Farm Educator Open Positions

SAUVIE ISLAND CENTER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2023

Organizational Overview: Since our founding in 2005, more than 20,000 elementary school students and community members have participated in programming at the Center’s home on Sauvie Island. The majority of programming is offered at no or low cost to under-resourced individuals, and children/families living in neighborhoods served by Title 1 elementary schools.

Our hands-on, educational programs include educational field trips and camps for elementary school students and service learning projects for BIPOC partners. Activities take place in our teaching garden, which includes a sensory garden, native hedgerow and (vegetable) Grow Lunch Garden.

The Sauvie Island Center is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, and those we serve. People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Farm Camp Counselor (Multiple positions open)

Dates of employment: Wednesday, July 5th  (including three days paid training) thru Friday, August 4th with a wrap up day on Monday, August 7th. Must be available Monday-Friday, approximately 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM for the full employment period. While this is a seasonal, funding-limited position, there is potential for part-time employment during the school year.

Compensation: $16.75 and $17.50/hr DOE, 35-40 hours per week.

Reports to: Program Manager, Helen Dixon

About Farm Camp:

Through our summer camp program, elementary-age youth learn about farming and its relationship to the land through exploration of compost, farm fields, and native plant habitats. We aim to nurture an understanding and appreciation of the natural and human systems that grow food while teaching through hands-on exploration.

As a camp counselor you will be responsible for leading and assisting with activities that will be included in the campers’ exploration of the farm. You and other counselors will work together with small groups of campers as you rotate through the activities together. These activities include games, gardening, mini lessons, and art projects. Camps are scheduled from 9:00 am- 2:30 pm.  You will be expected to arrive on time, one hour before the start of the camp day  (8:00am), to set up for the day, get farm updates, and check in with other counselors and SIC staff.  At the end of the day, camp counselors  will help clean up, and have a brief wrap-up with Sauvie Island Center staff, an hour or less.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead activities for campers entering 2st-5th grade at Sauvie Island Center Farm Camp, including gardening,  nature exploration, art, movement, and more.
• Teach science principles in an outdoor, experiential setting.
• Be responsible for group management of campers and ensuring camper safety.
• Be passionate about serving youth through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Assist as needed with maintenance of our Grow Lunch Garden, including watering, weeding, planting, and  harvesting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to teaching children, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, and ability to communicate effectively with people of  diverse backgrounds and ages.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to work outdoors in a farm setting (susceptible to hot temperatures) , lift up to 50 pounds, dig, and use hand tools. ∙
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Desired Qualifications:

• Comfortable in natural settings
• Enjoys gardening, has knowledge of native plants and natural resources
• 6 months experience as an environmental educator, preferably in farm or garden education.
• 2 years of college education or relevant experience.
• First Aid / CPR certification

Work Location: Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island (reliable transportation to and from the farm is required)

To apply: Please submit a brief cover letter, resume, and references to: Helen Dixon, Program Manager,  helen@sauvieislandcenter.org, 503-341-8627. Subject line: ‘Camp Counselor Applicant 2023’ Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Preference given to applications received by Monday, March 20th, at 5pm PST.

The Sauvie Island Center is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers,  and those we serve. People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.