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Freeport, Maine: Summer Youth Leadership Educator, Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment

A Bit About Us

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment seeks to transform our relationship with farming and food for a healthier planet. On our 626 acres of diverse ecosystems, we farm, conduct agricultural research on soils and climate change, and invite visitors to engage with the food system and the role we all can play in building a more just and sustainable future. The farm is a beautiful and inspiring place for visitors of all ages to learn and play. We offer a diversity of ways to engage with agriculture and the food system, including numerous education programs, a community garden, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, a farm store and Farm Café, an oceanfront campground, several seasonal community events and festivals, and our Organic Dairy Research and Farmer Training Program.

 

Farm Camp

Wolfe’s Neck Center’s summer day camp program (Farm Camp) connects youth to agriculture and outdoor environments. We’ve got 626 acres with barns, pastures, gardens, and forests to explore. At Farm Camp, 4 year olds up to 16 year olds learn about sustainable agriculture and ecology while doing farm chores, digging in our gardens, and dissecting vegetables.

We offer 10 one-week sessions of Farm Camp Monday – Friday, June 18th – August 24th. All Educators must be present for Farm Camp staff training June 11th – 15th. Applicants who can also work our Farm School program June 5th – 8th, including Farm School staff training June 1st & 4th will be given preference.

 

What is a Summer Youth Leadership Educator?

Do you enjoy the unique charm of teens and tweens? Can you think on the fly while having a well-developed plan to follow? Would days full of farm projects, outdoor exploration, and adolescent leadership development make your heart sing? If so, consider joining us as a Summer Youth Leadership Educator this summer. Summer Youth Leadership Educators work closely together and collaborate with our farming staff to create and execute dynamic Farmward Bound activities and programming. Summer Youth Leadership Educators also work closely with each other to plan activities, trips, and the curriculum. Farmward Bound includes projects around the farm, a camping overnight each week, saltwater canoeing, and a variety of farm-based learning experiences. Summer Youth Leadership Educators facilitate all parts of the Farmward Bound program while cultivating a supportive environment for growth and exploration.

 

What We’re Looking for From You

Our ideal candidates have experience working with middle school and high school aged youth and are excited to engage them with farming and leadership development. Familiarity with agriculture (and/or the ability to learn quickly) will be a key for success. Working around electric fences, farm equipment, and large livestock necessitates an attention to detail and safety as well as effectively communicating expectations. As a member of our Leadership Education team, candidates must work well with others and consistently model solid and compassionate leadership. We’re also looking for someone who has these kinds of qualifications:

  • Degree, some higher education, and/or experience in environmental education, experiential education, childhood education/development, agriculture, food systems, or related fields.
  • Experience leading groups in outdoor settings. Experience camping and canoeing is a significant plus.
  • Ability to effectively manage groups and cultivate a safe and supportive learning environment.
  • Desire to be outside in a variety of weather and environments, interact with livestock, and work in gardens (and cultivate this enthusiasm with your group).
  • Current CPR/First Aid or the ability to earn (offered as part of Staff Training), WFA or higher preferred, and Lifeguard certification a plus.

To Apply: Please submit our online Seasonal Employment Application along with your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’d be a fantastic Summer Youth Leadership Educator (tell us why you’re interested and a great choice for the position). Our Seasonal Employment Application can be found on our website. If you can’t upload your cover letter and resume with the Seasonal Employment Application, email them to [email protected] with “Summer Youth Leadership Educator” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until we fill the position. Some on-site housing in a historic building is available for seasonal educational staff.