Posted: 11/11/24

Closes: 2/15/25

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Job Title: Lead Teacher – Farm and Forest Educational Programs (Ages 3-13)

Location: Plucky Palomino Petting Zoo, Tollgate Farm Park, North Bend, WA

About Us:

Plucky Palomino Petting Zoo is part of the larger, historical Tollgate Farm Park in North Bend, WA. We are both a working farm and an educational hub, offering hands-on learning experiences for children and adults alike. Our on- and off-farm programming provides opportunities to explore sustainable agriculture, food production, and farm animal care. As we grow, we’re excited to expand our educational offerings with more structured classes and programs that foster a deeper understanding of farm life, ecology, and environmental stewardship.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced, creative, and self-driven Lead Teacher to develop and lead outdoor educational programs for children ages 3-13. This unique role is based on our public park farm, which includes a small animal farm, teaching garden, public forest and meadow trails, playground, farmhouse kitchen, and various natural spaces. Our programs focus on farm and forest themes, combining hands-on learning with nature exploration.

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The Lead Teacher will create, coordinate, and lead a variety of engaging and educational programs, including short weekly sessions and seasonal camps (summer and weekends). Topics range from animal biology and care, agriculture, and wildlife, to cooking, arts and crafts, and early childhood sensory experiences. Working closely with our Lead Farmer, the Lead Teacher will facilitate a safe, experiential environment where children can explore, learn, and play in the outdoors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Development & Delivery: Design and implement engaging, age-appropriate curriculum for kids aged 2-10, covering topics such as animal care, food and fiber production, gardening, wildlife, and forest ecology.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Lead and mentor assistant teachers, providing guidance and support in day-to-day program activities.

• Hands-on Activities: Organize and lead hands-on learning experiences, including cooking in the farmhouse kitchen, arts and crafts, sensory/tactile activities, and interactive lessons with animals and plants.

• Materials Management: Plan and procure materials and resources for lessons, projects, and activities; manage budget and maintain supplies.

• Safety & Risk Management: Ensure safe and positive experiences for all children, maintaining a close partnership with the Lead Farmer and other staff to facilitate safe interactions with animals and nature.

• Family Engagement: Build rapport with program participants and their families, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

• Program Growth & Improvement: Continuously assess and refine the program, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to keep activities imaginative, educational, and relevant.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, Biology, or a related field; significant experience teaching young children in outdoor settings. Ambitious, focused students and Individuals with significant job and life experience are encouraged to apply. 

• Knowledge & Skills: Familiarity with outdoor, farm-based, and/or forest-based educational techniques; understanding of child development and age-appropriate practices.

• Leadership Ability: Proven experience leading a team or group in an educational setting.

• Creativity & Initiative: Enthusiastic, imaginative, and self-directed, with a passion for developing and enhancing children’s learning experiences.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and team members.

• Provision of All-Weather Workwear: Ability to provision oneself with appropriate farm boots, rain gear, gloves, etc

• Requirements:

  • Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license

  • Current CPR and First Aid certification

  • Ability to pass a background check

Compensation: $20-$25 per hour, based on experience.

Working Conditions:

• Outdoor Environment: Majority of work will take place outdoors in all seasons, so comfort with a range of weather conditions is required.

• Physical Activity: Ability to move actively throughout the day, lift light to moderate materials (up to 25 lbs.), and maintain safety protocols in outdoor, animal, and garden areas.

Schedule: Regular weekday hours for ongoing programs, with flexibility for weekend and summer camp sessions as needed. 8-30 hours/week.