Farm Program Associate

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 Associates 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 Oaks integration into and support of the community while promoting Shrub Oak
Oaks 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 Oaks 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 Oaks 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