Job Title: Farm Based Educator
Organization: Institute of Soil and Soul
Location: Long Grove, IL
Compensation: $150.00/event. (3 hrs/class)
Position Type: Part-time, seasonal
Schedule: Flexible; weekend and occasional evening availability may be needed
Reports to: Education Director
Potential: Opportunity to transition to full-time based on performance and institutional fit
About Us
The Institute of Soil and Soul is a Jewish regenerative farm and educational center—and a growing movement within Chicago Jewish life. We are cultivating a new paradigm for Jewish learning and living by reconnecting people to the land, the seasons, and the sacred cycles of nature.
Our work accelerates the development of Jewish farm-based education through a comprehensive 25-lesson curriculum that weaves together Jewish wisdom, values, and texts with regenerative agriculture practices. In doing so, we foster environmental stewardship, spiritual growth, and community resilience.
Through our farm, we produce tens of thousands of pounds of organic produce annually, which we donate to partner food pantries across the region. Our programming is grounded in a deep love of the soil, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. Learn more about us here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/long-grove-illinois-farm-jewish-principles-farming-practices/ and here: www.soilandsoulfarm.org
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate and grounded Farm-Based Educator to join our team and support our growing educational initiatives at the Institute of Soil & Soul. In this role, you’ll assist our Education Director in implementing outdoor, farm-based programs rooted in our comprehensive 25-lesson Jewish regenerative farming curriculum.
As part of our collaborative educator cohort, you will join a team of facilitators who pick and choose their own schedules. Each month, new educational events are posted to our internal calendar and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This flexible structure makes the role ideal for those who want to engage meaningfully with Jewish education and regenerative agriculture on their own schedule.
Each educational session is 3 hours long, and educators are compensated $150 per event.
In addition to leading lessons, you’ll support event logistics, facilitate farm tours, and take part in various tasks that bring our educational vision to life. All educators receive training in both curriculum facilitation and the agricultural skillsnecessary to confidently co-lead groups through hands-on programming.
Responsibilities
- Support the facilitation of outdoor educational programs for children, youth, and families
- Assist with setup and breakdown of events and educational activities
- Lead or co-lead farm tours, adapting content to various audiences
- Help maintain outdoor teaching spaces and materials
- Embody and communicate the values of regenerative farming and Jewish ecological wisdom
- Engage youth with curiosity, warmth, and respect for nature
- Collaborate with the Education Director and wider team to ensure program quality
Qualifications
- Passion for the outdoors, agriculture, and environmental education
- Familiarity with farm operations and soil health
- Comfort working outside in all weather conditions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience working with children or youth in educational settings
- Understanding of or interest in Jewish education and culture (prior experience preferred but not required)
- Ability to take initiative, be flexible, and work collaboratively
- Must be able to commit to on-site work
What We Offer
- Meaningful, mission-driven work in a beautiful farm setting
- Flexible part-time hours (5–15 hours/week depending on the season)
- Supportive, growth-oriented team culture
- Potential to transition into a full-time role with expanded responsibilities
- Hands-on training and mentorship in Jewish ecological education
To Apply
Please send a brief cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.