Farm Educator,

FARM EDUCATOR
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 15 – August 15, 2026 

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization,
has provided free life-changing outdoor experiences to more than 1.8 million children from
underserved communities in New York City. Young people also participate in year-round
leadership. Career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit
The Fresh Air Fund also owns and operates the Sharpe Reservation which houses five of the six
Fresh Air Camps, the Sharpe Reservation Environmental Center which serves over 18,000
visitors each year. The Fresh Aid Fund also operates Camp Junior, a camp for young people
from the Bronx in Harriman State Park.
Position Summary:
The Farmer Educator is responsible for planning and leading farm-based classes, including
meeting farm animals, touring the model garden, and facilitating activities in the nutrition
house. Farmer Educators also support daily garden maintenance and animal care. The ideal
candidate is curious, hardworking, passionate about the outdoors, and has prior experience
with farm animals or gardening.
This is a seasonal, residential position based at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY. The role is
fully in person and reports to the Farm Director.
Responsibilities:

1. Plan and implement lessons for the Farm and/or Nutrition programs.
2. Teach six class sessions each day on topics such as basic animal care, the farm food chain, composting, and organic gardening.
3. Participate in the compost program after daily farm classes.
4. Perform daily chores, including morning and evening feedings, cleaning, milking, and other tasks that may require heavy lifting.
5. Support garden upkeep, including weeding, planting, and harvesting.
6. Handle daily compost pick-ups from dining halls and assist with the morning breakfast program.
7. Maintain general cleanliness of all farm facilities.
8. Ensure the health and well-being of domestic livestock and the ongoing care of the gardens.
9. Educate campers about the compost program, encourage participation, and help manage the compost pile.
10. Ensure camper safety in all program areas.
11. Collaborate with fellow staff, contributing skills and ideas to enhance the farm program.
12. Participate fully in all assigned camp activities.
13. Prioritize camper needs and make decisions in their best interest.
14. Handle stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
15. Explain and enforce camp policies, rules, and traditions.
16. Serve as a positive role model, investing time with campers to support growth and learning.
17. Properly use and care for camp equipment and facilities.
18. Understand and follow all emergency procedures.
19. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
2. One year of college with coursework in animal science, biology, botany, or relate environmental sciences preferred.
3. Minimum one year of experience working with children; a passion for youth development is required.
4. Prior teaching experience and basic agricultural knowledge.
5. Willingness to work with livestock.
6. Current driver's license preferred.
7. Willing and able to work and live outdoors for the summer.
8. Emotionally mature, cooperative, and able to maintain a positive attitude.
9. Flexible and comfortable taking on new challenges and stepping outside one's comfory zone.
10. Physical ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear.
11. Ability to regularly lift and move items weighing 20+ pounds.
12. Comfortable working in wet, humid, and hot outdoor conditions.
13. Available for the full duration of the summer program.

By the end of the summer, Farmer Educators will gain:

Employment period: Begin June 15th, 2026, and ends August 15th, 2026
Compensation: $2800
Application Instructions
To apply, please complete a Farm Staff Application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and
encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring,
and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all
identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.