Career Opportunities

Reporting to the Co-Managers of Heckscher Farm, the Farm Products Curator position is a full-time, non-exempt position working primarily Sunday-Wednesday, with winter hours (November to March) of 7 am-5pm and summer hours of 8 am-6pm (March through October) (36 hours), although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will be responsible for overseeing our Organic Vegetable Garden and Sunday Farm Market (June-October), as well as aiding in our Maple Syrup and wool production.   The Farm Products Curator will also help with daily animal care on the farm, will help to supervise volunteers, interns, and Part-time staff and will serve as on-site manager when supervisor is not present. This position will help staff our major festivals and may help with the teaching of farm-based school programs and after-schools. 

Specifically, the Farm Products Curator (Full-Time) will:

• Oversee our organic vegetable garden, including choosing plantings, propagating seeds, ordering plants, maintaining soil, harvesting, and maintaining year-round living collection in our small greenhouse
• Coordinate our Sunday Farm Market including recruiting and retaining vendors, helping to set up market programs and special events, helping with set-up and break down of the Heckscher Farm booth
• Aid in all aspects of our Maple Syrup production including tapping, sap collecting and boiling, bottling, and maintaining equipment
• Aid in daily care of farm animals, including feeding, watering, enrichment, exercising, and cleaning
• Oversee and direct volunteers, interns, and part-time staff
• Serve as on-site manager in absence of supervisor
• Help to maintain accurate records for permits and files
• Provide interpretation to the general public while on the farm;
• Staff festival weekends and aid in the teaching of farm-based school and after school programs
• Explore potential new products for Heckscher Farm
• Serve as a liaison with our Gift Shop staff to place farm products in Shop
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Minimum of two years relevant, professional related experience in agriculture or with gardens
• Minimum B.S/B.A. in agriculture, education, science or similar field
• Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Board, major donors, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
• The position requires excellent communications skills, oral and written, as well as the ability to multitask and think creatively on program development and implementation.
• Able to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.
• Interest in variety of natural history, farm, and/or physical science topics
• Interest and aptitude for a variety of farm-based teaching concepts
• Experience handling, caring for, and teaching with farm animals or a willingness to learn
• Excellent interactions with the public and ability to provide information about farm and animals in an informal setting
• Excellent Internet and research skills. Must be well-organized and detail-diligent with ability to perform your own administrative work
• Must be a great team player but also able work well independently
• Sense of humor and great rapport with the public a must

Compensation: Yearly salary commensurate with experience and consistent with the staffing of a non-profit organization; excellent full benefits package, and numerous perks including garden produce

To apply:

Please send resume, cover letter and three references to (e-mail preferred)
Victoria Jaffery, Co-Manager of Heckscher Farm
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
vjaffery@stamfordmuseum.org

Katherine Smith, Human Resources Director
ksmith@stamfordmuseum.org

Reporting to the Environmental Education Supervisor, this Environmental Educator position is contract position working to teach after school programs, birthday parties, and school programs on a mutually-agreeable schedule.  After schools can be scheduled 1-4 days per week, depending on preference.  A typical after school contract averages about 8-12 weeks each season. Birthday party and school programs dates will be scheduled as available. This position will be responsible for teaching a variety of natural history and farm-themed school and after school programs for groups, primarily aged preK-5th grade. This position may serve in some capacity with our Summer programs, depending on availability. 

Specifically, the Environmental Educator (Part-time) will:

• Teach after school programs on natural history/farm/science topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools and keep curriculum records on these programs
• Teach educational programs for predominantly preK-5^th grade students on a variety of natural history, astronomy, and farm-based topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools. 
• May serve in some capacity with our Summer programs which may include being responsible for camper health forms, parent communication, curriculum and materials 

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Minimum of one year relevant, professional related experience.
• Minimum B.S. in biology, environmental science, education or related field.
• Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Board, major donors, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
• The position requires excellent communications skills, oral and written, as well as the ability to multitask and think creatively on program development and implementation.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.
• Interest in variety of natural history, farm, and/or physical science topics
• Experience or interest in handling, caring for, and teaching with a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, and mammals
• Excellent interactions with the public and use of exhibits and components as a teaching tool
• Excellent Internet and research skills. Must be well-organized and detail-diligent with ability to perform your own administrative work     
• Must be able to work independently
• Must have own transportation   

Compensation:             

            Hourly wage commensurate with experience

To apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter and two references to:
Kendall Musgrave, Environmental Education Supervisor
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
kmusgrave@stamfordmuseum.org

Katherine Smith, Human Resources Director
ksmith@stamfordmuseum.org