Per Diem Educator

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center; East Thetford (VT); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Fresh produce

Farmstand discount

Employee assistance program

Retirement plan

Job summary

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center seeks a creative, enthusiastic Per Diem Educator to support and lead a variety of farm-based educational programs. Programs may include Little Farmers, field trips for visiting school groups, and other educational offerings for children and youth.

Our place-based programs invite learners to make authentic observations and connections through hands-on experiences on the farm.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in educational, recreational, camp, childcare, or group settings.
• Enthusiasm for experiential, place-based, and inclusive education.
• Passion for sharing food, farming, nature, and ecology with youth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a variety of farm-based educational programs for children and youth.
• Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences focused on food, farming, nature, and ecology.
• Lead groups of varying sizes and ages, from early childhood through upper grades.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, fun, and safe learning environment for all participants.
• Encourage learners to explore the farm and surrounding ecosystem through observation, inquiry, movement, and sensory experiences.
• Adapt activities to meet needs of individual learners and groups.
• Prepare for programs by reviewing lesson plans, gathering materials, and setting up learning spaces.
• Develop or adapt activities and lesson plans in collaboration with the Education Team.
• Assist with program registration, participant check-in, and other logistics.
• Clean up after programs and return materials and spaces to their proper locations.
• Communicate with the Education Team about program needs and observations.

Skills

Experience with children

Inclusive education

Adapt teaching methods

Team collaboration

Outdoor programming

Job description

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center seeks a creative, enthusiastic, and flexible Per Diem Educator to support and lead a variety of farm-based educational programs. Programs may include our Little Farmers early childhood program, field trips for visiting school groups, and other educational offerings for children and youth.

Our place-based programs invite learners to make authentic observations and connections through hands-on experiences on the farm. We create learning environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and exploration, while recognizing and celebrating different learning styles, abilities, and needs.

This position is a great opportunity for someone looking to build experience and confidence facilitating groups of children outdoors. We're looking for someone who is inclusive, encouraging, comfortable being a little silly, and excited to help children develop a deeper connection to food, farming, nature, and the world around them.

This position works approximately 8-12 hours per week, including program preparation and teaching time, from May through October. Hours and schedule may vary depending on program needs.

Responsibilities

Educational Programming

• Lead and support a variety of farm-based educational programs for children and youth
• Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences focused broadly on food, farming, nature, and ecology
• Lead groups of varying sizes and ages, from early childhood through upper grades
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, fun, and safe learning environment for all participants
• Encourage learners to explore the farm and surrounding ecosystem through observation, inquiry, movement, and sensory experiences
• Adapt activities and teaching approaches to meet the needs and interests of individual learners and groups
• Prepare for programs by reviewing lesson plans, gathering materials, and helping set up learning spaces
• Develop or adapt activities and lesson plans in collaboration with the Education Team
• Assist with program registration, participant check-in, and other program logistics as needed
• Clean up after programs and return materials and spaces to their proper locations
• Communicate with the Education Team about program needs, observations, and any questions or concerns that arise

Other Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with educators and other farm staff
• Perform other related duties and assignments as necessary

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an educational, recreational, camp, childcare, or other group setting
• Enthusiasm for experiential, place-based, and inclusive education
• Passion for sharing food, farming, nature, and ecology with children and youth
• Creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt activities and teaching approaches to meet the needs of different learners
• Ability to engage children and their caregivers with warmth, enthusiasm, and respect, and to build positive relationships with our community
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
• Physical ability to participate in outdoor, active programming, including walking around the farm, standing for extended periods, and working in a range of weather conditions

Compensation & Benefits

The Per Diem Educator role is seasonal, through October, with benefits including paid leave, fresh produce, a 20% discount at our farmstand and cafe, access to an employee assistance program, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match. Pay is $17/hr, depending on experience.

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.

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.