Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center is a nonprofit, certified organic farm located on over 50 acres of conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont. Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture systems for our annual vegetable and flower production and to offering educational programming that builds connections between our food, ecosystems, and community.

Our farm is a community hub with a farmstand, retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a cut flower garden, education programs, and unique CSA options. It’s a place where folks can learn about and deepen their appreciation for organic regenerative agriculture.

Our staff is a reflection of our community and is the most essential aspect of our farm. When you join our dynamic team, you’ll have the opportunity to make valuable contributions to our greater mission of promoting organic, regenerative farming and the transition to a localized food economy!

Full-Time, May–August

The Teen Farm Fellowship Lead is part of the Vegetable Production Department and the Education Department at Cedar Circle Farm Education Center, working closely with the Vegetable Production Manager, the Education Programs Manager, and broader CCFEC staff. The Teen Farm Fellowship Lead supports Cedar Circle’s farm operations by coordinating and training a team of students to accomplish farm tasks with a primary focus on planning, performing and overseeing: the washing and packing of produce; high tunnel and greenhouse production; field management; planting and harvesting; and cut flower garden maintenance in an educational environment.

The position plays a role in identifying and coordinating daily and weekly farm priorities for the Teen Farm Fellows and collaborating with the Vegetable Production and Annual and Perennial leadership team. The Teen Farm Fellowship Lead supports Cedar Circle’s education programming by planning and delivering agricultural literacy lessons, both in the classroom and in the field, as well as coordinating service learning projects off site for additional learning opportunities and skills development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Crew Coordination – coordinate and supervise daily tasks of Cedar Circle’s Teen Farm Fellows, including:

• Clearly communicate, train on, participate in and delegate weekly and daily harvest, maintenance and processing priorities to teen ag team
• Train and mentor team members in performing farm duties, ensuring food safety, efficiency and product quality standards are met
• Help to establish a positive, nurturing, educational and motivating work environment for all members of staff
• Mentor, supervise and support crew members to ensure programs run smoothly.
• Provide a positive experience for parents or caretakers of teens participating in crew.

Other Farm Duties

• Assist Vegetable Production Leadership team with production duties and record keeping
• Participate in all aspects of field production including field cultivation, seeding, planting, irrigation, weeding, harvests, and post-harvest processing
• Contributes to maintaining a safe, clean, organized work space including, barns, storage areas and vehicles

Educational Programming - under the supervision of the Education Program Manager

• Develop and deliver teen ag curricula, including lesson plans and educational materials.
• Coordinate, implement and participate in service-learning projects both at Cedar Circle Farm and offsite at outside farms, businesses and organizations.
• Collaborate with other departments at Cedar Circle Farm, lead or coordinate skill development and educational opportunities.
• Assist in the organization of a culminating Open House event for Teen Farm Fellows to present their academic project(s).
• Represent Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center at recruitment events, visits to other farms / organizations, etc.
• Availability to work overtime during summer season, and occasional weekends for special programs / events.
• Other related assignments as necessary.

• Experience as an educator in a classroom or outdoor setting.
• Additional experience in a related field, or combination of work experience and coursework.
• Experience developing curriculum and teaching about farming, ecology, or related subjects preferred.
• Positive, energetic interpersonal skills and passion for mentoring new farmers and enjoy building relationships with teens. Be inclusive and embrace diversity of all learners.
• Be proactive and self-motivated.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills in professional and educational settings. Strong organizational and time management skills. Clear and concise recordkeeping and note taking
• Be detail oriented and competent in balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Farm or garden experience is a plus!
• Must be 21 years of age (this is a requirement of our vehicle insurance).
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and give/accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Be comfortable working outdoors–rain or shine!
• Available to work a regular farm work day of 8 hours, Monday to Friday, from May to August.
• Valid Driver’s License

Work is primarily outdoors in the field—in all-weather conditions such as hot sun, wind, rain, and cold—as well as in greenhouses and barns. Physical strength and endurance is required, including the ability to lift 40 pounds regularly. Awareness, respect, and care will need to be taken while working around equipment and agricultural machinery (tractors and implements).

COMPENSATION

Hourly rate is $17-$19 per hour, based on experience. Benefits include paid sick leave, a 403(b) retirement plan, access to farm produce, and a 20% discount at the CCFEC farmstand and cafe.