Farmyard Educator

Shelburne Farms•Shelburne, VT

10d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently seeking Farm Based Educators with exceptional guest service skills to work in the Children’s Farmyard [https://shelburnefarms.org/visit/childrens-farmyard]. The farmyard is an outdoor educational space that is open to the public and school groups seven days a week, May through October. The goal of this public program is to educate and connect visitors to agriculture in a safe, engaging, and hands-on environment. The farmyard is part of our campus that supports our mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future.

Requirements

Able to commit to our full season April 22-October 21.
Able to attend the farmyard educator training from April 22 - May 8 (approximately 35 hours/wk).
Able to work weekends and holidays.
Experience in education or public interpretation.
Basic knowledge/understanding of food, fiber and farm systems.
Able to handle challenging situations with a solution-oriented mindset and a calm demeanor.
Willingness to receive feedback and be open to learning and improvement.
Have a positive attitude and remain flexible to changing program needs
Committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment for all program participants, guests, and staff.
Valid First Aid and CPR Certification (training provided).
A completed background check is a condition of employment as you’re working with minors.

Responsibilities

Facilitate safe, engaging, hands-on activities with our farm animals and gardens, fostering connections between visitors and their food and fiber systems.
Welcome and assist diverse audiences in a warm, welcoming, and professional manner upholding excellent guest services.
Orient visitors to Shelburne Farms - its mission, programs, products, and campus.
Clean animal yards, barns, and pens as well as visitor and education spaces.
Care for our farm animals and garden while engaging visitors in your work. Animals include: sheep, goats, rabbits, cows, calves, pigs, chickens, turkeys, donkeys.
Bring the cheddar making process to life for visitors through interpretive education in our cheese making and information hub.
Support ongoing maintenance projects - ex. string trimming, fence maintenance.
Mentor Youth Farmyard Educators (ages 13-18) through positive role-modeling. During the summer, these younger educators-in-training work alongside Farmyard staff to learn about all that we do.
Foster a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment open to multiple perspectives, for all program participants, guests, and staff.
Communicate honestly and effectively with the team to create a respectful and open work environment.
Attend orientation, training, and staff meetings as required.