Meridian Learning seeks an Adolescent Guide to join our Cincinnati-based urban Erdkinder at Meridian Micro Farm, starting June 2026.
This role goes beyond traditional teaching—it’s a chance to mentor teens through hands-on projects in gardening, cooking, design, and sustainability as part of a newly launched living model of adolescent education. You’ll help young people bridge the gap between school and real life by guiding meaningful work in community, enterprise, and the land.
As a founding member of our adolescent team, you’ll shape systems, advocate independence, and contribute to the growth of a program intentionally designed for ages 12–17. We value autonomy, creativity, and connection over conventional routines.
The ideal candidate will have:
▪ a deep respect for adolescence as a powerful time of growth and self-discovery
▪ an entrepreneurial mindset and/or experience as an entrepreneur or maker
▪ cooking, gardening, or horticulture/agriculture experience
▪ a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field
▪ knowledge of or curiosity about sustainable urban agriculture
▪ understanding of—or willingness to learn—Montessori philosophy and practice
▪ experience guiding adolescents in long-term, project-based or hands-on work
▪ ability to collaborate with our academic partner, community organizations, and volunteers
▪ deep appreciation of plants, nature and the environment
Outdoor and Land-Based Work
This role requires comfort and capability in both indoor and outdoor environments. The Adolescent Guide supports morning academic work cycles and leads daily land based and community based work.
Outdoor work is a core part of this position.
The Adolescent Guide is expected to:
▪ move easily between quiet indoor work cycles and active outdoor leadership
▪ spend consistent time outdoors in all seasons
▪ guide adolescents in creek walks, park workdays, gardening, and hands-on building projects
▪ treat land based work as essential curriculum
▪ model preparedness and calm presence in changing conditions
This role is best suited for someone who feels steady and energized by physically active, purpose driven work.
Requirements:
A background check is required. CPR and first aid training must be completed before first day of employment.
This position begins June 1, 2026 and includes guiding our lighter, two-day-a-week Summer Stewardship Session (June–July), with flexible hours based on project activity and guide availability. Beginning in late August, the schedule shifts to Monday–Thursday, 9 am–4 pm, including designated planning time, and some Fridays 9 am–2:30 pm. We will also consider guides seeking a two-day-a-week academic-year schedule. Salary is focused on growth and commensurate with experience. Starting rate: $25–27/hr.
Please send letter of introduction and resume to join@meridian-learning.org.
About Meridian Micro Farm:
Meridian Micro Farm is a student-run micro farm, learning lab and urban Erdkinder in Cincinnati, Ohio. It serves students age 12 and up, including those preparing for and attending dual enrollment College Credit Plus, trade and vocational programs, and online public school. Our curriculum is completely attuned to the needs of adolescence, creating a meaningful community for teens in their passage to full adulthood.