Applications are being accepted for Farm Instructional Guide at Bowers School Farm.
OVERVIEW: Bowers School Farm was purchased in the mid-1960s by Bloomfield Hills Schools to be used as a land laboratory. It is housed on 90 acres within Bloomfield Hills. Offering field trips, camps, and community events, the farm provides authentic place-based learning experiences. The farm is home to a number of community organizations and the Bowers High School Academy.
REPORTS TO: Education Specialist; Bowers School Farm
PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Farm Guide will contribute to increasing visitors’ awareness of agriculture, local food systems, and their surrounding natural environment and cultural heritage. The Guide will foster the appreciation, enjoyment, and sustainable use of our Michigan natural and cultural resources through education with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position includes providing instructional support to educators in Bloomfield Hills Schools and the surrounding communities, connecting the outdoors to the classroom, in addition to contributing to community development through educational programs and community events.
The Farm Guide will be scheduled to support educational programs and community events on an as-needed basis with advance notice provided. This is an hourly, on-call position with hours that vary by the season, which may include weekend and evening work.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work alongside staff to plan, lead, and provide educational programs and community events for diverse learners and visitors
Attend and actively engage in required professional development and meetings
Be responsible for implementing risk management plans to maintain the safety of students and visitors, including recognizing and reporting hazards in the outdoor setting as well as physical symptoms of participant injury and illness
Organize, assemble, and be responsible for the materials and supplies needed for programs and community events
Collaborate with and support volunteers
Communicate effectively with teachers, the public, and staff
Care for plants, animals, and site on an as-needed basis
Supports and participates in other Bloomfield Hills Schools functions as appropriate or as needed by leadership and administrative staff
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience, knowledge and/or interest in the following areas is required: animal science, agriculture, wildlife, gardening, science & nature knowledge, environmental education, conservation, and outdoor interpretation
Experience and knowledge of instructional methods for the outdoor environment is desired
Must be comfortable working and interacting with children, youth, and adults
Commitment to student learning, personal growth, professional development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion is required
Must have the creativity, flexibility, and understanding required to work with a variety of people in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment
Must be committed to the mission and purpose of Bloomfield Hills Schools and Bowers School Farm
Strong, effective organization and communication skills, both written and verbal, are highly desired
Clear communication skills and an orientation toward customer satisfaction.
Proficiency in computer operation skills (e.g. Google suite, Excel, PowerPoint, Qualtrics, etc.) is required
Currently hold child and adult CPR/first aid or willingness to become certified
Transportation is the responsibility of the employee
Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures
Utility vehicle and tractor driving training is required for this position and will be included in the training
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (i.e. animal care, traversing uneven terrain and stairs, lifting up to 25-30 lbs, and occasionally up to 50 lbs.)
STATUS: Position is currently available.
METHOD OF APPLICATION: All applicants who want to be considered for this position must create an account and submit an application through the Oakland Human Resources Consortium
It is the policy of the Bloomfield Hills Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other reason prohibited by applicable laws, in its programs, services, activities, or employment practices. Inquiries related to discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Section 504 Coordinator: Director of Special Education, 7273 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, (248) 341-5415. Direct all other inquiries related to discrimination to: Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations, 7273 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, (248) 341-5425.