X
Preparation, typing, writing, working with seeds and plant materials, hand tools
Fine Manipulation (Non- Dominant Hand)
X
Preparation, typing, writing, working with seeds and plant materials, hand tools
Revised 8/2/19
Effective: 2/27/20
Range: 12
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22.03 - $26.79 per hour
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person