Land Stewardship Coordinator

The Hartsbrook School; Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 45,432 - 54,875; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental plan contributions

Professional development funding

Tuition remission for eligible children

Job summary

A progressive educational institution in Hadley, MA seeks a Land Stewardship Coordinator to teach elementary students and manage the school's farm. Ideal candidates will have experience in agriculture, teaching, and strategic planning. Responsibilities include leading curriculum, collaborating on land management, and developing community partnerships. Expected qualifications are a Bachelor’s degree related to agriculture or education, along with significant farming experience. The role offers a salary starting at $45,432.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional agricultural experience.
• Proven experience working with children in an outdoor or classroom setting.
• Experience with strategic planning or non-profit administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead Farm Arts Elementary curriculum to provide experiential learning.
• Collaborate on sustainable land management strategies.
• Support fundraising efforts and community development.

Skills

Experience in mixed-livestock and vegetable farming

Ability to work collaboratively

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

Experience working with children

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Education, or related field

Job description

Reports to: Head of School

Meets monthly with Land Systems Manager to coordinate systems management necessary to support pedagogical work.

Supervises: Land stewardship assistants

Job Purpose:

The Coordinator will serve two distinct but interconnected functions:

(1) Teaching to elementary-aged students, fostering a deep, hands‑on relationship between the students and the natural world.

(2) Care for the animals that reside at Hartsbrook, and stewardship of the school’s land in alignment with our sustainability mission of implementing regenerative and biodynamic agricultural practices while overseeing research and resource development.

We are looking for a teacher who can collaborate to support a working farm, inspire children, and build strategic partnerships to further agricultural community development.

The Land Stewardship Coordinator will provide a high‑quality experience for students that reflects Hartsbrook's philosophy and values, including the active implementation of principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching & Curriculum (Farm Arts, Elementary Curriculum Delivery: Lead the Farm Arts Elementary curriculum, providing age‑appropriate, experiential learning.

• Integration: Collaborate with class teachers to integrate farm activities with main lesson blocks (e.g., Botany, Measurement, Zoology, Chemistry).
• Student Safety: Teach and enforce safety protocols regarding tool use, animal handling, and outdoor work.
• Support Hartsbrook Summer Camp through thoughtful coordination and engagement that may include animal care, garden spaces and how they intersect with camp programming.

Land Stewardship & Farm Management:

Collaborate with Land Systems Manager on Strategic Growth, Research & Community Development: Working in close collaboration with school leadership and directors.

• Collaborate with Land Systems Manager on: Holistic Land Management, Regenerative Practices, Infrastructure Maintenance and Seasonal Planning.
• Develop sustainable, collaborative communication and work‑sharing practices with the Land Systems Manager and Land Systems Support Staff.
• Collaborate with local universities, agricultural extension offices, and environmental organizations to utilize Hartsbrook land as a living laboratory.
• Community Development: Help to spearhead initiatives that use the land to support the broader agricultural community (e.g., hosting workshops, CSAs, or farmer training programs).
• Resource Development: Actively support fundraising efforts. Identify and apply for agricultural/educational grants and cultivate relationships with donors interested in land conservation and environmental education.
• Land Use Strategy: Work with the Land Systems Manager to develop a long‑term strategic plan for the campus including the 42 acres under Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) that balances educational use, productive yield, and ecological conservation.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Farming: Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in mixed‑livestock and vegetable farming. Experience with Biodynamic or organic certification is highly preferred.
• Teaching: Proven experience working with children in an outdoor or classroom setting (Waldorf certification or experience is required).
• Leadership: Experience in program management, strategic planning, or non‑profit administration.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with caregivers and families.
• The Hartsbrook School is committed to enhancing diversity and equity in education and employment. To that end, the School welcomes candidates who will contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect.

Requirements:

• Relevant training and work experience.
• Physical capacity to lift a minimum of 40 lbs and be comfortable outdoors.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
• Allergy/Epi‑Pen training.
• Mandated Reporting.
• Ability to pass CORI check and fingerprinting.

Working Hours:

Daily:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00 – 3:30pm

Weekly:

Additional weekly department meeting after dismissal

Tuesday 3:45 – 5:15 pm

Department Chairs will organize so that HS and Elementary School agenda include LS questions.

Yearly:

School year present on campus.

Throughout the year morning and evening chores.

Summer present on campus 5 hours a day doing farm chores and supporting summer camp programming.

Breaks:

December Holiday break 5 days

February break 6 days

June 5 days

August 7 days (or equivalent total of 12 days during the summer break)

5 floating days between Thanksgiving and April break when class teaching would not be affected.

Professional Development days 2 days

Curriculum evening meetings 2 days

Report writing in June

Compensation:

Starting salary of 45,432 increasing to 54,875 with 15 years of experience. Additional consideration for those with over 15 years of experience.

Benefits include employer contributions to health and dental plans short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, sick time, personal time, and professional development funding. Tuition remission is available for eligible children enrolling at Hartsbrook.

403(b) retirement contributions have been paused for 2025‑2026 school year. The contributions from the school generally begin only after one year of working at the school.