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Title: Farm Program Associate

Reports to: Farm Manager

Department: Facilities

Compensation: $25/hour

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Farm Manager, the Farm Program Associate's responsibility is to

incorporate the farm and garden as an integral Shrub Oak asset, which will be used to educate

and support the individualized skill-based development of Shrub Oak students. They must

enhance Shrub Oak’s integration into and support of the community, while promoting Shrub Oak

Oak’s brand and beautifying its Campus. They will have full responsibility in supporting and

caring for a growing livestock program (i.e. sheep, chickens, goats, donkeys). In addition, the

care and upkeep of our garden, greenhouse, and any other new farm-related programs. The

The Farm Program Associate will work closely with all areas of campus life, i.e., Clinical, Education, and Residential Life staff, to further support the individualized needs of Shrub Oak’s student

population. Additionally, the Farm Program Associate will oversee the Farm Market Program

and aid in its development and growth.

Essential Functions – Primary duties of the position

• As per Farm Managers’ discretion, they will be expected to perform the required animal

husbandry for Shrub Oak’s farm animals which may include but not be limited to, Sheep,

Goats, Donkeys and Chickens, which includes but is not limited to:

o Ensuring the appropriate feeding and watering of farm animals.

o Cleaning and disinfecting the yards, and living areas of farm animals.

o Proactively examine animals to detect symptoms of illness, injury, or disease,

and check physical characteristics to ensure appropriate growth and health.

o Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and first aid.

o Groom, clip, trim animals, and/or shear coats to collect hair as needed and

appropriate.

o Herd animals to pastures for grazing or to other enclosures.

o Shift animals between grazing areas to ensure sufficient access to food, and

plant, harvest and inspect crops by hand.

o Grow and develop The Little Oak Farm Market

o Organize each market and develop a plan for what to sell, bake, craft and

purchase.

o Utilize creative thinking and crafting skills for the development of products being

sold in the market.

o Develop a price list and manage payments.

o Oversee students as they work in the market and teach job skills needed to be

successful.

o Collaborate with other departments to determine what students are available to

work in the market

o Ensure all orders are filled and delivered If needed.

• Ability to follow a planting schedule for seasonal crops, utilizing both the garden and

greenhouse.

• Ensuring all plants in specified areas are always watered and maintained

• Ability to organize and assist with 1:1 internships with students on the farm and in the

garden.

• Support the Clinical Department during Farm and Garden sessions.

• Assist the Farm Manager with any tasks as needed.

• Collaborate with other areas of campus life i.e. Clinical, Education and Residential Life to

develop and implement appropriate educational and developmental programming activities

relating to the farm and its components to support the development of Shrub Oak

students.

• Follow and implement a cohesive hands-on activities encompassing all farm programs,

including Livestock and Horticulture.

• Remain up to date and abreast of all areas in farming, animal care and student

development activities.

• Perform any and all other responsibilities as may be required and needed.

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive

listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively in a transdisciplinary environment as a means to teach

meaningful animal/nature-based curriculum that spans the disciplines here at SOIS·

• Demonstrate ability to collaborate with other professionals including clinical staff (i.e.

Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists,

Psychologists, Social Workers and Clinical Music Therapists) teaching and residential life

experts to implement appropriate tasks with students

• Desire and ability to work with our students to create a safe and comfortable learning

environment

• Thorough knowledge of animal care, gardening and farming practices

• Demonstrated ability to creatively resolve issues with a proactive problem-solving

approach

• The ability to demonstrate initiative to handle the required work

• Ability to flexibility change course to meet competing job demands and needs

• The ability to work as part of collaborative team within the department and with those

in other departments to support and empower student learning and development

• Ability to work with the team to handle challenging behaviors in a respective,

constructive manner in accordance with SOIS’ policies/protocols

• Minimum of 2 years caring for farm animals.

• Minimum of 1 year tending to plants and/or crops

• Minimum of 1 year working with children, preferably with special needs.

Work Environment

The majority of work will be in outdoor areas in all weather, including working in unheated

areas, including livestock area, garden etc. Will also work in farming classroom and food

processing area. Exposure to insects, and other agricultural pests, and to wild and domestic

predators of chicken and goats, particularly domestic and wild dogs, skunks, weasels, raccoons,

bobcats and coy-wolves.

Physical Demands

The position responsibilities are physically rigorous and performed in an outdoor environment,

requiring continuous lifting, climbing, bending, hoeing, planting, and picking. Must have the

ability to lift at least 50lbs. Will be working hands on with heavy machinery, large and small

animals, farm chemicals, manure and all other aspects of the farm. Ability to use a variety of

farming and animal care tools. Must be able to maintain a calm mental state while working with

both animals and students.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time 12 month/year position. Days and hours of work are Monday through

Thursday from 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm. Evening and weekend work

may be required, as job duties demand.

EEO Statement

Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Reasonable

accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to

perform the essentials functions of his/her job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable

accommodation

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