Farm Educator – Prairie Crossing Learning Farm

The Prairie Crossing Learning Farm in Grayslake, Illinois, seeks a Farm Educator who will teach and inspire children and adults about sustainable farming through hands-on learning experiences. The Learning Farm offers farm-based education programs to two on-site schools and to families in the Prairie Crossing community and beyond. The successful candidate will bring energy and innovative ideas to build on the success and growth of the Learning Farm’s programming and reputation.

The Learning Farm’s mission is to inspire young people and adults to understand the importance of healthy food, land, and community through experiential education and work on an organic farm. Our existing programs serve the K-8 Prairie Crossing Charter School and the Montessori School of Lake Forest’s Adolescent Program (ages 12-15). In addition, we conduct a summer Children’s Farm Camp, an after-school “Great Pumpkin Gang” club, a spring Organic Plant Sale, an annual Harvest Festival, and a volunteer program that engages children and adults in collecting and washing organic eggs from our 250 laying hens.

Facilities include 3 acres of land, a henhouse, hoop house, transplant greenhouse, children’s garden, and 40 garden plots rented out by the season. A new Montessori School meeting facility, with a kitchen and produce wash area, will be shared by the Learning Farm and is expected to start construction in 2008.

The Prairie Crossing Farm is at the center of the Prairie Crossing community, which is known for its protected open lands, native landscaping, green buildings, strong sense of community, and 90-acre certified organic farm. The farm is home to several enterprises, including the 3-acre Learning Farm, a successful commercial organic vegetable and flower farm, and an incubator program for beginning farmers.

Prairie Crossing is at the forefront of efforts to build up local and organic farming. The Liberty Prairie Conservancy, a local land trust that preserves farmland, is headquartered at the farm. The Prairie Crossing Institute offers programs and workshops to serve farmers, communities and developers who want practical guidance in combining residential development and farms. The Learning Farm is a program of the Prairie Crossing Institute, a 501 (c) (3) organization.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience will be offered. The position will be filled as soon as the right candidate is identified.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or academic certificate in a relevant field
• At least one year of experience in organic farming and gardening
• At least one year of experience in developing curriculum and teaching in an informal education setting
• Strong organizational, communication, and inter-personal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred
• Ability to fundraise

Key responsibilities:
• Teach farm-based classes for students in two local schools, and oversee the Children’s Farm Camp, Great Pumpkin Gang, and volunteer groups
• Working with teachers, develop farm-based education curriculum and activities for experiential, constructivist learning. Inspire teachers to link farm experiences with their students’ classroom studies and to participate in the farm.
• Lead selected farm tours and field trips for youth and adults
• Share information and successes through conference presentations and written articles in relevant publications
• Coordinate with the Farm Manager to ensure that the Learning Farm land and facilities are safe, beautiful and prepared for educational activities
• Hire and supervise part time program assistants and volunteers
• Perform administrative tasks directly related to the above

To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume and two references to Linda Wiens, Prairie Crossing Institute Director, lwiens@prairiecrossing.com.