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This job expired on March 05, 2019

Farm & Garden Educator Wolfe's Neck Center

  • Date Posted January 04, 2019
  • Location Freeport, ME
  • Category Agriculture / Education
  • Job type Summer Job
Company description Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is on a mission to transform our relationship with farming and food for a healthier planet. We are a nonprofit education and research center situated on 626 acres of farmland, forest, and coast in Freeport, Maine. Our campus consists of an organic dairy program, livestock barns, diversified fruit and vegetable production, an oceanfront campground, and miles of wooded hiking trails. As a working farm located within a unique mix of ecosystems, we offer a remarkable and inspiring place for visitors of all ages to learn and play. Our year-round programs include farmer training, field trips, workshops, weekend events, and more. Job description Farm Camp
Our beloved Farm Camp is a summer day camp program for children ages 4-15. Campers engage in hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture and the environment while taking care of livestock, tending our gardens, and exploring nearby ecosystems. Each year, we host hundreds of campers from the local community and out of state.

The Farm Camp season runs from June 10 - August 23, 2019. This includes one week of staff training (June 10 - 14) and ten weeks of camp (June 17 - August 23). As this is a day camp program, each week runs Monday through Friday.

Role & Responsibilities

The Farm & Garden Educator oversees maintenance of our demonstration garden while planning and leading hands-on activities for campers ages 4-15. This role works closely with our year-round farming staff to plan activities that 1) fulfill the needs of our working farm, and 2) provide meaningful opportunities for campers to engage with farming and foods systems. The Farm & Garden Educator creates age-appropriate activities to ensure that all campers have an enriching, fun, and safe experience. Past activities have included: transplanting sunflowers to attract pollinators, harvesting rhubarb to make rhubarb jam, building a scarecrow to keep the birds at bay, and digging through compost in search of the FBI (fungus, bacteria, invertebrates). Specifically, the Farm & Garden Educator is responsible for the following tasks:

  • Oversee maintenance of the Education Garden to ensure productivity, beauty, and educational value
  • Develop curriculum and lead activities that promote hands-on engagement with farming and food systems, including seasonal cooking activities
  • Train other camp staff to independently lead garden chores with their groups (watering, weeding, etc.)
  • Cultivate a supportive, respectful, and safe learning environment for campers and staff
  • Collaborate with year-round farming staff to maximize seasonal opportunities in the Education Garden, as well as in the Fruit & Vegetable production fields
Qualifications

Our ideal candidate loves working with a wide age range of youth, has experience with farming or gardening, and is excited to have a job that brings kids and farming together. The Farm & Garden Educator must have a keen eye towards safety and understand how to balance camper needs while working around tools and equipment. We’re looking for someone who takes initiative, enjoys being part of a team, and appreciates opportunities to help out. Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is hard-working, enthusiastic, and compassionate (to kiddos, coworkers, and our livestock).  Specifically, we’re looking for the following skills and qualifications:

  • Experience working with children or youth, especially in an experiential or outdoor setting
  • Experience with and/or knowledge of sustainable agriculture, farming, gardening, food systems, or culinary arts
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement garden-based activities that are age-appropriate, engaging, and fun
  • Ability to manage risk and exercise judgment on a working farm
  • Ability to work outside in a variety of environments and weather (including heat, humidity, and rain)
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, including managing groups of children and teaching peers
  • Current First Aid & CPR certification required (or willingness to obtain before start date)
  • Current Food Handlers certification required (or willingness to obtain before start date)
  • Valid driver’s license. Must be 21 or older in order to operate farm vehicles, including tractor
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time, seasonal summer position. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am – 4:30pm, though occasional evening hours may be required. Documentation establishing your right to work in the United States is required along with the completion of a successful background check. Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must be 21 or older in order to operate farm vehicles, including tractor.

Benefits
Hourly wage (paid biweekly); potential for on-site housing; free rentals for bikes, kayaks, and canoes; discounted oceanfront camping (based on availability); 25% discount on farm products (including meat, eggs, and seasonal produce); 25% discount in the Farm Café and Farm Store. Compensation this position is : hourly Application instructions
This job expired on March 05, 2019
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