Agriculture Education Specialist

Job Summary

DEVELOPS and LEADS hands-on, standards-aligned agricultural education programming focused on animal science, plant science, agronomy, agricultural mechanics, and agricultural business systems and career pathways. This position supports field-based learning, greenhouse and garden instruction, STEM lab programming, and educational initiatives connected to the agriculture hub. This role strengthens community partnerships and expands educational pathways tied to agriculture-related careers, FFA, 4H, and agriculture workforce development.

Job Scope

Serves as a primary Education Department team member responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering agriculture-based educational programming focused on animal science, plant science, agronomy, agricultural mechanics, and agricultural business systems and career pathways. MONITORS and ENSURES adherence to camp supervision expectations, program standards, and safety procedures through the summer camp season. SUPPORTS camp curriculum development, school programming, and public programming as needed. Works collaboratively with Education staff, volunteers, and community partners to expand agriculture education initiatives, workforce pathways, and outreach opportunities. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. DEVELOPS and EXPANDS agriculture-based educational programming for multiple audiences including schools, camps, homeschool groups, scouts, families, and adult learners.
2. SUPPORTS the development of camp curriculum resources, including lesson plans, activity guides, rotations, and materials list to support consistent program delivery.
3. MONITORS and ENSURES adherence to camp supervision expectations, program standards, and safety procedures throughout the camp season.
4. DEVELOPS and IMPLEMENTS agriculture-based learning experiences utilizing Naper Settlement gardens as outdoor living classrooms.
5. DEVELOPS and FACILITATES programming connected to the STEM Lab and agriculture hub, including hands-on investigations and inquiry-based learning experiences.
6. SUPPORTS school field trips and public programming as needed through facilitation assistance, activity preparation, and instructional support.
7. BUILDS and MAINTAINS educational partnerships in agriculture-related spheres including schools, Future Farmers of America, 4H, community organizations, and workforce/careers-connected partners.
8. DEVELOPS agriculture career pathway opportunities and supports the creation of an agriculture career pipeline through program design, partnerships, and educational outreach.
9. MAINTAINS and TRACKS program materials, organizes supplies, supports inventory tracking for agriculture and STEM-related learning experiences.
10. SUPPORTS departmental earned revenue goals by assisting with the development, implementation, and improvement of education programming to meet attendance, revenue, and participation goals.
11. REQUIRED to work Naperville Heritage Society events that fall on Friday and Saturday evenings; Naper Nights (6 days), Oktoberfest (2 days), All Hallows Eve (2 days) and Howlin at the Moon (2 days).
12. PERFORMS all other duties as assigned.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the staff member a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Must demonstrate the ability to develop and deliver engaging, hands-on educational experiences for youth and multi-generational audiences. The role requires working knowledge of agriculture education concepts, including the ability to translate content into age-appropriate, inquiry-based learning activities. Individual must possess strong classroom and group management strategies and the ability to maintain participant engagement while ensuring safety expectations are met. A strong candidate demonstrates high level planning and time management skills, including the ability to prepare materials, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Position requires the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, teachers, and community partners. Individual is highly self-motivated, has strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to develop high level reports, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to support education partnerships and agriculture career pathway initiatives is preferred.

Essential Functions

1. Ability to operate office equipment in order to send and receive information with necessary optical, auditory, and manual dexterity.
2. Ability to analyze, compute, and audit information.
3. Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an hour or more at a time.
4. Ability to lift or carry objects weighing at least 25 pounds.
5. Ability to operate or observe office equipment for an hour or more at a time.
6. Ability to distinguish colors.
7. Ability to use a keyboard to enter, retrieve, or transfer words or data.
8. Ability to closely examine computer screen or written reports.
9. Ability to read, comprehend and speak English, and be able to demonstrate twelfth grade reading skill.
10. Ability to work in an area that may be uncomfortable due to temperature variation, noise, odors, or other conditions.

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification

Bachelor’s degree required in Agriculture Education, Education, Crop Science, Agronomy, Animal Science or related field. Teaching licensure is preferred, with strong preference given to candidates holding an Agriculture Education teaching license or endorsement. Two (2) years of experience in related field required. Demonstrated experience in planning and coordination of creative, innovative educational learning experiences for youth required. Experience in delivery of educational content utilizing hands-on, experiential learning strategies strongly desired. Experience supporting camp curriculum development and monitoring camp program quality and safety standards preferred. Experience building community and educational partnerships preferred. Valid Illinois driver’s license with clean driving record required.