South Shore Educator – Hingham
Summary of Position:
Under the supervision of the South Shore Engagement Manager, the South Shore Educator supports the conservation and engagement mission of The Trustees. The South Shore Educator develops and implements educational and public programming with a focus on getting children outdoors. Leveraging the unique agricultural, cultural, and natural resources of Weir River Farm, World’s End and other South Shore Trustees properties, s/he will engage and inspire audiences to get outdoors, understand their connection to the land and food, deepen their appreciation of place, and foster a stewardship ethic.
The South Shore Educator will plan and execute year-round programming targeted to children, families, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts. Programming will include educational activities such as summer camp and school field trips, afterschool and homeschool programs, partnerships with local organizations, engagement programming such as family drop in farm programs and chaperone/child preschool programs at World’s End and Weir River Farm, and special events such as festivals and other seasonal celebrations. These programs will be designed to engage people in the appreciation and celebration of the agricultural, ecological, and cultural resources of Trustees South Shore properties. The educator will help grow the South Shore Trustees properties program participation and on-site interpretation to reach more than 10,000 kids over the next five years.
Essential Functions:
Develop and deliver quality programming in line with Momentum (The Trustees 2023 Strategic Plan) goals of getting the next generation outside, investing in farms as learning platforms, and responding to a changing coast through coastal education.
Plan, market, and execute over 100 nature-based and farm-based education programs for children and families at World’s End, Weir River Farm, and other Trustees South Shore properties. Manage content development, logistics, and safety while providing an excellent learning experience for families, children, and adults, reaching at least 2500 participants annually.
Plan, execute, and evaluate World’s End Field School and Weir River Farm Field School curriculum-based field trip programs engaging over 30 local schools (close to 1,000 children) annually.
Assist in planning and implementing Weir River Farm’s festivals, managing food vendor contracts and Board of Health permitting, recruiting and managing volunteers to support the event, plan all activities, games, and logistics related to the event including gate revenue, parking, and safety.
Assist in the planning and implementation of large events at World’s End, such as the Summer Solstice. Manage band and vendor contracts, Board of Health and Town permitting, community relations, recruitment of volunteers, management of event staff, and all other event logistics such as parking, registration and admission, and safety.
Assist in the planning and lead in the execution of new programs at Worlds End, including educational programs, field trips, and large special events.
Support all other major farm events such as Friday farm dinners, seasonal celebrations, concerts, and more.
Train and manage a team of program volunteers including recruitment, training, recognition.
Market and publicize all programs and events in cooperation with The Trustees education department and marketing team.
Manage program registration and data collection for over 100 programs. Meet deadlines of all financial reporting per Finance Department policies.
Lead the development of new interpretive materials and hands-on activities across the south shore properties such as signage, brochures, and children’s displays.
Represent The Trustees in a variety of forums.
Other duties as required.
The Educator will collaborate with other staff to coordinate programs with on-going property activity to support our long-term property management, resource preservation, membership and fund-raising goals. The Educator will function as a collaborative member of The Trustees’ statewide network of educators and interpreters, helping to develop and grow an organization-wide education program.
Qualifications
The Educator must have:
A bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, or other relevant course of study.
Experience planning and facilitating large special events, including managing vendor relationships, partnerships, and volunteer support.
Farm experience desired including working with animals, vegetable crop production, and a basic understanding of a working livestock farm.
Experience developing and conducting site-based interpretive, educational or recreational programs in a non-profit, public, or private organization.
Experience developing experiential, inquiry-driven curriculum that draws on the unique identity with place and organizational mission and that meets Massachusetts Curriculum Framework standards.
Proven leadership and management skills, an ability to lead, inspire, motivate and work cooperatively and harmoniously with fellow employees, volunteers, committees, members and the public.
Proven ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
A strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees of Reservations.
The position requires a significant amount of outdoor work in variable weather and occasional work with a variety of farm animals. Experience with farm-based educational programming is highly desirable.
Experience as a lifeguard, swim instructor and/or kayak guide is desirable.
Certifications:
The applicant should possess an active certificate or be willing to acquire American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certificate. Additional safety and/or watersport certifications may be required, training for which will be provided.
Other:
Valid driver’s license required for driving Trustees vehicles.
Pass of the CORI and SORI check required.
Flexibility to work nights and weekends is required; access to a motor vehicle is necessary.
Organizational Relationships/Scope:
The Educator reports to the South Shore Engagement Manager and may help manage seasonal positions. The Educator will work closely with all Trustees South Shore property staff and the statewide Program Director.
Working Conditions:
Musts be willing to work outside during all weather conditions.
Must pass CORI/SORI check
Ability to lift 40 lbs.
Please note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
Hours, Salary & Schedule:
This is a full-time, year-round position averaging 40 hours per week, including Saturdays during peak season, weekends, evenings, and holidays, to be scheduled to accommodate seasonal programs and events. This salaried position includes benefits.
About the Organization:
The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Found in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 26,000+ acres on 117 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 60,000 member households. In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.