Inspire children. Grow minds. Cultivate a love for food and sustainability.

We are seeking a passionate and hands-on Garden Educator to bring our Playground to Plate® philosophy to life within our centre. This is a unique opportunity to embed sustainability, food education, and environmental awareness into children’s everyday learning experiences.

If you love working outdoors, believe in the power of growing your own food, and are excited about educating young children through meaningful, hands-on experiences - we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As our Garden Educator, you will design and deliver an engaging gardening and sustainability program that gives children a real, lived experience of growing, harvesting, and enjoying fresh, seasonal produce.

You’ll play a key role in shaping children’s understanding of the environment, health, and nutrition - all while maintaining vibrant and inspiring garden spaces across the centre.

What You’ll Be Doing

Deliver an Engaging Program

• Plan and facilitate daily Playground to Plate® experiences
• Support children to grow, harvest, and cook with fresh produce
• Embed sustainability, environmental awareness, and inquiry-based learning
• Align programs with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Create Inspiring Spaces

• Maintain and develop food gardens and plant-rich environments
• Manage planting and harvesting cycles
• Incorporate sustainable practices and natural materials

Collaborate & Connect

• Work closely with educators to embed the program across the curriculum
• Build meaningful relationships with children, families, and the community
• Contribute to excursions, incursions, and environmental initiatives

Ensure Safety & Compliance

• Maintain safe, age-appropriate tools and environments
• Follow WHS, food safety, and child protection requirements
• Support a culture of safe risk-taking and exploration

About Playground to Plate®

Our Playground to Plate® philosophy is designed to transform the way children connect with food — from garden to table. Through daily hands-on experiences, children develop lifelong skills and a deeper appreciation for sustainability, health, and the environment.

About You

You are enthusiastic, creative, and passionate about sustainability and early learning. You enjoy working collaboratively and thrive in a dynamic, child-focused environment.

Essential:

• Qualification in Horticulture (or similar)
• Experience working with children
• Current Working with Children Check
• First Aid, CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Desirable:

• Educator or Teaching qualification
• Knowledge of EYLF and NQF

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven, innovative program
• Make a meaningful impact on children’s health and environmental awareness
• Work in a supportive, collaborative team environment
• Bring your creativity to life in a hands-on, outdoor-focused role

Advance Childcare Management is a leading provider of high-quality childcare and early learning services in Melbourne’s inner northern corridor community. We believe that it takes a village to raise a child, therefore we are active partners who create collaborative relationships with families and the community.

Our purpose-built centre offers a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive and develop to their full potential. We embrace a tailored and holistic approach to education, focusing on each child's developmental needs and interests.

We offer a secure and safe environment where curiosity is encouraged, concepts are explored, and discovery is celebrated.

You will be joining a small group of family owned and operated centres across Melbourne. We are truly committed to supporting the education and growth of young children and our team.