Job Information
Shrub Oak International School Farm Program Associate in Mohegan Lake, New York
We are a private day and boarding school in northern Westchester County, serving the needs of an international coed population of children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Connect to a career, where passion & purpose combine...
If you’re passionate about working with and mentoring students on the Autism Spectrum --- Come join our team!
What are we looking for?
Under the direction of the Director of Agriculture, the Farm Program Associate responsibility is to incorporate the farm 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 Oak’s integration into and support of the community, while promoting Shrub Oak’s brand and beautifying its Campus. They will assist 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 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 Oak’s student population. Additionally, the Farm Program Associate will remain connected to those in the field to ensure a best in class function.
Essential Functions – Primary duties of the position
As per Head of Agricultures discretion, they will be expected to perform all required animal husbandry for Shrub Oak’s farm animals which may include but not be limited to, Sheep, Goats, Donkeys and Chickens, which includes but is not limited to:
Ensuring the appropriate feeding and watering of farm animals.
Cleaning and disinfecting the yards, and living areas of farm animals.
Proactively examine animals to detect symptoms of illness, injury, or disease, and check physical characteristics to ensure appropriate growth and health.
Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and vaccinations;
Groom, clip, trim animals, and/or shear coats to collect hair as needed and appropriate.
Herd animals to pastures for grazing or to other enclosures.
Shift animals between grazing areas to ensure sufficient access to food, and plant, harvest and inspect crops by hand.
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.
Supervise and Support the Clinical Department during Farm and Garden sessions.
Assist the Farm Education Leader with classes on an as need basis.
Liaison for offsite therapeutic riding programs.
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 and 1 year tending to plants and/or crops
Minimum of 1 year working with children, preferably with special needs.
Supervisory Responsibility –Independent Contributor
Budget responsibility (If yes, please state amount) TBD
What are the nature and scope of independent decisions made in this position?
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: Sunday through Thursday 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required, as job duties demand.
Travel (if yes, percentage of travel time required)
Other unique responsibilities or conditions not previously listed i.e. bilingual, driver’s license, etc.
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.
Shrub Oak International School maintains a smoke-free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees and community. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors, outdoors, and during off-campus activities, with enforcement measures in place including smoke/vape detectors. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary action disciplinary action including termination.
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