Outdoor Education & Garden Program Coordinator
Independent Contractor Opportunity
Community Roots School – Silverton, Oregon
Do you believe children learn best when they can dig in the soil, care for living things, explore natural systems, and develop meaningful connections to the world around them?
Community Roots School is seeking a passionate, creative, and collaborative Outdoor Education & Garden Program Coordinator to help lead one of the school's most distinctive and beloved programs.
Community Roots School is a public Montessori charter school serving Kindergarten through 6th grade students in Silverton, Oregon. Outdoor learning and environmental stewardship are deeply woven into our educational philosophy and school culture. Our campus includes educational gardens, a greenhouse, orchard, chickens, and outdoor learning spaces that serve as living classrooms for students.
We are seeking an independent contractor to coordinate and strengthen this signature program through direct student instruction, collaboration with Guides (teachers), stewardship of outdoor learning spaces, volunteer engagement, and program development.
What You'll DoInspire Student Learning
Provide approximately 9 hours of weekly outdoor instruction across five classrooms and create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, responsibility, independence, and connection to nature.
Collaborate with Educators
Work alongside Guides (teachers) to connect outdoor experiences with classroom learning and Montessori principles.
Steward Outdoor Learning Spaces
Help maintain and develop the gardens, greenhouse, orchard, and other outdoor learning environments so they remain productive, inviting, and educational.
Build Community Engagement
Coordinate volunteers, cultivate partnerships, and help strengthen community support for the program.
Strengthen a Signature Program
Help strengthen the long-term sustainability of one of Community Roots School’s most distinctive educational programs through thoughtful planning, volunteer engagement, community partnerships, and resource development support.
We're Looking For Someone Who:
- Enjoys working with children
- Has experience in outdoor, environmental, agricultural, or garden-based education
- Possesses strong knowledge of gardening, ecology, sustainability, and stewardship practices
- Is organized, self-directed, and collaborative
- Can adapt to changing weather, schedules, and learning opportunities
- Values experiential learning and child-centered education
Montessori experience is welcome but not required.
Contract Details
- Independent Contractor Position
- Approximately August–December 2026
- Potential extension into Spring 2027 based on funding and program needs
- The school anticipates contracting for approximately 16 weeks for an average of 15 hours per week, including instruction, planning, communication, coordination, volunteer engagement, and program administration.
Proposal Submission
Please review the full before applying. Interested candidates should submit:
- Letter of interest
- Resume
- 1-2 page statement describing:
- Your approach to outdoor education, and
- Brief description of one outdoor learning experience, project, or program you have led (or would like to lead) with elementary-aged students, and
- Your vision for supporting and strengthening the Community Roots School Outdoor Education and Garden Program
- Proposed compensation rate(s) and any assumptions regarding services to be provided.
- Three professional references
Applications are due by August 11, 2026.
Questions and proposal materials may be submitted to
Community Roots School values diversity and welcomes applicants from a wide range of educational, environmental, agricultural, and community-based backgrounds.
Come help us cultivate curiosity, stewardship, resilience, and joy through outdoor learning.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
