Farmyard Educator at Land's Sake Farm

Seasonal, Part-Time, At-will employee
Dates of Employment: June 9 – October 20
Supervisor/Reports to: Education Manager 
Organizational Overview:
Founded in 1980, Land's Sake is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to responsible stewardship of suburban farmland and forests. By combining ecologically sound land management with experiential farm-based education, we provide a powerful model of how public open space can be effectively used and enjoyed by the community. We operate three interdependent branches: (1) sustainable land
management and open space preservation, (2) farm-based education, and (3) a community farm. The education department serves our community through group/school programs, after school programs, adult education workshops and summer programs. Land’s Sake is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a multicultural organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for all positions. To learn more about this unique nonprofit please visit: www.landssake.org.
Open Farmyard
Open Farmyard is a free, drop-in program for young children and caregivers. The target age range is for youth 3-7 years old, though all ages are welcome. This program runs on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00 and on Saturday mornings from 11:00-1:00 from June through October. Open Farmyard engages young children in life on their farm. Activities include tasting food from the garden, planting seeds, caring for the garden, visiting farm animals, nature crafts, storytime, and other seasonal activities.
Position Summary:
The Farmyard Educator’s primary goal is to deliver high quality Open Farmyard programs.
With support from the Education Manager, the Farmyard Educator is responsible for implementing the unique Open Farmyard program. This position will include the additional responsibilities of: assisting with garden maintenance, assisting with livestock care, general branch and organizational development and other non-education related tasks. The Farmyard Educator works collaboratively with other staff to effectively manage the inherent risks of working on a farm, maintain our unique farm aesthetic, teach and follow best management practices for sustainable food production. Collaboration and effective communication between the other branches of the organization are vital for this job; along with all staff, the Farmyard Educator works diligently to carry out mission oriented goals and objectives.
Responsibilities:
Open Farmyard:
● Coordinate program related logistics, specifically with adjunct educators, community partners/organizations and Land’s Sake staff
● Develop and implement mission-based curriculum
● Lead the Open Farmyard program
● Communicate with parents as needed
● Write articles for the newsletter, blog posts, or social media updates as needed

Other Responsibilities:
● Assist with management of the Education Garden
● Assist with the management of a variety of livestock
● Assist with other non-education related tasks as needed
Qualifications:
● Teaching and/or youth leadership experience in a school or non-traditional setting with proven ability around youth safety, group management and discipline
● Experience in leadership role at a camp, after school program, or other youth program
● The ability to multi-task and work independently
● Respectful, clear and patient interpersonal communication skill set that allows for collaborative work across departments
● Professional character that is consistent, capable, self-directed, well organized, flexible, personable, and is able to maintain composure in a changing environment
● Comfortable with public speaking and networking
● Must be able to pass CORI check
● Current First Aid and CPR certification
● Basic computer and office skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc
Essential Functions:
● Must be able to maintain visual and auditory awareness of a group
● Must be able to negotiate various types of terrain on the farm and in the
forest
● Must be able to communicate (both written and verbal) clearly and effectively
with staff, participants, and other constituents
● Must be able to lift and carry up to fifty pounds

Employment dates:
● Training/Program Planning: Thursday, June 7
● Programming: 10:15 am – 1:30 pm., Saturdays June 9-October 20

Salary & Benefits:
● Salary: $12/hour
● Professional development opportunities including trainings in areas of job
related interests
● Organic produce and flowers grown on the farm, discount on other items sold at the Farmstand
● Paid sick time in accordance with MA law

Equal Opportunity Policy:
Land’s Sake is seeking to hire a staff that represents the racial and ethnic diversity
of its constituents. Diversity and inclusion is an ongoing organizational practice
and a core value of Land’s Sake with the goal of having culturally competent
services, materials, resources and programs. Our hiring practices are informed
by an appreciation of the strengths offered by differing cultures, races, religions,
ethnicities, classes, sexual orientation, physical capacities, and age groups. Land’s
Sake offers benefits including medical insurance, generous vacation, access to
professional development and local organic food.
Land’s Sake is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a
multicultural organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for all
positions.
To Apply:
Please email a resume and cover letter, detailing how your skills and experience
meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this
opportunity to education@landssake.org, Deadline: March 31st, 2018