What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regenerative Food Systems Specialist position at Kanuga Conferences, Inc.?
Kanuga Conferences, Inc
Position: Regenerative Food Systems Specialist
This is a full-time, seasonal position classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). On-site living is required, with housing and meals provided as part of the role.
Availability
Candidates must be available to work during the Spring seasons (Feb–May) with the opportunity to continue through mid July.
Candidates must be available to work during the Spring seasons (Feb–May) with the opportunity to continue through mid July.
About Kanuga
Kanuga, an independent non-profit organization established in 1928, is a 1,400-acre retreat and learning center nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. With a deep commitment to outdoor stewardship, Kanuga offers year-round programs that connect people with nature, foster personal growth, and build a sense of community. While historically affiliated with The Episcopal Church, Kanuga welcomes a diverse audience—including schools, nonprofits, and businesses—through its retreat center, summer camps, and environmental education initiatives
Kanuga, an independent non-profit organization established in 1928, is a 1,400-acre retreat and learning center nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. With a deep commitment to outdoor stewardship, Kanuga offers year-round programs that connect people with nature, foster personal growth, and build a sense of community. While historically affiliated with The Episcopal Church, Kanuga welcomes a diverse audience—including schools, nonprofits, and businesses—through its retreat center, summer camps, and environmental education initiatives
Position Overview
Outdoor education is central to Kanuga's mission. Leveraging the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian ecosystem, Kanuga engages thousands annually in environmental experiences that inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. Kanuga’s Outdoor Educators play a vital role in delivering high-quality outdoor education and supporting all outdoor initiatives, including programs offered through the Mountain Trail Outdoor School (MTOS) and the Foster Garden Center. The garden serves as both a working farm and an educational space for students, visitors, and the wider community.
Outdoor education is central to Kanuga's mission. Leveraging the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian ecosystem, Kanuga engages thousands annually in environmental experiences that inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. Kanuga’s Outdoor Educators play a vital role in delivering high-quality outdoor education and supporting all outdoor initiatives, including programs offered through the Mountain Trail Outdoor School (MTOS) and the Foster Garden Center. The garden serves as both a working farm and an educational space for students, visitors, and the wider community.
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join Kanuga’s Outdoor Education team as the Regenerative Food Systems Specialist (RFSS). This role will support the cultivation and development of Kanuga’s 1-acre organic garden while facilitating hands-on, outdoor learning experiences for a wide range of audiences. This position will contribute to Kanuga’s Mountain Trail Outdoor School (MTOS) programs by teaching classes that align with its curriculum and will also engage with other outdoor education initiatives hosted in the garden. The RFSS will assist in cultivating organic plants, promoting the principles of permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience, and creating impactful, student-focused learning opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Assist in planting, tending, and harvesting a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Maintain soil health through composting, mulching, and the application of organic fertilizers.
- Perform regular garden maintenance tasks, including weeding, watering, and integrative pest management.
- Track garden progress, record observations, and maintain logs in accordance with the Greenhouse and Garden SOP’s.
- Facilitate on average 4, three-hour teaching blocks each week.
- Lead 2-3 evening programs each week.
- Adapt customizable lesson plans for each group based on the Educator's teaching style, learners' age, and our curriculum.
- Establishing positive connections with learners of all ages, as well as chaperones and teachers.
- Assist in leading garden-based educational programs and tours for students, visitors, and community members, focusing on organic farming, climate resilience, and sustainability.
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to facilitate hand off of produce and assess needs of the kitchen weekly.
- Help develop curriculum and programming focused on regenerative food systems and organic gardening.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience facilitating groups, especially children.
- Possess knowledge and passion for the natural world, organic gardening, and sustainable farming.
- Have a willingness to work outdoors, ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and be part of a welcoming and supportive team.
- Exhibit maturity, initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility.
- Display professionalism in appearance and conduct.
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a related field.
- First Aid Certifications such as CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Lifeguarding are preferred.
- Knowledge or willingness to learn about permaculture and regenerative agriculture principles.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with visitors, students, and staff.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a variety of outdoor conditions.
- Previous experience in gardening or outdoor work.
Degree of Physical Activity Required
This position involves a high degree of physical activity, including:
This position involves a high degree of physical activity, including:
- Frequent lifting, bending, and carrying of garden tools, equipment, and harvested produce (up to 50 lbs).
- Outdoor work in various weather conditions, such as sun, rain, and heat.
- Standing, walking, kneeling, and bending for extended periods during garden tasks.
- Manual labor tasks including digging, planting, and composting.
- Ability to operate basic gardening tools and machinery safely.
- Must be able to hike 3 miles while teaching.
Additional Position Details
- On-Site Housing: Includes private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, kitchen access, laundry facilities, porches, and access to 12 miles of hiking trails and 1,400 acres of natural woodlands and lakes.
- On-Call Duty: Educators living on-site are required to serve as on-call staff as assigned.
- Training: Educators receive a paid three-week training program focusing on teaching Kanuga and MTOS’s experiential outdoor education curriculum, with an emphasis on social and emotional learning and resiliency.
