Farm Camp Junior Counselor Lead

About Our Organization

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is on a mission to transform our relationship with farming and food for a healthier planet. We are a nonprofit education and research center situated on 626 acres of farmland, forest, and coast in Freeport, Maine. Our campus consists of an organic dairy program, livestock barns, diversified fruit and vegetable production, an oceanfront campground, and miles of wooded hiking trails. As a working farm located within a unique mix of ecosystems, we offer a remarkable and inspiring place for visitors of all ages to learn and play.

Farm Camp

Farm Camp is a summer day camp program for children ages 4-16. Campers engage in hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture and the environment while taking care of livestock, tending our gardens, and exploring nearby ecosystems. Each year, we host hundreds of campers from the local community and out of state. The Farm Camp season runs from June 20 - August 25, 2023.

Role & Responsibilities

The Junior Counselor Lead position provides leadership and guidance to our participating Junior Counselors and reports directly to the Farm Camp Manager. The JC Lead works to fulfill the following duties:

• Oversight of Junior Counselors by providing leadership training to high school students & preparing for integration into Farm Camp groups.
• Work with WNC maintenance crews to create meaningful service projects for the Junior Counselors
• Staff coaching & support – offer feedback and guidance to all Farm Camp staff in regard to integrating Junior
• Counselors into their group of campers
• Work with a wide variety of people and possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills
• Program operations & logistics - lead camp-wide activities, support curriculum implementation, etc.
• Provide additional support outside of Junior Counselor duties, such as FWB2/Farm Crew coverage as needed
• Role model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship for the environment

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age
• Have at least two seasons of prior summer camp experience
• Experience working with children or youth, especially in an experiential or outdoor setting
• Experience with and/or knowledge of sustainable agriculture, farming, gardening, livestock or food systems
• Ability to work outside in a variety of environments and weather (including heat, humidity, and rain)
• Ability to manage risk, exercise judgement, prioritize, and problem solve in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to motivate and mentor youth with professionalism, positivity, and enthusiasm
• Valid driver’s license in order to operate farm vehicles, including tractor
• All new hires are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (including booster) for employment.
• Wolfe’s Neck Center follows Maine CDC guidelines for COVID-19 protocols and expects all employees to be willing to adhere to those safety measures.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, seasonal position, running from June 12 – August 25, 2023. A commitment to the entire camp & training season is required. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday 8am – 4:30pm. Documentation establishing your right to work in the United States is required along with the completion of a successful background check. Compensation includes: pay range of $16.00 - $17.50 p/hour, to be paid on a bi-weekly basis; potential for low-cost on-site housing; free rentals for bikes, kayaks, and canoes (dependent on availability); discounted oceanfront camping (dependent on availability); 25% discount in the Farm Café and Farm Store.

To Apply

For more details about our Farm Camp programs, please visit our website. Please submit an Online Application along with your cover letter and resume. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Molly Cooper, Education Programs Manager: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment does not discriminate on the basis of any protected category. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior related work experience, and references from previous employers.