The position has been filled. Thank you for your interest.
Boulder Knoll Community Farm, a project of Friends of Boulder Knoll, is hiring an environmental educator to begin work this season.
Boulder Knoll Community Farm (BKCF) is a small-scale, environmentally sustainable farm in Cheshire, CT that provides healthy, local vegetables and fruit to 50 shareholders, local soup kitchens, and a New Haven restaurant. Education is a central component and an essential element in the vision of the Friends of Boulder Knoll (FOBK), the farm’s sponsoring organization. FOBK believes that exposing the community, especially its youth, to the wonders, importance and value of agriculture, conservation, and outdoor recreation is critical to fostering future stewards of the environment. Our goal is to emphasize essential links between people, plants, and the earth, to develop interdisciplinary learning, and to promote environmental responsibility.
The Environmental Educator (EE) will be an energetic, well-organized environmentalist with experience in farming and education who will provide a variety of educational opportunities, primarily for school-age children, youth, and adults at the farm and off-site when appropriate.
The EE will work with the farmer to develop programs that provide hands-on experiences for children, youth and adults, including people with special needs. Programs will enable people to understand where their food comes from, what it takes to get it there and the importance of eating healthy, whole foods.
Job Description
The EE will design, publicize and implement a variety of educational programs for children, youth and adults. Lessons may cover topics ranging from sustainable agriculture, food preparation, to wildlife habitat. Programming may include, but is not limited to, fall and spring school programs, field trips, community groups (youth and adult), community events, adult classes, and summer programs on the farm. The EE will support the mission of the farm by providing assistance in the farm operation and by working with CSA members, volunteers and interns. The farmer must approve the content and timing of educational programming.
All BKCF school programs will be tied to CT learning standards and the EE will work with local teachers and administrators to design and execute learning experiences. The EE may provide opportunities for the teacher’s to design customized follow-up lessons and activities.
The EE will work collaboratively with the farmer and will report to the FOBK Board. The EE will communicate periodically with the board regarding activities and success of the programs and will submit a written annual report on the educational program.
Qualifications:
The right person for this position will be able to demonstrate experience and basic theoretical knowledge in organic and sustainable food production systems, and ideally, will have worked an entire season on a farm or garden project. This is a position for someone seriously interested in sustainable farming, food, and community education. We offer the opportunity to be integrally involved in a small organic farming operation and in farm education.
Specific skills include, but are not mandated:
• Background in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Education or related field;
• Demonstrated experience in working with youth in formal and/or informal education programs including working with people with special needs;
• Experience educating in an outdoor setting;
• Ability to link student learning to CT state curriculum standards;
• Demonstrated ability to get along and communicate with all ages;
• Enthusiasm for education, sustainable agriculture, and the environment, and an interest in service learning and volunteerism;
• Familiarity with farming and farm-based education, and a willingness to assist with physical farm tasks as needed;
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to enhance FOBK and BKCF while following the leadership of the farmer;
• First aid /CPR certified or willingness to obtain the training;
• Well organized, flexible, with an ability to take initiative and adapt to new situations.
Hours and Compensation:
The EE position is seasonal, 34 weeks, April through November. In general, the EE will make his/her own hours but is expected to work an average of 20 hours/week or approximately 600 hours for the season. The EE will be expected to work some of these hours on farm tasks so as to familiarize him/herself with the farm operation. Some work is required on evenings and weekends, depending on timing of educational programs. Attendance at occasional FOBK board meetings will be expected with prior notice.
The position requires a full season commitment.
The EE will work for the Friends of Boulder Knoll as an independent contractor. Worker’s compensation will be provided. The position offers no benefits, and no taxes will be withheld.
Salary range: $15 per hour for a total of $8,000 – $10,000, depending on hours worked and documented.