Seasonal Assistant Education Manager

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:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $20/hour 

Hours per week: 40,

• May 5 – June 6, 20 hours/week, Monday-Friday mornings 
• June 9 – August 29: 40 hours/week, Mondays–Fridays, 8AM-4PM

Job Classification: Non-exempt, Seasonal 

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: May 5–Aug 29, 2025

Location: Edgartown, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

As a Seasonal Assistant Education Manager, 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.  

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 work with year-round staff to prepare materials and spaces for training weeks and the camp season and lead training activities for staff. 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/Camp Director in planning educational activities, programs, and logistics to ensure a high level of youth engagement and learning during TFI’s summer camp (June–August) 

• 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 with camp preparations, set up, organization, and break down 

• Support Camp Educators (Counselors) with curriculum development and ensure that planned lessons are being used effectively  

• 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  

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum age 21 years old  
• Full availability for camp staff training weeks (June 9-20) and all weeks of camp (June 23–August 22), Mondays–Fridays, 8 AM-4 PM; 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 

• Ability to lift 40 pounds  

• 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 [if needed] 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check  

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.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: Mass Sick Leave Accrual 

• Trustees Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores, cafes, and on stays at our inns.  

• Museum Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admissions and memberships to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

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.