Environmental Educator/ Harvest Manager
Boulder Knoll Community Farm, Cheshire, CT
Boulder Knoll Community Farm(BKCF) is a small-scale, environmentally sustainable farm in Cheshire, CT that provides healthy, local vegetables and fruit to 65 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. 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)/Harvest Manager (HM) will be anenergetic, well-organized environmentalist with experience in farming and education who will provide a variety of educational opportunities, at the farm and off-site when appropriate. The EE/HM will assist the farmer in the overall operation of the farm including managing all aspects of the weekly CSA share distribution.
The EE/HM 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 /HM will support the mission of the farm by providing assistance in the farm operation and by working with CSA members, and volunteers to enhance educational opportunities at all levels.
The EE/HM 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/ HM will create an educational space, prepare / and purchase needed educational materials (budget provided). The farmer must approve the content and timing of educational programming.
The EE/ HM will assume responsibility for harvest and share distribution. Responsibilities will include communicating with share holders, outside suppliers, member work coordinators, and harvesters to assure that each CSA member is getting a share out that is of excellent product quality and quantity and has a positive pick- up experience. The EE/HM will model good harvesting, prep, washing, display , clean- up techniques. He/she will respond to CSA sharers’ needs in terms of pick-up times and changes.
The EE/HM will work collaboratively with the farmer and will report to the FOBK Board. The EE/HM 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 ideal candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate experience and basic theoretical knowledge in organic and sustainable farming, and ideally will have worked an entire season on a CSA 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. There is the potential for a successful individual to assume the farm manager position in 2014.
Specific skills include, but are not mandated:
- Excellent work ethic and communication skills;
- Background in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Education or related field;
- Willingness to teach and learn sustainable growing techniques
- Demonstrated experience in working in formal and/or informal education programs including working with people with special needs;
- Experience educating in an outdoor setting; create an educational space, prepare / and purchase needed educational materials (budget provided);
- Demonstrated ability to get along and communicate with all ages;
- Familiarity with farming and farm-based education;
- Ability to assist with physical and organizational farm tasks;
- Ability to think strategically about the weekly harvest and balance the needs of the farm, CSA members and food donation recipients;
- 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/HM position is seasonal, 34 weeks, April through November. In general the EE/HM is expected to work an average of 24 hours/week, to be allocated as follows:
12 hours/week – EE: see description above
12 hours/week – HM: April/ May – assist farmer in a variety of tasks including planting, cultivation, bed preparation and weeding (2 six hour days requested)
June – October – Assume responsibility for harvest and share distribution on Saturday.
Some work is required on evenings and weekends, depending on timing of educational programs and harvest/ share out. Attendance at occasional FOBK board meetings will be expected with prior notice.
The EE/HM 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: $12,000- $15,000 depending on experience, hours worked and documented. The position requires a full season commitment.
Send any questions and inquiries to info@friendsofboulderknoll.com.
