Seasonal Lead Environmental Educator; Appleton

Seasonal Lead Environmental Educator (Appleton)

Join to apply for the Seasonal Lead Environmental Educator (Appleton) role at The Trustees of Reservations

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,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Hourly Rate: $18.00-$20.00/hour (Rates are determined based on relevant experience.)
• Hours per week: 40, Mondays‑Fridays, 8AM‑4PM (Part‑time hours May 11‑June
  5)
• Job Classification:
  Seasonal, Non‑Exempt
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration:
  May 11‑August 21, 2026
• Location:
  
  Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

As the Lead Environmental Educator, you will bring your expertise and passion for environmental education to work with Camp Educators and campers on a curriculum that leverages the deep resources of the Farm's education department to support campers in learning about essential agricultural activities and practices.

With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an educational barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farm Camp offers a uniquely immersive summer experience. Campers are introduced to Appleton's historic working farm and expansive landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities. Our program for ninety campers ages 4‑14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees' expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration.

As the Lead Environmental Educator, you will coordinate daily routines, weekly themes, and periodic workshops for all staff that include educational activities and chores in the barnyard and education garden; exploring this historic property and its many wild habitats; learning about food production, sustainability, and ecology; art and craft making; and free play. We offer two weeks of collaborative paid training to prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.

Prior to camp, you will work part‑time with year‑round staff May 11‑June 5 to prepare materials and spaces for staff training and the camp season, and assist leading training activities for staff.

• With support from senior staff and using farm resources, design camp curriculum and lead daily activities based on farming, food, sustainability, and the natural world.
• Support camp educators/counselors with activity development and group management assistance.
• Provide floating support to camper groups and senior staff as needed.
• Provide leadership in uses of the Learning Garden and Education Barnyard.
• Provide leadership in developing outdoor culinary activities for campers.
• Partner with Assistant Camp Directors to mentor counselors in developing daily and weekly schedules.
• Inventory supplies and prepare supply orders.
• Communicate with camper parents regarding camp questions and basic camper information.
• Perform daily camp staff schedule reviews to organize and prepare for each day.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance.

• Demonstrated skills in environmental education and curriculum development a must.
• Knowledge of or interest in farm‑based education, food, and sustainability.
• A bachelor's degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred.
• A special interest in outdoor education, especially in a farm‑based setting, and a great…