Tuesday, July 20^th, 2010

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Food Educator

LOCATION:  Columbus, Ohio

Local Matters is currently looking to hire a dynamic, motivated individual for the position of Food Educator.

This position will report directly to the Food is Elementary Program Director.  The Food Educator will participate as member of Local Matters team to implement a healthful, food curriculum for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grades. This curriculum, written by Dr. Antonia Demas, teaches children about whole foods, nutrition, culture and healthy living. Children learn about healthful foods through hands-on food preparation

Our program teaches young children a language to discuss whole, healthful foods, connects them to the cultural roots of their food and offers hands-on preparation of the foods that are discussed in the classroom. Our classroom activities mirror the Ohio Department of Education's academic standards for each age group.

The ideal candidate would possess the following diverse skills and personality traits:

•  Elementary school or early-childhood education degree/certification & experience; should exhibit strong classroom management skills and enjoyment when working with children
• Willingness to participate as a member of a 2-person team on a regular basis
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to use a computer, with a variety of programs for creation of lesson plans, documents, handouts, organizational spreadsheets and team communication
• Comfort and experience working with diversity
• Familiarity, comfort and an openness with food preparation
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Flexible, friendly and positive
• Comfortable making adaptations in a work plan based on the needs of the children
• Availability to work during the school year (September-June)

 This position will require approximately 38-40 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE:

• Teach children the life skills of basic food preparation through hands-on interactive experiences
• Educate children about healthful, whole foods through classroom activities that frame the relationship between the food they eat and the health of their bodies
• Encourage children to eat healthy foods via the 28 week lesson plan
• Invite families and communities to learn about healthful foods and chronic disease prevention by participating in classroom lessons, school meals, gardens, and collaborative art projects related to food.

COMPENSATION: $12.00-$15.00 per hour; a weekly "Fresh Market Bag and a discount at The Greener Grocer.

 HOW TO APPLY:  Please email (preferred) a cover letter and résumé and 3 references to Trisha Dehnbostel at trish@local-matters.org . Local Matters is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 DEADLINE: We will review resumes submitted by Friday, July 23rd. You will be contacted regarding our interest in you as a job candidate by Monday, July 20th. 

Additional Information about Local Matters: 

Local Matters is taking a leadership role in answering the question of, "What does a healthy community look like through the lens of local food?".  Our work directly confronts the childhood obesity and diabetes epidemics; provides healthy food access in our communities; supports the growth of our local food economy; and promotes a sustainable natural ecosystem. 

Our mission is nothing short of the transformation of our food system. 

Food connects us to the most important issues of our time and Local Matters wants you to join us in this innovative work.  Together, we can change the world.

Be well, 

Michael Jones

Executive Director