Garden/Farm Educator

JCC Association of North America; Village of Cold Spring (NY); On-site; USD 22,500 - 27,500; Full time

Job summary

The JCC Association of North America is seeking a Garden/Farm Educator for Surprise Lake Camp in Cold Spring, NY. This position involves engaging with campers, teaching them about gardening and sustainable practices, and caring for the camp's garden and animals.

Responsibilities include leading garden activities, planning educational programs, and maintaining the garden's health. A passion for working with kids and knowledge of farming are essential.

The salary is under $25,000.

Qualifications

• Must enjoy working with kids.
• Knowledge of farming and gardening.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Engage in pre-arrival discussions with staff.
• Plant, water, prune, and harvest produce.
• Maintain the garden using organic practices.
• Plan and lead gardening activities for campers.
• Teach about food sources and sustainable practices.
• Ensure camp chickens are cared for daily.

Skills

Working with kids

Farming knowledge

Team player

Job description

Location and Job Title:

Garden/Farm Educator
Surprise Lake Camp
382 Lake Surprise Road
Cold Spring, NY 10516

Principal Responsibilities:

• Engage in pre-arrival discussions with year-round staff members to coordinate garden set up before arrival.
• Plant, water, prune, and harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs as needed.
• Maintain a presentable appearance for the garden, including weeding and pest‑maintenance, using only natural/organic practices.
• Plan and lead hands‑on gardening activities for campers (ages 7‑15), staff, and guests that include planting, tending, harvesting, tasting, and/or cooking.
• Plan programs and activities that teach campers, staff, and guests about where food comes from, plant identification, life cycles, sustainable practices, healthy nutrition, food justice, and Jewish values relating to food.
• Properly store and maintain garden tools and supplies.
• When possible, coordinate with Jewish program specialists and Teva (nature) specialists to create synergies between the three programs.
• Oversee a camp composting program and utilize compost whenever possible.
• Ensure camp chickens have food and water and are let out of the chicken run daily.
• Participate in all‑camp special events as needed.
• Fully participate in general staff orientation and specialist meetings.
• Be willing to request help, advice, and feedback from peers and/or supervisors.
• Serve in shmira (night watch) rotation as scheduled (residential staff, only).
• Help prepare camp for opening at beginning of summer and final clean up at end of summer.
• Be consistent. Remember that you, too, are worthy of rest and renewal. Take care of yourself.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must enjoy working with kids.
• Knowledge of farming and gardening.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Be a team player.

Salary:

Under $25,000