Orkestai Farm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Nassau County, Long Island. Our primary worksite is in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on an acre plus of land in the park’s grassy meadows, adjacent to forests. Our no-till certified organic practices prioritize the vitality of the soil, the food and other life we cultivate and the people drawn to our community. We also share and teach our regenerative methods of vegetable farming to Growers with and without Developmental (Dis)Abilities. We exist to promote the creative participation of All people in society through the practice of ecological agriculture and the expressive arts. 

Orkestai Farm is looking for a part-time/full-time Farm Educator for 2021 and beyond. The role is dynamic, diverse, challenging and is designed for personal and professional growth. Our preferred applicant will have both been a teacher and a vegetable gardener or farmer. Basic skills such as seeding, transplanting, weeding, mulching, and harvesting are a must. The candidate has to be able to work outside in all types of weather and do heavy lifting and pushing. In addition, the candidate will have interfaced with people of diverse backgrounds and Abilities in professional/public settings and is passionate about developing local food/ecological systems and connecting people to the “natural” world. The central focus of the position is leading a hands-on experiential learning program called the Organic Growers Course (with a CSA at its core) for Orkestai Growers of All Abilities. To do this, the Farm Educator will work in concert with the Executive Director, the Director of Operations, and Farm Crew.  In addition, the Farm Educator would be available to develop and teach other programs when indicated, as well as plan and lead community events.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Work with the Executive Director to develop curriculum for the Organic Growers Course
• Teach organic farming, develop community, and work hands-on in the field with people of All abilities Mondays through Fridays from 9am-2pm. More hours are possible if the candidate is able to do other workshops and/or farm labor.
• Initiate and lead workshops on farm related arts.
• Secondary Event Planning and  in conjunction with the Executive Director. 

QUALITIES OF THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE:

• Emotional//Social Skills
  • Sensitive and empathic toward others, a good listener and deep feeler
  • Non-judgemental: accepts others differences
  • Acts with integrity, always tells the truth even if it inconvenient or unpleasant
  • Articulate, respectfully speaks up if they believe there is a problem/conflict
  • Has a personal artistic/nature based practice

• Intellectual Skills
  • Is highly proficient at communicating ideas and feelings both verbally and non-verbally in an embodied way
  • At least one year of professional educational work, ideally with people of differing abilities and children/families
  • Can both make and listen to arguments
  • Inherently curious, broad and open-minded
  • Takes initiative, is able to work independently and is self-driven and directed
  • Exceptional at task management, reliable, tidy, efficient and punctual.

• Physical Skills
  • At least one season of professional agricultural work
  • Energetic, physically fit and has a great work ethic
  • Can lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly, push heavy wheelbarrows and squat, kneel, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time, in any weather conditions.
  • Loves working outdoors in any weather.

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• A forward thinking, community based, mission driven milieu
• Dedicated, competent, and kind co-workers
• A beautiful and peaceful nature-based environment
• 25 plus hours a week depending on skill-set and availability
• Fresh vegetables for personal use, when available
• Potential for both personal and professional growth