Farm Program Associate

Title: Farm Program Associate 
Reports to: Farm Manager
Department: Facilities
Compensation: $25/hour

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Farm Manager, the Farm Program Associate's responsibility is to 
incorporate the farm and garden 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 
Oak's brand and beautifying its Campus. They will have full responsibility 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
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 oversee the Farm Market Program 
and aid in its development and growth. 

Essential Functions – Primary duties of the position

• As per Farm Managers' discretion, they will be expected to perform the 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: 
o Ensuring the appropriate feeding and watering of farm animals. 
o Cleaning and disinfecting the yards, and living areas of farm animals. 
o Proactively examine animals to detect symptoms of illness, injury, or disease, 
and check physical characteristics to ensure appropriate growth and health.
o Provide medical treatment, such as administering medications and first aid. 
o Groom, clip, trim animals, and/or shear coats to collect hair as needed and 
appropriate. 
o Herd animals to pastures for grazing or to other enclosures. 
o Shift animals between grazing areas to ensure sufficient access to food, and 
plant, harvest and inspect crops by hand. 
o Grow and develop The Little Oak Farm Market
o Organize each market and develop a plan for what to sell, bake, craft and 
purchase.
o Utilize creative thinking and crafting skills for the development of products being 
sold in the market.
o Develop a price list and manage payments.
o Oversee students as they work in the market and teach job skills needed to be 
successful. 
o Collaborate with other departments to determine what students are available to 
work in the market
o Ensure all orders are filled and delivered If needed.

• 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.

• Support the Clinical Department during Farm and Garden sessions.

• Assist the Farm Manager with any tasks as needed.

• 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.

• Minimum of 1 year tending to plants and/or crops

• Minimum of 1 year working with children, preferably with special needs.

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 of work are Monday through 
Thursday from 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm. Evening and weekend work 
may be required, as job duties demand. 

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