Employment at Swallowtail School
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Swallowtail School is seeking a knowledgeable and reliable Facilities Manager. This position is entrusted with the care of the physical space of the school, and oversees maintenance and development at both the main campus and farm property. This role ensures that our physical environment supports the health, safety, and inspiration of our learning community—including classrooms, outdoor play areas, and our working farm. The Facilities Manager partners with school leadership, faculty, vendors, and staff to ensure facilities are well-maintained, regulatory compliant, and aligned with the values of sustainability, stewardship, and Waldorf education. This is a part-time position.
Specific duties for the Facilities Manager position include:
Facilities Management
Develop and manage annual facilities and grounds budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
Monitor and control facilities-related expenses, identifying and implementing cost-saving measures without compromising safety or long-term use of facilities
Maintain accurate records and documentation of all Facilities expenditures, contracts, and compliance activities for audit and reporting purposes
Consult with Business Manager in annual budget planning, including identifying and planning for larger / capital maintenance or expansion projects
Coordinate and manage custodial services, groundskeeping, preventative maintenance, and other regular service providers
Ensure all contractors are fully licensed and bonded
Oversee contracted work, checking that licensing requirements and enumerated expectations are complete prior to submitting invoice for final payment
Manage natural spaces in accordance with environmental best practices
This position must sit on the Board Buildings and Grounds committee, to support long-range planning of Swallowtail School’s Farm and Main Campuses; provide monthly report on Facilities activities in support of the school’s long-range goals;
Respond to emergencies related to the school facilities or grounds
Ensure space is available and set up for school events (approx. 2-3/month).
Partner with faculty, administration, and Board to identify and implement improvements to Main Campus building, grounds, and Farm campus
Develop project plans and schedules for new projects and facilities improvements
Coordinate parent and community volunteers for defined projects
Licensing / Compliance
Obtain necessary permits for scheduled work;
Manage facility compliance with OCC, OSHA, and other applicable licensing agencies and facilities regulations, including licensing visits and safety inspections
Oversee development and execution of emergency preparedness plans, including, but not limited to, fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills, as required by applicable licensing agency
Ensure faculty and staff are properly trained on each drill and able to carry out assigned responsibilities
Maintain safety records, including OSHA, container labels, and Integrated Pest Management (as required by ODE)
Conduct regular safety inspections of all buildings, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Required Trainings/Attributes
Three or more years of work-related experience, such as property management, building trades, or project management, preferably in education or non-profit; or equivalent is desired.
Knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and city/state code enforcement
Knowledge of standard practices, materials, tools, and terminology of building and trade skills such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and landscaping
Ability to operate a variety of tools and power equipment
Ability to work in a variety of conditions - outside in all weather, in attic and crawl spaces, and on ladders or elevated surfaces
Ability to communicate effectively and courteously, with parents, students, school personnel, contractors, and community members
Ability to develop and maintain an efficient workflow, ability to manage several projects simultaneously and adapt to frequent changes
Ability to analyze, prioritize, and solve problems
Ability to gather data, compile information, recommend solutions, and prepare reports
Computer proficiency, specifically with Google Docs and Sheets
The desire and ability to work collaboratively with all members of the school community
A ready willingness to accept both positive and constructive feedback, and to be part of a culture that values ongoing professional growth
To be considered, please sent a letter of interest, resume, and three references to Hiring@SwallowtailSchool.org
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Swallowtail School is seeking a warm, dependable, and nurturing Early Childhood Assistant Teacher. The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a Waldorf Early Childhood education for children in Swallowtail’s Early Childhood program. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another.
Specific duties for the Assistant Teacher position include:
Assist the Lead Teacher in the morning rhythm of the classroom
Lead the full day afternoon program, including rest, snack, and additional activity or play time
Lead morning session when Lead Teacher is out, based on established lesson plans
Assist with classroom prep and set-up in the mornings before class, including materials, snack
Participate in regular mentoring meetings with Lead Teacher, set professional growth goals
Attentive supervision of students with an eye to safety at all times
Model appropriate behavior and work worthy of imitation
Demonstrate warmth, compassion and love while holding appropriate boundaries with children
Daily care to maintain a clean and orderly classroom
Attending Early Childhood meetings, as needed
Other relevant tasks as assigned by Class Lead or Early Childhood Chair
Required Trainings/Attributes
A dedication to Waldorf Education
Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers (within 30 days of hire)
Maintain current enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry
Annual completion of 15 hours of relevant training (must be pre approved, copy of completion certificate submitted to the Oregon Registry and School Director)
Completion of Safety Set trainings from Early Learning Division (prior to first day in classroom)
To be considered, please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to Hiring@SwallowtailSchool.org
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Substitute teachers should have classroom experience and an interest in Waldorf Education. All substitutes must pass a background check and those who work in our Preschool or Kindergarten must also be enrolled in the Central Background Registry through the Early Learning Division of the Oregon Dept. of Education.
To be considered for substitute work during the 2026-2027 school year, please send a letter of interest and resume to Hiring@SwallowtailSchool.org
Current
Openings
Swallowtail At A Glance
Swallowtail School serves approximately 150 students from PreK through Grade 8. We are located at the intersection of rural Oregon farmland and the Portland suburbs, with a main campus in Cornelius and a farm property a few minutes away in Hillsboro.
At Swallowtail, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed and supportive community of families, and a close-knit collegial group that value working together in collaboration. We have a thriving Early Childhood program with one preschool and two mixed-age kindergartens, and those classes are usually full with a wait list. Grades classes range from 12-18 students. They are well supported by subject offerings (Music, Handwork, Spanish, Movement, Agricultural Arts, Middle School Math, and Eurythmy in blocks).
Grades and Early Childhood classes spend one day per week in the fall and spring at our farm property, where they work with our Agricultural Arts Teacher and full-time Farmer to deepen their connection to and understanding of the land.
About Swallowtail School
Main Campus
Our main campus is located on 6 acres, nestled in a residential community. Our building features large, thoughtfully designed classrooms with ample storage. We have dedicated rooms for movement/Eurythmy, music, handwork, and math/science.
There are also administrative offices, a faculty lounge, and a separate kitchen for use with classes, a library, and a multi-purpose room used for class plays, assemblies, and school meetings. The expansive grounds include a large open field, climbing trees, a grades playground, a covered basketball court, and two early childhood play yards.
We are currently implementing our landscaping plan to include garden boxes, a fort-building area, a chicken coop and run, a plant-based dye garden, a weaving garden, a running trail, a fruit tree orchard, and a natural play area.
The Surrounding Area
Our location allows faculty and staff to enjoy a rural and urban setting:
Twenty minutes to the south is Oregon’s award-winning and stunning wine country
One hour to the west are Oregon’s picturesque beaches
30 minutes to the east is the city of Portland, with excellent restaurants and cultural events
A little over an hour away is the historic Columbia Gorge, which has excellent hiking
Also an hour away is the Cascade Mountain Range, which is rich with outdoor adventures in winter and summer
Swallowtail families primarily reside in nearby communities of Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Cornelius, Beaverton, Banks, North Plains, and Gaston.
Our Farm
Our 26-acre farm property supports the Waldorf curriculum from Early Childhood through Grade 8. Classes spend one full day each week at the farm, taking a break in the coldest winter months. A full-time Farmer holds the health of the land, while an Agricultural Arts Teacher leads subject classes at the farm.
In addition to its daily use by classes, the farm property hosts the entire Swallowtail community throughout the year for traditional Waldorf festivals including Harvest Faire, Lantern Walk, and May Faire.
The farm is at the heart of the Swallowtail community and our identity as a school. Swallowtail faculty will preferably have experience, or a great interest, in weaving outdoor education into the Waldorf curriculum. Swallowtail teachers find their time on the farm to be incredibly enriching for themselves and their students.
Our Faculty
The teachers at Swallowtail honor the individuality and gifts of each child. They are at various stages in their Waldorf teaching careers. Some of our teachers are seasoned, while others are called to Swallowtail as a first job in Waldorf education. All of our teachers have a deep commitment to Waldorf education.
Swallowtail teachers are the heart of the school community, serving on the Board of Trustees, the Family Association, and taking lead roles in planning the school’s annual festivals. They are a source of information and support for families and each other.
Teachers who are hired for lead positions at Swallowtail will have classroom experience, a love and enthusiasm for teaching, and a dedication to Waldorf education. They must either have completed Waldorf training or be currently enrolled in a training program with other teaching certifications and experience.