Seasonal Assistant Education Manager
Seasonal Assistant Education Manager
The Farm Institute, the Islands
Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Who We Are:
Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.
Posting Information:
Hourly Rate: $20.00-$22.00/hour
Rates are determined based on relevant experience.
Hours per week:
May 4– May 15, 20 hours/week, Monday-Friday mornings
May 18– September 18: 40 hours/week, Mondays–Fridays, 8AM-4PM
Job Classification: Non-exempt, Seasonal
Job Type: On-site
Duration: May 4 – September 18, 2026
Location: Edgartown, MA
What You’ll Do:
Your Impact:
As a Seasonal Assistant Education Manager and Assistant Camp Director, you and your team will help school and summer camp youth connect to the rhythms and realities of life on a working farm, learn about nutrition and cooking, grow and tend in our friendship garden, and be independent, engaged learners.
Spring and fall field trips to The Farm Institute immerse K-12 students in curriculum-connected farm activities.
The Farm Institute’s Farm Camp creates a safe, accessible, fun, inclusive, and enriching educational environments for all campers ages 4-13 to engage in authentic farm activities. Through daily barnyard and garden chores, projects, and games, our campers make real-life connections that strengthen their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us.
The Role:
As the Assistant Education Manager, you will provide leadership in all matters pertaining to camp and serve as the acting Camp Director as needed. Prior to camp, you will facilitate school field trips and work with year-round staff to prepare materials and spaces for camp training and the season. You will be proficient in environmental and farm-based educational activities, well versed in creating a camp culture, and be knowledgeable about child development and behavior management.
Specifically, you’ll:
Assist in developing effective farm- and place-based curriculum for all ages and topics related to The Farm Institute’s educational mission
Assist the Education Manager/TFI Camp Director in planning educational activities, programs, and logistics to ensure a high level of youth engagement and learning at TFI’s summer camp
Assist in scheduling, planning, and teaching K-12 school field trips and group visits
Assist with other TFI operations and events on an as needed basis, including set up and break down at events
For camp:
Assist Camp Director in managing daily camp administration, including compiling rosters and reports; attending weekly staff meetings; and coordinating group schedules.
Communicate with camper parents/guardians regarding camp questions and camper information, in coordination with the Camp Director.
Assist and mentor Camp Educators during their training weeks (June 8-18) and throughout the camp season.
Support Camp Educators with curriculum development and ensure that planned lessons are being used effectively.
Provide leadership in the development of camp culture and safeguard the well-being of all staff members.
In coordination with the Camp Director and Camp Behavior Specialist, act as a primary contact for camper health and safety issues, and all camp-related activities that require direction and/or assistance.
Lead the Counselor in Training (CIT) program, including but not limited to conducting orientation, directing, and evaluating CITs
Act as a Health Care Supervisor, along with the Camp Director, by coordinating and overseeing first aid and camper medications as necessary.
Manage parent communications, registrations, and surveys
Produce and manage camper paperwork and files
This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 40 hours/week and reporting to Islands Education Manager/Camp Director.
What You’ll Need:
Skills and Experience:
Obtained or working towards Bachelor's degree within a focus area of Environmental Science, Early Childhood Education, Education, Sustainable Agriculture, or similar
Knowledge of sustainable agriculture, natural history, or food systems
Experience working with children in an educational or outdoor setting required
Staff management experience
Excellent organization and communication skills with the creativity and experience to execute programs
Ability to manage large groups in a positive and efficient manner
Ability to work without direct supervision and with a collaborative team
A great attitude about working outdoors with children in all summer weather conditions
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum age 21 years old
Full-time availability for camp staff training weeks (June 8-18) and all weeks of camp (June 22–August 21), Mondays–Fridays, 8AM-4PM; part-time availability May 5-15 for field trips and camp preparations; extra work hours are required for Meals in the Meadow, TFI’s annual farm to table fundraiser on a Saturday
Reliable transportation to the farm every day
Required certifications, provided if needed:
ACA Camp Director certification course
CPR and Basic First Aid
Proof of physical exam within 18 months and required immunizations, as mandated by Massachusetts Camp Regulations
Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment
A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy
A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check
Commitment to Our Farm Institute Camp Staff
We pledge to create a workplace that fosters staff development and supports the mental, emotional, and social health of our camp staff. We strive to provide training that will help staff fully prepare to care for campers and keep them safe, as well as to deliver quality educational experiences throughout the season. We will consistently recognize the incredible work of our staff, and ensure that they feel seen, heard, and fully supported in this special work.
Transferable Skills Gained Working at Camp:
Skills and training in environmental education, outdoor recreation, health and safety, and childhood development; communication; collaboration; critical thinking & problem solving; leadership; empathy; resiliency; work ethic.
Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.
Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org.
Your Benefits:
Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity:
The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.
The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.