Farm Instructional Guide

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Farm Guide will increase 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, and 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. This is an hourly, on-call position with hours that vary by the season, including 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 are required: agriculture, animal science, wildlife, gardening, science & nature knowledge, environmental education, conservation, and outdoor interpretation
• Must be comfortable working and interacting with children, youth, and adults
• Must be committed to student learning, personal growth, professional development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion
• 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 Johnson Nature Center
• Must be proficient in computer operation skills (e.g. Google suite, Excel, PowerPoint, Qualtrics, etc.)
• Experience and knowledge of instructional methods for the outdoor environment are desired
• Strong, effective organization and communication skills, both written and verbal, are desired with an orientation toward customer satisfaction
• 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 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.

COMPENSATION BENEFITS:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: All applicants who want to be considered for this position must submit an application at: www.oakland.k12.mi.us/OHRC

It is the policy of the Bloomfield Hills Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, 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.