Company description

Spannocchia is a multi-faceted agricultural estate set in the gorgeous Tuscan hills and Alto Mersa Nature Reserve in Italy, 12 miles southwest of Siena. Through an Italian non-profit (the Associazione), an Italian agritourism and farm business (the Tenuta), and a supporting US-based non-profit (Friends of Spannocchia), Spannocchia preserves an ancient form of life in Tuscany that is based on community, respect for tradition, and a responsible use of resources. Our primary mission is for the estate to serve as an international model and education center for sustainable practices.

For more than twenty years, our blended community of Americans and Italians has hosted interns from around the world to learn about regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and the cultural traditions of Tuscany. Our interns have become ambassadors of conservation and continue to employ the practices they learned at Spannocchia in their communities, professions, and daily lives. Through the generous support of members and donors, our non-profit entities are able to provide this and other memorable educational programming for visitors of all ages. At Spannocchia, we believe sharing our knowledge is just as important as preserving and protecting our natural environment.

Job description

The Associazione Castello di Spannocchia is hiring for a new Farm Education Director to oversee farm-based educational programming at the Tenuta di Spannocchia. The residential position is located at the Castello di Spannocchia, an agritourism and educational farm in Tuscany, 20km southwest of Siena.

The Farm Education Director is responsible for the continued development, management, and success of the organization’s Farm Internship, Butcher & Culinary Apprenticeships, and Farm Volunteer programs. In this role, the Education Director serves as a liaison between the interns and volunteers and the rest of the Spannocchia community, working closely with farm staff to determine and advise on intern and volunteer work assignments, farm projects and farming decisions, and to ensure the educational quality of the hands-on work experience. They also coordinate the internship’s enrichment activities, including educational presentations, field trips, and Italian classes.

In addition, the Farm Education Director helps to develop and oversee materials, activities, and tours that educate guests on the following subjects: Spannocchia history, Tuscan cuisine and culture, organic agriculture and the basics of the farm operation, sustainability, and conservation. As a Spannocchia resident and member of the management team, this individual serves as a central resource for the community of interns, other residents, guests, and visitors.

Please note: To be eligible to work at Spannocchia, you must have a European passport, or a permit to work legally in Italy.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Management of Internship & Apprenticeship Programs (80%): Pre-program preparations and participant selection; day-to-day running of programs including hands-on farm work, educational programming, and intern oversight; program administration
• Coordination of Volunteer Program (10%): Including winter volunteers and WWOOFers
• Farm-to-Table Education and Miscellaneous (10%): Participation in formal and informal education of visitors and guests about Spannocchia, relationship-building with other educational farms and organizations, limited assistance with guest services
• For a more detailed breakdown of responsibilities, please visit the full job posting on our website.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates for this position should be passionate about regenerative agriculture, experiential education, and Tuscan culture and cuisine; have excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills; and have the ability and interest to live and work in a multicultural setting.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Hands-on experience and knowledge of principles of sustainable and organic farming; prior professional experience in farm-based education a significant plus.
• Experience working with food and/or interest in farm-to-table cuisine, Slow Food, and sustainable food practices.
• Group management experience, including comfort with leading presentations and navigating group dynamics.
• A strong but collaborative demeanor, working well as part of a team with diverse backgrounds and needs, while able to comfortably assert authority when necessary.
• Proficiency in both English and Italian.
• Flexibility, humor, creativity, and a sense of adventure.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree (at minimum) in a field pertaining to the position. Must be comfortable with driving a large stick-shift vehicle; as such, a full clean driver’s license is necessary. To be eligible to work at Spannocchia, you must have a European passport, or a permit to work legally in Italy. Regretfully, Spannocchia is not able to obtain this for our employees.

Salary commensurate with experience, and housing is included. Please note that Italian salaries & benefits are structured differently than in the US; we will fully discuss all details of the compensation package during the interview process.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $35,000 - $50,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline