FARM & ECOLOGY PROGRAM EDUCATOR
Wolfe’s Neck Center
Freeport, ME
Company description
Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (WNC) seeks to transform our relationship with farming and food for a healthier planet. On our 626 acres of diverse ecosystems, we farm, conduct agricultural research on soils and climate change, and invite visitors to engage with the food system and the role we all can play in building a more just and sustainable future. The farm is a beautiful and inspiring place for visitors of all ages to learn and play. We offer a diversity of ways for visitors to engage with this place, including numerous education programs, summer camp, a Farm Store & Café, and our beautiful campground.
Job description
Farm & Ecology Programs
WNC’s Farm & Ecology Programs connect thousands of visitors of all ages with our farm and sustainable agriculture each year. Educators will play a role in both formal and informal education, with offerings ranging from sensory explorations in the barn with toddlers, guided nature hikes in the forest, to leading a workshop in our education kitchen. These programs are both free & fee-based, pre-registered programs, as well as spontaneous barn tours and talks.
What Are Farm & Ecology Program Educators?
Our Farm & Ecology Program Educators are the face of WNC. Educators engage visitors in formal and informal programs across the campus to enhance the visitor experience, while helping keep the public and our livestock safe and happy. Educators lead programs with a wide range of audiences to facilitate a deeper connection to our unique farm and ecosystems. Educators provide farm guests with accurate information about our history, agricultural operations, natural ecosystems, community events, and various programs. This temporary position shifts seasonally:
May-Early June: Programs are mostly offered on weekends for approximately 10-15 hours per week, in addition to the initial weeklong orientation & training.
June 5th – September 3rd: Peak season – Wolfe’s Neck offers a variety of programs daily, including weekends and evenings – 30-40 hours a week
September 4th – October 31st: Programs mostly offered on weekends, with some field trips during the week for approximately 20-30 hours per week.
What We’re Looking For
With over 30,000 visitors each year, Farm & Ecology Program Educators connect people to farming and our mission. WNC is looking for individuals who are passionate about education with a desire to introduce people of all ages to the farm, our livestock, and the unique ocean ecosystems the farm rests upon. Farm & Ecology Program Educators operate multiple programs on any given day, often without direct support and supervision, so candidates must be self-motivated, self-sufficient, and reliable. As with any educational program, situations can change quickly (weather, animal issues, etc.) so educators must be confident, flexible, and not easily flustered with change. Prior farm, livestock, ecology, and fruit & vegetable knowledge is not required, but candidates must be excited about the opportunities to become well versed in our different practices and overall mission.
Candidates should have the following qualifications:
- Degree, some higher education, and/or experience equivalent in environmental education, childhood education/development, agriculture, food systems, or related fields
- Ability to assist with livestock chores, including but not limited to: egg collecting, milking small livestock, hay and manure cleanup, etc.
- Motivation to help develop existing programmatic areas as well as creating new educational programs and opportunities.
- Desire to interact with livestock and introduce thousands of people to small-scale agriculture and Wolfe’s Neck Center, all in the variety of weather offered by Maine spring-fall
- Ability to be trained to safely operate a tractor pulling a wagon. Must be 21+ to operate a tractor under our insurance.
- Ability to manage program registration efficiently and graciously, walk-on participants, questions from the general public, while also helping to collect program data.
- Experience with Microsoft Office and Excel in order to track data, metrics, and create content where applicable
Terms of Employment
This is a seasonal position, running May-October, including a week for training. Documentation establishing your right to work in the United States is required along with the completion of a successful background check. Compensation includes: $16-17.50/hr, to be paid on a bi-weekly basis; potential for low-cost on-site housing; free rentals for bikes, kayaks, and canoes (dependent on availability); free oceanfront camping (dependent on availability); 25% discount in the Farm Café and Farm Store.
Compensationthis position is : hourly, $15-20/hr
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If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!DeadlineApril 03, 2023