Garden Steward Part-Time | 27 Hours per Week | Hourly  Location: Onsite 

Compensation: Starting at $25/hour, commensurate with education and experience 

Reports to: Head of School  

~About SunGarden Montessori School~ 

SunGarden Montessori School is dedicated to the education of the whole child through purposeful, respectful learning environments inspired by the work of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our children spend time outdoors every day, year-round, and our garden is an extension of the classroom, a place for exploration, stewardship, and meaningful work. We are seeking a creative, collaborative Garden Steward who is passionate about connecting young children with the natural world.  

~Position Summary~ 

The Garden Steward develops and cultivates a prepared outdoor environment in support of the holistic development of the young child. The Garden Steward position is an extension of our Toddler and Primary classrooms. Children work outside throughout the day year-round, rain or shine. The Garden Steward plans and documents the Garden program lessons, maintains the outdoor classroom, and hosts both the morning and the afternoon garden session for Primary children.  

We aim to develop the Garden program in several directions: to broadly integrate with classroom curricula and be part of extended work cycles; to support the School’s garden-to-snack program as well as flower arranging, a part of the Montessori Practical Life curriculum; and to develop a native plants garden that can serve as a teaching platform in collaboration with Indigenous Educators, or a perennial garden.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Exhibits initiative, creativity, and drive in developing the Garden program while collaborating with SunGarden staff members, community partners, and parents, rooted in core values of peace and responsible care for the planet.   

Tends to the Garden as a prepared environment and place of active work and exploration of the natural world for young children; prepares and documents a comprehensive garden curriculum, including science, arts, and literacy components; readies and resets the outdoor classroom for children's work.   

Keeps records on children’s engagement in the garden; keeps equipment in good order; and leads the maintenance of the grounds.  

Cultivates an orderly environment and establishes a predictable schedule that offers children a physically and emotionally safe experience to engage in age-appropriate and meaningful work. Allows children to explore freedom through choice in activity in proportion to assuming responsibility.   

Honors confidentiality of families, children, and the School.  

Understands and executes verbal and written instructions; follows policies and procedures.   

Submits monthly updates from the Garden to Salutations, our monthly newsletter for families.  

Ensure compliance with Montessori standards, school policies, and Oregon licensing requirements while maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children.  

Collaborate with teachers, families, and community partners to enrich the garden program.  Participate in staff meetings, school events, and ongoing professional development.  

Assist in classrooms as needed to support student supervision and licensing ratios.   

~Qualifications~  Required: 

Horticultural expertise, Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, and/or work experience in early childhood environment.  

Enjoys being outdoors year-round.  

Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.  

A patient, calm, and respectful approach to working with young children.  

Ability to pass a criminal background check.  

Excitement to learn about Montessori and grow as a professional; appreciates feedback.   

Preferred: Experience in a Montessori school.  

Experience teaching gardening or nature education to young children.  

Knowledge of social-emotional learning practices.   

Physical Demands: SunGarden activities require frequent shifts between walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.  

Must be able to run with children or run to them quickly as needed. 

Frequent reaching and use of both hands.  

Ability to lift items up to 25 pounds.  

Occasionally needs to lift a child who is under 75 pounds (in case of safety or medical injury) or to assist with moving outdoor furniture or materials.  

Close, distance, and peripheral vision are required for observing the children and ensuring their safety.   

Work Environment: This position involves outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions. Noise level ranges from quiet to loud during normal activities.   

~Benefits~ 

Starting wage of $25/hour Paid holidays Professional development stipend School tuition discount Employee Assistance Program Oregon Saves IRA participation  

~How to Apply~ 

Please submit a resume and cover letter to (1-page max) to, hello@sungardenmontessori.org addressed to Emily Steele, Head of School, with the subject line:  [Last Name], Garden Steward Application  

The cover letter should include why you are interested in working at SunGarden and how your skills and experience have prepared you for this position.  

Finalists will be asked to provide three professional references. Position open until filled.  SunGarden Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.