Farm Educator

Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy, Inc. in Winchester, MA is seeking a Farm Educator to assist with our Sprouts Programs starting in early September. Our Sprouts program is for 2 and 3 year olds accompanied by a caregiver and meets on a weekly basis for 9 weeks. Each class is an hour long and farm educators will teach two classes during the morning (for example we have a 9:15am-10:15am class and a 10:30am-11:30am class). We aim to inspire curiosity about the natural world, foster a sense of comfort in the outdoors, and develop a sense of respect for living things. All activities take place at Wright-Locke Farm and surrounding conservation area. Educators should enjoy working with children and caregivers and spending time outdoors in all weather. Applicants are preferred to have experience in outdoor/nature-based education. If you do not meet the job requirements listed, please tell us why you might be a good fit anyways! All educators must pass a MA CORI/SORI background check. There is potential for more hours on a per diem basis with our enrichment programs and field trips if you are interested! 

Farm Educator responsibilities include:

• Facilitation of high-quality educational experiences on the farm and in the adjacent woods
• Teaching lessons and leading activities focused on farm- and nature-based education (includes modifying lessons and activities as necessary)
• Setting up before and cleaning up after each program session, including disinfecting any common surfaces or items
• Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants
• Program Preparation
• Reading education materials provided by the farm prior to the start of the program(s), including general education information and program-specific materials to create a cohesive daily plan
• Attending required paid training at the farm; this training is typically scheduled the week prior to each program season’s start
• Assisting Farm Education Staff with curriculum development and lesson planning
• Communication with the Youth Programs Manager (YPM) and Director of Education (DE)
• Providing the YPM and/or DE feedback about successful and unsuccessful lessons and activities when appropriate
• Notifying the YPM and/or DE of any known issues experienced during one or more sessions (with children, parents, coworkers, or volunteers)
• Attending staff check-in meetings

Candidates for the Sprouts  Educator position should:

• have a strong interest and/or background in teaching children about agriculture, nature, or related subjects (experience preferred but not required)
• enjoy working with children ages 2 – 3
• have a positive attitude, be a strong leader, and be able to adapt to changing environments and circumstances
• be comfortable working outdoors- rain or shine!
• be comfortable working with/handling farm animals (no experience required)
• current CPR/First Aid Certification (preferred)

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to work outside in various weather conditions. The employee is frequently required to walk or hike on steep or uneven terrain, stand and sit for extended periods of time. This employee will occasionally climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.

Employee Perks:

• Hourly pay based on experience, $17 – $20 commensurate with experience
• Free organic produce “seconds”
• Farmstand discount
• Ability to attend professional development opportunity on October 14th about meditative strategies and yoga with teachers