About The Trustees of Reservations

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 26,000+ acres on 117 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 60,000 member households.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.
 

About The FARM Institute Farm Camp:

The FARM Institute is, a 162 ­acre teaching farm on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, providing year-round, farm-based educational programs. 
 
By incorporating STEM standard-based lessons with farm chores, projects, and games, our campers make real-life connections to what they learn in school while strengthening their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustain us. 

Camp Educators, also referred to as Farm-Based Educators (FBEs) are responsible for the implementation, and evaluation of farm­based educational programming during 9 weeks of summer programs.  These programs include a week-­long day camp for ages 4-­17, daily programs for visitors, and parent and child programs for 2-­4 year olds. We are also hiring for a Wee Farmers teacher (ages 2-4) and part-time Farm-Based Educators. If you have a specialty in early childhood education, or are looking for part time, please also view those postings. Educators are expected to model and impart The FARM Institute mission and values through example and engagement with their students, families, and farm visitors. FBEs will work with different age groups throughout the summer and should be prepared to perform other farm work if necessary.

Duration of Employment and Required Hours (Full Time):

Orientation is mandatory and will run for 10 days between Monday, June 10th and Friday, June 21st. Our summer programming is 9 weeks in duration – beginning Monday June 24th, 2019 and ending August 23rd, 2019. Full time work hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday ­ Friday. Full day camp groups are in session from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

Duration of Employment and Required Hours (Part Time):

Orientation is mandatory for both full time and part time staff and will run for 10 days between Monday, June 10th and Friday, June 21st. Our summer programming is 9 weeks in duration – beginning Monday June 24th, 2019 and ending August 23rd, 2019. Part time work hours are available from 8:00am to 1:00pm Monday-Thursday and 8:00am to 3:30pm on Friday. Half day camp groups are in session from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.

Extra work hours are required for Meals in the Meadow, our annual farm to table fundraiser and the 4th of July Parade. Additional hours are available for farm stand help, engagement and workshop programming assistance, as well as weekly farmer’s market half days on Saturdays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Support the well-­being of self, campers, and fellow staff

• Design and implement curriculum based on food, farming, and resource management with support from The FARM Institute’s staff

• Lead an age specific group of students for week-­long programs: Ages 4, 5­-6, 7-­9, 10-­13

• Plan daily age appropriate activities and design weekly farm projects

• Lead plant and animal farm chores with children

• Maintain reflection and planning worksheets

• Meet periodically with the Education Manager to evaluate experience and performance

• Communicate with parents regarding questions and farm awareness

• Lead group presentations during our weekly Friday Fiesta

• Perform daily facility chore and lead daily classroom cleanup

• Other responsibilities as designated by the Education Manager
 

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred, but not required

• Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, or informal educator with children ages 2-13

• Experience with and enjoy working with children in an outdoor setting

• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability

• Skills in gardening, cooking, livestock handling, environmental education, fiber arts or carpentry are preferred, but not required.

• A familiarity with The FARM Institute and The Trustees of Reservations helpful

Other Requirements:

• Must be available for camp staff training week and all 9 weeks of camp

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI and SORI).

• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required by June 1st, 2019

• Able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

• Camp Educators must be at least 18 years old