The Opportunity.

Camp Educators, also referred to as Farm-Based Educators (FBEs) are responsible for the implementation, and evaluation of farm-based educational programming during 10 weeks of summer programs. Development of programming is encouraged but we also provide pre-planned lessons to give farm-based educators a launching point. These programs include a weeklong day camp for age 4, Sprouts, and a Wee Farmers group, a four-mornings-per-week parent and child program for 2-4 year  olds.   

We are looking to hire a Sprouts Instructor as well as a Wee Farmer Instructor. Due to the similarities of these roles, this is a joint job description, but please note the differences listed under “duration or employment and required hours” and “essential duties and responsibilities”.  

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 should be prepared to perform other farm work if necessary.  

In This Role You Will:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  

• Support the wellbeing 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 a group of students, age 4, for weeklong programs (Sprouts Instructor)  

• Lead a group of parent and child participants, ages 2-4, for two day sessions, twice a week (Wee Farmer Instructor)  

• Manage one to two Farm Based Educators in Training (age 14-17) as part of your group (Sprouts only)  

• 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  

• Perform daily facility chore and lead daily classroom cleanup  

• Ensure safety of campers and staff by closely following all COVID-19 protocols  

• 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   

• Early childhood experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, or informal educator with children under 5  

• Must be outgoing, have a willingness to learn, and bring joy and enthusiasm to work every day  

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

• A desire to share your passion for the natural world with children  

• 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: 

• 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, 2021  

• Able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions  

• Able and willing to wear a mask and conform to all best COVID-19 best practices  

• Camp Educators must be at least 18 years old  

Please upload a resume summarizing your education and work history, a cover letter telling us a little about yourself, and a statement of purpose describing your philosophy of education and your interest in working at The Farm Institute. Applications will not be reviewed without these supporting documents. This position will fulfill internship credits for relevant majors.  

Duration of Employment and Required Hours:  

Orientation for a Sprouts educator is mandatory and will run for 10 days between Monday, June 7th and Friday, June 18th. Our summer programming is 10 weeks in duration – beginning Monday June 21st, 2021 and ending August 27th, 2021. Work hours are from 8:00am to 1:00pm Monday-Friday.   

Wee Farmers also runs 10 weeks in duration – beginning Monday June 21st, 2021 and ending August 27th, 2021. Work hours are from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM Tuesday-Friday. The actual program runs from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Tuesday through Friday.  

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

Note: Although The FARM Institute is a working farm, we unfortunately do not have staff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by during the summer tourist season, TFI staff acts as liaisons to aid new hires in locating and securing summer rentals.