What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Educator (Ages 3-5 and/or 6-9) position at Night Owl Farm?
Night Owl Farm is a small, no spray/no till farm, dedicated to nurturing young minds through immersive, nature-based experiences. We believe in the power of child-led play, exploration, as well as implementing structured lessons that foster a love for science, nature, and growing food.
We are seeking a passionate and experienced educator and/or farmer to join our team. In this role, you will co-teach with a returning teacher, guiding children ages 3-9 in a creative and supportive environment. Multiple positions available.
Our educators are expected to create a harmonious balance between child-led play, and structured science and nature-based lessons, ensuring that each child’s experience is rich and meaningful. By valuing their individual interests and experiences, we aim to cultivate a learning atmosphere that nurtures curiosity and confidence, helping children to thrive both academically and socially.
Schedule & Group Information
- Dates: Mon-Fri, June 29th - August 21st
- Times: 8:30am-4:30pm *OR* 8:30am - 12:30pm *OR* 12:30pm - 4:30pm
- Flexibility: Some flexibility can be given to cover only preferred age groups, but MUST be available for the full 8 weeks. Paid vacation time is available after completing a full summer with us.
- Age Groups: Owlets (3-5, AM group) and Junior Farmers (6-9, PM group)
- Schedule of Topics
Week 1 - Nature Play
Week 2 - Water Wisdom
Week 3 - Pollinators & Creepy Crawlies
Week 4 - Building & Wildcraft|
Week 5 - Geology & Fossil Fun
Week 6 - Movement & Music in Nature
Week 7 - Plants You Can Eat
Week 8 - Nature's Food Story
Some paid curriculum planning and paid orientation time before the start of the first session will be required. We do have lessons and activities in place from previous years, but we’re ALWAYS looking to improve the program!
Visit our website for a more detailed explanation on the programs: www.nightowlfarm.org/kids-programs
Qualifications/ Requirements:
- Strong understanding of child-led learning and nature-based education
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team
- Previous Elementary and/or Pre-K teaching experience is HIGHLY sought after. Current educators are strongly encouraged to apply!
- Farm experience is preferred, but will happily train the right candidate. In some cases, farming experience may outweigh teaching experience!
- Attendance at our Teacher Meet & Greet on Saturday, June 27th (6/28 Rain Date), 11:00-1:00 is REQUIRED. No other evening or weekend attendance will be necessary.
- MUST be willing to work in ALL weather. We have plenty of covered areas if needed, and we will cancel class if ever the weather becomes dangerous.
- Must be 21
- Must be CPR/First Aid Certified - we will reimburse costs to renew, or obtain certification if needed
- A clean background check is required
Benefits:
- A supportive and creative work environment
- Three-Season Vegetable CSA
- 30% off ALL other merchandise in the farm stand.
- Weekly pay
- Ability to work outside and away from screens!
- Able to teach according to your students’ needs, no pressure to reach a certain point in the curriculum.
- Compensation is competitive for the field, starting at $20/hour, based on experience.
- 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, to be used AFTER 90 days of employment. The 90 Days starts at the start of the first class taught. Can only be used for scheduled shifts.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.
Job Type: Temporary
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Why do you feel you are a good fit for this position?
- What makes you most excited about this position?
- What question(s) you have about this position?
- Are you willing to work outside in all weather?
- What is your ideal schedule, given the needs of the program?
- What experience do you have co-teaching?
Experience:
- Teaching: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person