Farm Program Associate (Internal)

Shrub Oak International School•Mohegan Lake, NY

6d•$25•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Farm Manager, the Farm Program Associate's responsibility is to incorporate the farm and garden as an integral Shrub Oak asset, which will be used to educate and support the individualized skill-based development of Shrub Oak students. They must enhance Shrub Oak’s integration into and support of the community, while promoting Shrub Oak Oak’s brand and beautifying its Campus. They will have full responsibility in supporting and caring for a growing livestock program (i.e. sheep, chickens, goats, donkeys). In addition, the care and upkeep of our garden, greenhouse, and any other new farm-related programs. The The Farm Program Associate will work closely with all areas of campus life, i.e., Clinical, Education, and Residential Life staff, to further support the individualized needs of Shrub Oak’s student population. Additionally, the Farm Program Associate will oversee the Farm Market Program and aid in its development and growth.

Requirements

Ability to work collaboratively in a transdisciplinary environment as a means to teach meaningful animal/nature-based curriculum that spans the disciplines here at SOIS·
Demonstrate ability to collaborate with other professionals including clinical staff (i.e. Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Clinical Music Therapists) teaching and residential life experts to implement appropriate tasks with students
Desire and ability to work with our students to create a safe and comfortable learning environment
Thorough knowledge of animal care, gardening and farming practices
Demonstrated ability to creatively resolve issues with a proactive problem-solving approach
The ability to demonstrate initiative to handle the required work
Ability to flexibility change course to meet competing job demands and needs
The ability to work as part of collaborative team within the department and with those in other departments to support and empower student learning and development
Ability to work with the team to handle challenging behaviors in a respective, constructive manner in accordance with SOIS’ policies/protocols
Minimum of 2 years caring for farm animals.
Minimum of 1 year tending to plants and/or crops
Minimum of 1 year working with children, preferably with special needs.

Responsibilities

Perform the required animal husbandry for Shrub Oak’s farm animals which may include but not be limited to, Sheep, Goats, Donkeys and Chickens, which includes but is not limited to: o Ensuring the appropriate feeding and watering of farm animals. o Cleaning and disinfecting the yards, and living areas of farm animals. o Proactively examine animals to detect symptoms of illness, injury, or disease, and check physical characteristics to ensure appropriate growth and health. o Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and first aid. o Groom, clip, trim animals, and/or shear coats to collect hair as needed and appropriate. o Herd animals to pastures for grazing or to other enclosures. o Shift animals between grazing areas to ensure sufficient access to food, and plant, harvest and inspect crops by hand.
Grow and develop The Little Oak Farm Market
Organize each market and develop a plan for what to sell, bake, craft and purchase.
Utilize creative thinking and crafting skills for the development of products being sold in the market.
Develop a price list and manage payments.
Oversee students as they work in the market and teach job skills needed to be successful.
Collaborate with other departments to determine what students are available to work in the market
Ensure all orders are filled and delivered If needed.
Ability to follow a planting schedule for seasonal crops, utilizing both the garden and greenhouse.
Ensuring all plants in specified areas are always watered and maintained
Ability to organize and assist with 1:1 internships with students on the farm and in the garden.
Support the Clinical Department during Farm and Garden sessions.
Assist the Farm Manager with any tasks as needed.
Collaborate with other areas of campus life i.e. Clinical, Education and Residential Life to develop and implement appropriate educational and developmental programming activities relating to the farm and its components to support the development of Shrub Oak students.
Follow and implement a cohesive hands-on activities encompassing all farm programs, including Livestock and Horticulture.
Remain up to date and abreast of all areas in farming, animal care and student development activities.
Perform any and all other responsibilities as may be required and needed.