Seasonal Education Director

April 1 – October 11, 32 hours/week

About the farm:

Lexington Community Farm Coalition (LexFarm) is a non-profit certified organic farm. We are committed to increasing access to organic produce for households of all income levels. LexFarm provides hands-on education to foster connections to farmland, farming, and each other, through workshops, our CSA, and volunteer programs. 

LexFarm was founded in 2009 in an effort to preserve the 7.9 acre Busa Farm upon its sale to the Town of Lexington. LexFarm incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2011 and is currently in its sixth year of production on five acres. Produce is sold through a 200 share 20-week summer CSA, 75 share 8-week fall CSA, 60 share summer flower CSA, and farm stand. We have a busy flower and vegetable seedling sale during May weekends. We donate produce through two local food rescue organizations. In 2019, farm production will focus on improving yields, increasing efficiency, and improving soil health through reduced tillage, improved drainage, compost production, and targeted amendments.

Position Description:

The Lexington Community Farm (LexFarm) is seeking an Education Director to manage education programs April through October. The Education Director will operate, implement, and teach education programs during the 2019 farm season in accordance with LexFarm’s calendar of programs and corresponding curricula. The Education Directortor will manage online sign-ups, day-of set up, scheduling, and instruction of farm and garden classes for a variety of ages. The Education Director will communicate with specialty program instructors to set up and schedule specialty programs.

The Education Director will:

• Prepare for and teach 30 class sessions (some series, and some one-off farm programs) over the course of the farm season
• Schedule, coordinate with, and support instructors of specialty programs for 10 specialty programs including yoga, mushroom growing, and edible weed walks
• Create and manage sign-up forms and communications for participants in education programs in accordance with LexFarm procedures
• Keep education supplies organized and stocked for farm programs
• Assist with recordkeeping and track key education metrics such as attendance and income
• Assist with promoting and advertising programs through a variety of email, website, and social media outlets in accordance with the LexFarm communications plan
• Assist during large group visits and corporate volunteer days that take place during educator’s normal scheduled hours at the farm
• Appropriately store, record, and deposit fees paid
• Create hands-on educational activities for two on-farm public events and oversee volunteers helping with children’s activities
• Assist with planting and maintenance of the LexFarm Learning Garden

LexFarm is in its 5^th season and has been operating education programs since it’s first year. Over the past two years, the organization has made a concerted effort to transition tasks and work key to the organization’s mission from volunteers to paid staff. In 2018, LexFarm constructed a new Learning Garden and operated education programs exclusively with paid staff for the first time. We are looking for someone accustomed to a startup education environment to help build our education program through a variety of programming for all ages as we continue to evaluate and build our programming during our second year operating a staff-led education program.

The Education Director is a 32 hour/week, seasonal position. The position begins April 1 and runs through October 11. The Education Director will report to the Executive Director. Compensation is $17/hour plus a stipend for healthcare.

The Educator Director will be expected to work approximately 1 weekend per month to assist with farm events and programs.

Benefits include paid holidays, 5 days paid vacation, and a CSA share and extra produce from the farm and Learning Garden when available.

The right candidate will be energetic, motivated, interested in sustainable agriculture, responsible, attentive to detail, flexible, and comfortable communicating with a wide variety of people. This position involves working both independently and with LexFarm’s team of staff. Candidates should expect LexFarm to conduct a CORI background check upon the start of official employment.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of work experience in an education setting
• A bachelors degree or higher in education or life sciences
• Ability to bend and lift 50 pounds
• Basic working knowledge of plant care, gardening, and organic farming principles.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] We’re accepting applications through 3/11/19.