Company description

Retreat Farm is an independent non-profit organization on a mission to connect people to the land and each other. We are looking for a dynamic Farm Educator to assist with the daily work of the farm and garden, engage school groups, and welcome visitors to the Children’s Farm and Forest (CFF). Retreat Farm serves about 2,000 students from local schools and 40,000 visitors a year.

Located in Brattleboro, VT, Retreat Farm is committed to sustaining an accessible, diverse, and multicultural space for all visitors to enjoy. Guests at Retreat Farm span over 500 zip codes ranging from New Jersey to Maine to Buenos Aires, with 60% located within a 50-mile radius. Our visitorship is reflective of the many communities we serve and we actively strive to provide an environment that is dynamic, growth-minded, and welcoming to all.

Our farm is a small-but-growing agriculturally diversified operation on about 20 acres. In 2020 we will raise pastured pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, and a handful of other animals. We will grow crops on about half an acre and host the 2nd year of our community garden.

Job description

The Farm Educator will facilitate a variety of farm, garden, and forest programs to connect visitors to agriculture and the land in a safe, fun, hands-on environment.

This position will work a primarily Sunday - Thursday schedule year-round and report to the Program Director.

Preferred Experience and Qualities Include

• Experience and enthusiasm for leading groups in a range of experiential settings
• An understanding of food systems and the ability to communicate about it in an accessible and engaging way
• Strong group management skills or the willingness to learn
• Comfort and confidence working both independently and highly collaboratively with a small team
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Flexibility, positivity, and the willingness to learn
• Comfort working around large animals. Some knowledge of livestock and animal care preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs at once, comfort moving over uneven terrain, and enthusiasm for physical labor and walking 2 - 5 miles in an average day

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach and lead educational field trips for elementary and middle school groups, preschools and early childhood centers, nursing homes, and a variety of social service organizations
• Lead a variety of workshops and activities for a range of audiences
• Manage public program on some weekends and holidays
• Assist with rotational grazing: brush sawing, weed wacking, setting up electronet fencing on a variety of terrain, assisting with moving the herds, and troubleshooting as necessary
• Assist in maintaining the Children’s Garden
• Engage groups and the general public with the garden through the seasons
• Provide a welcoming, engaging presence throughout Retreat Farm

Shared Responsibilities

• Participate in daily animal care, chores, and clean animal pens
• Clean program areas and set up education, play, and retail spaces daily
• Support and mentor junior staff and volunteers
• Provide support for birthday parties and special events
• Welcome and orient visitors to the farm and operate the Point-of-Sale and soft-serve machine when necessary
• Uphold excellent guest services at all times

Working Conditions

• Combination of indoor and outdoor work with varied weather conditions

We believe that employees from diverse backgrounds are critical to achieving our goals. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain staff who reflect the diverse communities we serve. All candidates who meet the qualification requirements are encouraged to apply.

Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, less than $50,000

Application instructions

Deadline

March 15, 2020