Education Lead

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center; East Thetford (VT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

401(k) match

Disability insurance

Employee discount

Camp tuition discount

Job summary

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center in Vermont seeks an Education Lead to bring our hands-on, farm-based learning to life for children, families, and adults.

The role includes leading summer camps, guiding school breaks, and developing diverse programs all year while mentoring staff. Expect collaborative teamwork in a fast-paced farm setting with a strong emphasis on safety and inclusive learning.

Qualifications

• Experience as outdoor educator or related role working with children.
• Enthusiasm for experiential, place-based education and connection to the land.
• Experience mentoring educators, interns, or volunteers in an educational setting.
• Interest in food systems, organic gardening, sustainability, and nature-based learning.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Education Programs Manager to design farm-based programs for all ages.
• Lead or co-lead field trips, afterschool classes, homeschool programs and seasonal workshops.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and teaching materials aligned with educational goals.
• Manage group dynamics, promote inclusive communication, and ensure safety on a working farm.
• Coordinate with other farm departments to integrate agricultural practices and on-farm learning.
• Support and train seasonal educators with coaching and resources.
• Oversee camp operations, mentor staff, and ensure smooth daily programming.

Skills

Outdoor education

Mentor peers

Strong communication

Teamwork

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Full-Time February-October
Part-Time November-January

The Education Lead plays an important role in bringing Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center's educational mission to life through creative, hands-on experiences that connect learners with farming, ecology, food, and the natural world. Working closely with the Education Programs Manager and the Camp Director & Education Lead (CDEL), this position helps create welcoming, engaging learning environments where children, families, and adults can explore, ask questions, get their hands dirty, and build meaningful connections to the land and their community.

The Education Lead serves as the Assistant Director for summer camp (June-August) and school break camps (February and April), partnering with the CDEL to support daily operations, mentor and guide camp staff, and help ensure a fun, safe, and inclusive experience for campers. Throughout the rest of the year, the Education Lead helps develop and facilitate a diverse range of farm-based education programs for learners of all ages, including field trips, homeschool programs, early childhood sessions, afterschool classes, and seasonal workshops. The position combines hands-on teaching, curriculum development, staff mentorship, and program coordination in a collaborative, fast-paced farm environment.

Responsibilities

Educator responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Education Programs Manager and CDEL to design and implement a range of farm-based programs for learners of all ages, from early childhood to adult workshops. Help create immersive, hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world.
• Lead or co-lead programs such as, but not limited to, field trips, afterschool classes, early childhood sessions, homeschool programs, and seasonal workshops.
• Develop and refine curricula, lesson plans, and teaching materials aligned with Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center's educational goals.
• Manage group dynamics, encourage teamwork, and model respectful, inclusive communication.
• Ensure all programs maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment on a working organic farm.
• Coordinate with other farm departments to incorporate agricultural practices, seasonal themes, and on-farm learning opportunities.
• Support and train seasonal educators, providing resources, coaching, and strategies for effective teaching.

Camp-specific responsibilities:

• Partner with the CDEL to ensure smooth daily operations and help troubleshoot challenges as they arise.
• Lead camp-wide programs and games and teach age-appropriate activities.
• Support daily check-in and checkout procedures and maintain clear, professional communication with families.
• Mentor and guide a small team of camp educators, fostering development, confidence, and teamwork.
• With support from the CDEL, oversee the Mentors in Training (MIT) program; mentor MITs as young leaders as they develop teaching and outdoor education skills.
• Provide support between groups to assist staff, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all campers.
• Model and uphold best practices for safety, engagement, and positive behavior management.

General responsibilities:

• Assist with program scheduling, preparation, materials, registration, and other logistical needs.
• Participate in program evaluation, reflection, and documentation to support continuous improvement.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends for programming and special events, including Cedar Circle's annual Pumpkin Festival in October.

• Other related assignments as necessary.

Qualifications

• Experience as an outdoor educator, classroom teacher, or in a similar role working with children.
• Enthusiasm for experiential, place-based education that fosters curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
• Experience guiding, mentoring, or supporting fellow educators, interns, or volunteers in an educational setting.
• Interest or experience in food systems, organic gardening, sustainability, and/or nature-based learning.
• Strong communication and problem solving abilities, with the ability to manage group dynamics and to engage confidently and thoughtfully with campers, caregivers, and colleagues.
• Strong commitment to creating physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for children.
• Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to lead engaging, high-energy programming in a range of weather conditions while maintaining a positive and flexible approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment and build positive, professional relationships.
• Ability to meet physical demands of outdoor education, including walking on uneven terrain, standing for extended periods, and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs as needed.
• Comfort working outdoors in a range of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Comfort with routine computer and administrative tasks, familiarity with google suite preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (training can be provided if needed).

Compensation

This position is hourly with a salary range of $19-22/hr, depending on qualifications. Benefits include: Health insurance (premium 100% employer paid, 50% paid for minor dependents); paid personal, sick, and parental leave; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match; short-term disability insurance (100% employer paid); 20% discount at our farmstand, café, and greenhouses; 50% off summer camp tuition for dependents; and, access to an employee assistance program.

About Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is a nonprofit, certified organic farm located on over 50 acres of conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont. Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture systems for our annual vegetable and flower production and to offering educational programming that builds connections between our food, ecosystems, and community.

Our farm is a community hub with a farmstand, retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a cut flower garden, education programs, and unique CSA options. It's a place where folks can learn about and deepen their appreciation for organic regenerative agriculture.

Our staff is a reflection of our community and is the most essential aspect of our farm. When you join our dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make valuable contributions to our greater mission of promoting organic, regenerative farming and the transition to a localized food economy!

Cedar Circle Farm is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.