Employment Opportunities

Summary:  Responsible for implementing environmental education programs both on site at our 160 acre property and through our off-site Naturalist in the Classroom program at local elementary schools.   Program offerings also include on-site field trips, seasonal Community Connections programs and explore as you go self-directed programs that require development.  This is a full-time year-round position scheduled to work Tuesday through Saturday. Some evenings required.

Responsibilities:

• Implement Naturalist-in-the-Classroom programs modeling place-based and inquiry learning through teaching, assisting, schools with correlating curriculum to NH Frameworks, keeping records of time spent on programs modeling place-based and inquiry learning through teaching, assisting schools with correlating curriculum to NH Frameworks, keeping records of time spent on programs
• Work with Education Staff to plan, implement and evaluate adult-only or family programs (workshops, walks, etc.) on-site at Prescott Farm
• Take a leadership role on the education staff in planning and implementing food-related programs including gardening, food preservation, and cooking programs
• Care for existing education program materials, supplies, and equipment and develop new ones as needed
• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Other duties as assigned

 Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree minimum – Master’s Degree preferred in environmental education, education, environmental science or related field
• Experience in environmental educational program planning, development and implementation
• Experience working with people of all ages in an outdoor environmental education setting
• Areas of expertise may include ecology, natural history, gardening, farming, or other environmentally related topics. Preference will be given to candidates with food systems expertise.
• Ability to lead groups of children and adults in outdoor program settings including moderate level hiking/snowshoeing
• Creative and enthusiastic communication/presentation skills
• Flexibility to work one weekend day/week
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• First Aid & CPR certification
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Status:  Full-time (35 hours/week), year-round position.

Performance:  Performance will be evaluated based on the organization’s success in achieving the goals as outlined in the strategic plan, as well as the organization’s overall fiscal and operational health. 

Benefits:  Health insurance, retirement plan, life insurance and long term disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Wage:  $30,000 – $34,000 per year DOE

Reports to:  School & Community Programs Director

To Apply:  Please send letter of interest, resume, and three references via e-mail to Jude Hamel jhamel@prescottfarm.org with the subject line ‘ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR.’  No phone calls, please.

Position Summary:

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center seeks a full-time Preschool Programs Director to join our team and lead nature-based educational programming for the youngest learners in our community, ages 2 ½ to 5-years old.

Prescott Farm’s Educational philosophy inspires life-long connections with nature through creative lessons and exposure to the natural learning environment for participants at every age and stage of life.  The Director of Preschool Programs will support whole child development through nature-based play and exploration while developing and implementing early childhood programs that feature sound, developmentally appropriate instruction and inspire and nurture young learners while preparing them for future educational success.

Program Description:

Prescott Farm currently offers three programs designed to engage young children in hands-on, nature-based learning. 

Fledglings Preschool, Prescott Farm’s signature nature-based preschool program, offers an integrated nature-based curriculum for 3-5 year-olds with an option of attending 2, 3, or 5 days a week throughout the school year. Although a warm and inviting preschool classroom is available, the majority of the students’ days are spent outside in all weather.

PreK Pioneers is part of our WildQuest summer day-camp program, designed to offer the very first camp experiences for children ages 4 and 5 years-old.  Over the course of nine themed one-week sessions, PreK Pioneers make friends, experience their own opening and closing circles and camp games, explore in the great outdoors, create nature-inspired art, and learn about the world around them at an age appropriate pace.

Additional programming for preschool aged children not enrolled in Fledglings is available through Polliwogs, a weekly program series that invites children ages 2 ½ to 5 years-old and their favorite adult to explore seasonal topics through stories, play and crafts.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in early childhood education including teaching, lesson planning, and curriculum development and enthusiasm for connecting young learners to the natural world through hands-on learning. 

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide Leadership in early childhood education for all early childhood programs
• Manage Staff 
• Establish and promote the educational philosophy of Prescott Farm
• Communicate with parents and caregivers on an ongoing and regular basis
• Facilitate parent/caregiver involvement in collaboration with Prescott Farm’s volunteer coordinator
• Provide program administration including:
  • Preparing and being accountable to the annual program budget
  • Collaboration with staff on communications, scholarship distribution, open-houses, and community engagement related to preschool programs
  • Fulfilling all legal and professional obligations as mandated by state licensing laws and/or Prescott Farm Policies
  • Updating and revising program descriptions and the Fledglings parent handbook annually
  • Coordinating open houses for prospective Fledglings families

Requirements:

Applicants Must:

• Have an active interest and passion for nature, ecology, gardening, farming, and/or other areas related to the natural world and a commitment to integrating a developmentally appropriate learning environment with nature as the main focus. Experience teaching in an outdoor or environmental education program preferred.
• Have a minimum of 1500 hours of experience working with children in a licensed child care program or in a public or private elementary school
• Have (or plan to have by September 1, 2021) documentation of successful completion of at least 3 credits in child development, and 3 credits in management and supervision, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university, or a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or management position in lieu of the 3 credits in management and supervision
• Meet at least one of the following prescribed educational requirements for state licensing 
  1. Have a bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood or elementary education, or other field of study focused on children, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
  2. Have documentation of 60 credits, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university, of which at least 24 shall be in child development, early childhood, or elementary education, or other field of study focused on children, including at least 3 credits in each of the following core knowledge areas:
     •  Children with special needs
     • Child growth and development
     • Curriculum for early childhood education
  3. Have a minimum of 1500 hours of experience working with children in a licensed child care program or in a public or private elementary school; and Certification in a teacher preparation program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) in infant and toddler or early childhood, which satisfies the 3 credits in child development required above, together with 60 credits awarded by a regionally accredited college or university
• Be certified / trained in CPR or be willing to become certified
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Have the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Exhibit strong organizational, time-management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Be able to perform tasks requiring physical exertion indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions, and on varied terrain while supervising young children.
• Be able to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, pull, push, sit without back support, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 10-35 pounds frequently.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume and 3 references via e-mail to:

Jude Hamel, Executive Director at jhamel@prescottfarm.org.  No phone calls, please.

Effective Dates: Summer Camp, various weeks between June 21st – August 27^th 2021

Reports To: Camp Director

Compensation:  Ranging between $12.00 – $14.00 per hour depending on experience

Employment Status: Temporary, Hourly, Non-exempt

Position Summary:

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center seeks Camp Instructors for lead teaching positions at WildQuest Camps. Instructors are responsible for daily supervision and instruction of campers aged 4-14. Topics include but are not limited to: natural and physical science, sensory awareness, and team building. Teaching is through hands-on and inquiry methods that encourage exploration, self-directed learning, and stewardship of the natural environment.

Camp Instructors are required to attend weekly staff meetings which take place during the camp day, and may be asked to provide supervision during AM or PM extended care (8:00a.m. – 9:00a.m., and 4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.). Camp Instructors are also asked to act as mentor counselors to our LIT (Leaders-in-Training) campers. Throughout the week, Instructors will have 1-3 LITs join their camper group and act as role-model campers. We ask Instructors to help provide feedback to the LITs and the LIT Supervisor.

WildQuest Summer Camp employment involves working various weeks June 28th – August 27th as well as the mandatory week-long training session which takes place Monday June 21st through Friday June 25th from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. During camp weeks, Instructors typically work Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Partial summer commitments will be considered; candidate availability may affect hiring decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise campers’ safety on a daily basis.
• Lead programs and activities for campers on a variety of science and nature topics to groups of 12 campers (ages 4-16).
• Participate in working AM and PM extended care coverage on a rotating schedule. · Lead facilitator of group and behavioral management of campers.
• Assist the Camp Director with preparing lesson plans and materials.
• Share in maintenance of program equipment.
• Successfully mentor and foster opportunities for successful interaction between campers and LIT (Leadership-In Training) campers.
• Lead campers in a variety of team-building activities as well as other games and activities for campers.
• Participate in camp staff meetings.
• Help build a sense of community among campers.
• Enhance existing curriculum with creative and thought-provoking ideas and activities.
• Conduct programming indoors as well as outdoors in any type of weather.
• Employ inquiry-based teaching methods to stimulate learning.
• Encourage positive self-esteem of campers and positive group dynamics.
• Provide an exceptional experience for campers and their families.
• Take initiative in problem solving, fostering effective interaction between campers, staff and parents.
• Dress accordingly to meet dress code requirements (as stated in camp staff manual)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age and completed one year of college before the start of employment, consideration will be given to candidates 19-20 years of age based on camp experience
• First aid and CPR certification required prior to the start of camp.
• Experience/interest in working with children. Previous camp experience or teaching experience is preferred.
• Sincere interest in the natural and environmental sciences, outdoor skills, and/or education.
• Ability to model responsible behavior to campers.
• Comfort with performance and/or public speaking, a flair for public presentation.
• Ability to inspire a passion for science and nature in campers.
• Ability to function comfortably outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (cold, snow, rain, etc.).
• Creative individual with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Candidate should enjoy working in a busy camp community, be flexible and highly dependable.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain safety and discipline in a fun and positive way.
• Able to work in highly sensory and stimulating work environment, constantly interacting with guests, campers, volunteers, and other staff.
• Be in good physical condition to meet the physical demands of the position. Ability to move program equipment/supplies up to 40lbs, navigate nature trails under any weather conditions.
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and complete the camp’s health form and waiver by the start of camp.
• Pass a background check according to Prescott Farm’s guidelines.

To Apply:

Submit a letter of interest, resume and three references via e-mail to Jacob Newcomb, Camp Director at jnewcomb@prescottfarm.org with “Camp Counselor Application” in the subject line. Review begins March 15^th, 2021. Applications accepted until position is filled.

Effective Dates: Summer Camp, various weeks between June 21st – August 27^th 2021

Reports To: Camp Director

Compensation:  Ranging between $8.00 – $12.00 per hour depending on experience

Employment Status: Temporary, Hourly, Non exempt

Position Summary:

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center seeks Camp Counselors for teaching positions at the WildQuest Camps. Counselors are responsible for daily supervision and instruction of campers aged 4-14. Topics include but are not limited to: natural and physical science, sensory awareness, and team building. Teaching is through hands-on and inquiry methods that encourage exploration, self-directed learning, and stewardship of the natural environment.

WildQuest Summer Camp employment involves working various weeks June 29nd – August 21st including the mandatory week-long training session on Monday June 21st through Friday June 25th from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Counselors typically work Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Partial summer commitments will be considered; candidate availability may affect hiring decisions.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions

• Supervise campers’ safety on a daily basis.
• Assist with teaching programs and activities for campers on a variety of science and nature topics to groups of 12 campers (ages 4-16).
• Assist with group and behavioral management of campers.
• Help prepare lesson plans and materials. · Share in maintenance of program equipment.
• Lead campers in a variety of team-building activities as well as other games and activities for campers.
• Provide activities and supervision during extended care hours when asked.
• Participate in camp staff meetings.
• Help build a sense of community among campers.
• Enhance existing curriculum with creative and thought-provoking ideas and activities.
• Conduct programming indoors as well as outdoors in any type of weather.
• Employ inquiry-based teaching methods to stimulate learning.
• Encourage positive self-esteem of campers and positive group dynamics.
• Provide an exceptional experience for campers and their families?
• Take initiative in problem solving, fostering effective interaction between campers, staff and parents.
• Dress accordingly to meet dress code requirements (as stated in camp staff manual).
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 17 years old by the start date of Summer Camp
• Experience/interest in working with children. Previous camp experience or teaching experience is preferred.
• Sincere interest in the natural and environmental sciences, outdoor skills, and/or education.
• Ability to model responsible behavior to campers.
• Comfort with performance and/or public speaking, a flair for public presentation.
• Ability to inspire a passion for science and nature in campers.
• First aid/CPR/babysitting certification desirable (but not required).
• Ability to function comfortably outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (cold, snow, rain, etc.).
• Creative individual with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Candidate should enjoy working in a busy camp community, be flexible and highly dependable.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain safety and discipline in a fun and positive way.
• Able to work in highly sensory and stimulating work environment, constantly interacting with guests, campers, volunteers, and other staff.
• Be in good physical condition to meet the physical demands of the position. Ability to move program equipment/supplies up to 40lbs, navigate nature trails under any weather conditions.
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and complete the camp’s health form and waiver by the start of camp.
• Pass a background check according to Prescott Farm’s guidelines.

To Apply:

Submit a letter of interest, resume and three references via e-mail to Jacob Newcomb, Camp Director at jnewcomb@prescottfarm.org with “Camp Counselor Application” in the subject line. Review begins March 15^th, 2021. Applications accepted until position is filled.

Status: Part-time, on an as-needed basis
Compensation: Hourly, TBD based on experience

Position Summary

Field teachers at Prescott Farm will lead small groups of students from area schools in hands-on discovery of ecological concepts and occasionally lead or co-lead non-school group programs. Field teachers encourage program participants’ awareness of, and sense of connection to, the natural world, as well as foster a sense of wonder and a sense of place.

Responsibilities

• Attend field teacher training classes (2 day initial training and occasional professional development)
• Observe/shadow experienced environmental educators leading programs
• Lead groups of 10-20 students
• Guide student investigation through hands-on activities
• Assist staff in organization of program materials
• Convey Prescott Farm’s mission through our educational programs
• Participate in planning and/or organizational meetings as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Teaching experience/or experience working with children
• Basic natural history science background, local natural history a plus
• Interest in natural history and environmental education
• Enthusiasm & creativity
• Must be responsible and prompt
• Successful completion of Field Teacher training
• Flexible schedule is a must (we need staff for both weekday and weekend programs)
• Must pass a background check

To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and your resume via e-mail to Jude Hamel, Executive Director, jhamel@prescottfarm.org.