Transition Fidalgo is hiring for a School Garden Educator & Lead Gardener. Details of this position can be found below, along with contact information if you would like to apply. 

​

Organization: Transition Fidalgo (Anacortes, WA)
Location: Anacortes Middle School Garden
Status: Part-time, Independent contractor (about 10 hrs/week)
Position Begins: January 2026
Position Ends: June 2026, with possible extension 
Compensation: $25/hour

About Transition Fidalgo

Transition Fidalgo is a local nonprofit that builds community resilience and sustainability on Fidalgo Island and beyond. We focus on climate action, connection, and hands-on learning for all ages. The Anacortes Middle School Garden is one of our key projects. It gives students real-world experience in growing food, learning about nature, and caring for their community.

Position Summary

The School Garden Educator & Lead Gardener will keep the garden thriving while teaching middle school students through hands-on activities.

This Independent contractor role begins as a six-month job (January–June 2026) to support the spring season. With agreement from both sides, the role may continue through the rest of the year.

The work blends garden care and teaching. The right candidate will be organized, a good communicator, and excited about gardening, sustainability, and working with young people.

​

Position Details

• Timeframe: January–June 2026 (26 weeks), with possible extension.

• Hours: Average 10 hours/week.

  • About 5 hours for garden management year-round.

  • About 5 hours for direct student teaching during school garden season.

  • Hours may shift slightly with the season.

• Pay: $25/hour as an Independent contractor responsible for their own taxes. No benefits.

• Location: On-site at Anacortes Middle School Garden, located at M Avenue, Anacortes. Lesson planning and reports can be done remotely.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Management (about 5 hrs/week)

• Plan seasonal crop schedules that match the school year.

• Keep soil healthy using compost, organic methods, and amendments.

• Start and care for seedlings, planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvests.

• Maintain tidy, safe, and stocked garden areas and tools.

• Use sustainable, organic practices that model care for the earth.

​

Student Engagement & Teaching (about 5 hrs/week during spring)

• Work with the classroom teacher and Garden Coordinator to connect lessons to curriculum goals.

• Create clear job lists and plans for each garden day.

• Lead about 4 hours/week of hands-on student garden time on Tuesdays, with volunteer support.

• Prepare a few simple indoor “rain day” lessons each semester.

• Help volunteers support student learning.

Collaboration & Communication

• Share weekly updates on garden needs and projects with the Garden Coordinator.

• Provide task lists to teachers and volunteers at least two days ahead of each Tuesday garden session.

• Work with the Garden Coordinator for volunteer support, reporting, and program alignment.

​

Required Skills & Qualities

• Experienced grower: Successful vegetable gardening, farming, or horticulture background.

• Youth educator: Experience teaching or leading youth outdoors or in classrooms.

• Organized: Good at planning, scheduling, and managing supplies.

• Collaborative: Works and communicates well with students, teachers, volunteers, and partners.

• Flexible: Able to adapt lessons and garden work to weather and student needs.

• Clear communicator: Strong written and verbal skills, encourages teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years in gardening, farming, or environmental education.

• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture and soil care.

• Experience working with nonprofits or community programs.

• Commitment to equity, sustainability, and education.

• Ability to do simple data tracking (hours, harvest weights, etc.).​

We look forward to welcoming a new member to our garden team!

To apply: Please email your resume, cover letter explaining why you are a good fit, and 2x references (professional and/or characters references) to cindy@transitionfidalgo.org. No phone calls, please.