Kids' Farm Volunteer Naturalist

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Kids Farm Volunteer Naturalist

Part-time, unpaid volunteer position | September - November

Our Mission

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center researches, practices, and shares ideas about how humans can benefit from the land in ways compatible with nature.

What We Offer

The Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington's Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 30 acres of mixed vegetable crops using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation farming practice.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that produces plants for habitat restoration projects, educational gardens, and urban landscapes, and conducts research on native plant propagation using sustainable growing methods.

Connect children to nature. We offer environmental education programs for children pre-K thru high school to build their comfort in the outdoors and provide them with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Position Overview

Oxbow will host over thousands of kids in the spring, summer, and fall for our seasonal Farm Adventures. Primarily pre-school and elementary-aged students visit the farm for 75-minute hands-on farm tours facilitated by farmer and volunteer instructors. Kids learn about the six plant parts, soil, compost, worms, and other basics of organic farming.

Volunteer naturalists will be responsible for leading tours with 8-12 kids around our 1-acre Kids' Farm. When no tours are scheduled, volunteers will assist the education team in a variety of farming tasks around the Kids' Farm. Only a moderate understanding of food and farms is necessary. There will be a lot of opportunity for learning from our staff.

Qualifications

* Exceptionally positive attitude

* Must enjoy working with children and adults

* Comfortable speaking in front of large groups

* Ability to take direction, ask for help when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique

* Clear, consistent communication

* Ability to: work standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling; lift heavy & awkward objects, preferably up to 50 lbs; perform physical work such as digging or planting; all in inclement weather.

* Prior experience in the area of agriculture, sustainability, food systems, education, or environmental studies preferred

* Ability to pass a background check

Responsibilities

* Lead field trip programs for students from pre-school through middle school

* Facilitate garden and farm projects with children

* Participate in farming tasks on the Kids' Farm

* Interact with participants and volunteers in a friendly and enthusiastic manner

* Maintain open communication with Oxbow staff and other volunteers

Hours

* Seasonal commitment for our Fall season of programming (mid Sept - mid November).

* Minimum of 2 farm tours per week

* Tours are at 9:30, 11:00, and 12:30 Monday -- Friday. Volunteers can stay for one, two, or three tours, but must be present at our 8:30 morning meeting to be outlined on the day's activities

* Weekly time commitment and schedule will be discussed with each applicant to meet the needs of the volunteer and Oxbow Farm

* Ability to attend the Volunteer Orientation (mid Sept!)

Benefits

* Opportunity to develop skills and experience teaching and facilitating outdoor and farming education

* Inspire the next generation to eat healthy, enjoy gardening, and value conservation

* Access to fresh, organic produce

* Work as a team with Oxbow staff in a fun and collaborative environment

* Spend time at a beautiful organic farm just outside of the city of Seattle

* This is an unpaid volunteer position

How to Apply

Applications are located at www.oxbow.org/volunteer

If interested please send or email your application to:

Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center

Attn: OxEd

10819 Carnation-Duvall Road NE

Carnation, WA 98014

volunteer@oxbow.org