Farm Education Position, Mill Creek Farm

Posted by on November 29, 2010

Farm Education Position

See Job Listing below. Contact us at millcreekfarm@resist.ca with any questions.

Position: Mill Creek Farm/A.C.E. Educator, Status: Part-Time / Temporary

Hourly, Reports to Co-Directors of Mill Creek Farm

Mill Creek Farm is an educational urban farm dedicated to improving local access to fresh produce, building a healthy community and environment, and promoting a just and sustainable food system. The Mill Creek Farm implements its mission through farm-based learning programs, by cultivating and distributing fresh produce, and by demonstrating ecological technologies and creative resource use to provide for basic needs. The farm is located at 49th and Brown Streets in the Mill Creek neighborhood of West Philadelphia.

The Mill Creek Farm is seeking a farm educator to design and lead after-school program with 4-5th graders from ACE (Artistic Cultural Enrichment program) at Martha Washington Elementary School at 44th and
Aspen.

The program will begin in mid-February with classroom sessions at Martha Washington, working with the group to introduce growing food in the city and designing and constructing a garden. As spring progresses, starting approximately mid-March, sessions will take place at the Mill Creek Farm and the farm educator will facilitate hands-on learning and the installation of a fruit/herb garden in a section of the farm.

This position consists of preparation work including curriculum design, planning and leading a series of education programs. The Farm Educator will also manage students as they work in the field.  Additional
responsibilities include documenting the program, and coordinating with carpentry intern to build structures for the garden.

Logistics:
Work with ~15 students
Sessions will take place ~every 2 weeks from in mid-February through mid-June
Scheduling may be flexible, (suggested Wednesday/Thursday)

After-school program is between the hours of 4-5pm, plus early dismissal days starting ~noon educator will be supported by both staff from The Mill Creek Farm and the ACE after-school program but will be leading programs and teaching the students independently

The Educator will walk with the students (4 blocks) to The Mill Creek Farm from the school

Candidate should have experience working:

·      with youth
·      in a garden/growing food
·      with community organizations / educational institutions

The educator’s purpose is to increase the community’s knowledge of, and experience with urban agriculture.

Other qualifications:

·      Commitment to the mission and goals of Mill Creek Farm
·      Ability to work well with older elementary students and diverse populations
·      Ability to work independently and as part of a team
·      Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
·      Strong work ethic, mature judgment, and problem solving skills
·      Creativity, positive attitude, and flexibility
·      Strong communication skills
·      Ability to work outdoors

Deadline for submission is December 10, 2010.  Women, Mill Creek residents, and People of Color strongly encouraged to apply.  Position to begin in mid February 2011 – June 2011, 45 hours total at $15/hr

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume, supporting materials and inquiries to: millcreekfarm@resist.ca and please indicate your available times for an interview the week of December 13th, 20th.

The farm educator will need to obtain the PA Child Abuse and Criminal History clearances immediately upon hiring.