Job Title: Outdoor Educator
Organization: Institute of Soil and Soul
Location: Long Grove, IL
Compensation: $22.00/hour
Position Type: Part-time (5–15 hours/week, seasonal variation)
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 Outdoor Educator to join our team and support our growing educational initiatives. 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. You’ll also help with event logistics, facilitate farm tours, and engage in various tasks that bring our educational vision to life.
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.