Position Description

We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic person for the position of Educator. This position will lead and mentor in food, farming, and environmental education programming. Farming components include assisting with the up to 3-acre Discovery Garden, Education Fields, small goat herd and chicken flocks, as well as coordinating with farm staff and volunteers to accomplish large seasonal projects. You will be a key member of the program team in running programs with youth on the land and in the kitchen.

We run seasonal field trips and Farm School (March-June & Sept.-Nov.), a weekly immersive program (Sept-June), drop-in programs (year-round), Farm Camps, Summer Leader in Training and job programs (June-Aug.), and a partnership with Food What?! (March-Oct). This position will work in concert with our Education Manager, Operations Manager, Field Manager, and Executive Director in the planning, implementation, evaluation, and development of these core programs.

You are someone who wants to build outstanding education, farming, cooking, and relationship building skills, who can engage and inspire the youth we serve about multiple aspects of the food system (from production to consumption and food justice). You are approachable, a great communicator, and passionate about our mission. You’re comfortable being you, and willing to share your personal skills & experiences with Farm Discovery students, while creating safe space on the farm and in the kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Implement all education programs at the direction of, or in collaboration with, the Education & Operations Managers.
• Work with the Field Manager on day-to-day organic farming operations with ongoing coordination with Live Earth Farm production operations.
• Support weekend event programs such as workshops, special events, Airbnb experiences, and farm campouts.
• Support program outreach to local and regional agricultural and business communities to help develop relationships to sustain Farm Discovery programs.
• Maintain order and cleanliness of the education barn, kitchen classroom, and restroom.
• Lead farm tours and teach organic farming/gardening skills, environmental stewardship, and nutrition.
• Support program, development, and administration staff on our annual event, Fall Feast, as well as smaller community building and fundraising events (Supporter’s Picnic, Holiday Sip & Shop, Land Stewardship Workdays, etc.).
• Act as a friendly ambassador, welcoming the public & upholding the mission of Farm Discovery and Live Earth Farm.
• Implementing program evaluation (quantitative and qualitative)
• Assist in maintenance of Farm Discovery customer database (Salesforce Software).
• Social media, marketing, blog entries
• Participate in development of programs
• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and other staff
• Assisting training and supervision or mentoring of seasonal program staff, LIT’s, and field/animal volunteers
• Restocking supplies and keeping tabs on necessary inventory of needs (animals, fields, facilities, arts/crafts)
• Support Field Manager with the implementation of the value-added product line. Involves managing relationships with local business partners and retailers.
• Support Field Manager to maintain existing, and create new, relationships with local chefs, coordinating their participation in summer camp guest chefs and chefs for our annual benefit.
• Use computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database software to prepare reports, memos, and documents. Code and file material according to the established procedures. Update and ensure the accuracy of the organization’s databases. Back-up electronic files using proper procedures
• Co-manage goat herd and flocks of chickens through overseeing daily and long-term husbandry. Facilitate planning and raising of baby chicks and/or kid goats.

Expectations

• Ability to make decisions as a team and individually and carry out work efficiently and effectively
• Commitment to great customer service during educational programs, events and always
• Ability to work together as a team in all aspects of the nonprofit organization
• Desire to learn and ask questions; openness to different ideas/ways of doing things; think about what you’re learning, what you don’t know, observe & take notes of your observations; program debriefs
• Understanding of Farm Discovery Policies, Staff Bios, Community Agreements, and Staff Schedule
• Setting a good pace: think about how you’re working/how quickly and well you are accomplishing tasks
• Full engagement with visiting groups, events, community days; being friendly and welcoming to all people visiting the farm
• Open and direct communication: participation in weekly check-ins; formal and informal opportunities to share appreciations and challenges
• Self-care – balancing work with physical, mental, spiritual well being
• Assume ownership of tasks
• Create a happy, functioning, working community
• Observe work schedule and timeliness

Personal Characteristics

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organization: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Preferred:

• Farming gardening and/or nutrition experience, skills, and/or passion.
  Familiarity with area agricultural business and philanthropic sectors.
  Experience
• 1-3 years’ experience in outdoor education
  Work Setting

Organic farm, shared office environment in the Education Facility on our organic farm.
This is a 40 hours per week, position with several weekends throughout the year. Farm Discovery office hours are 8-4 Monday through Friday.