Join our vibrant and dedicated community at the Burgess Outdoor Education & Retreat Center, a beautiful YMCA facility nestled on over 300 acres of forested land on Cape Cod. Our property includes three freshwater ponds, two state-of-the-art high ropes courses, a low ropes teambuilding course, a climbing tower, an educational farm, recreational waterfront, hiking trails, and overnight and dining facilities. At Burgess, we strive to inspire curiosity, foster stewardship, and build community through engaging outdoor experiences for all ages.

Farm Education Coordinator Job Duties

The Farm Education Coordinator is a key leadership position designed for an individual passionate about farming, education, and outdoor experiences. This role offers an exciting opportunity to manage the farm’s educational programming as it relates to farm operations, including crop production, compost management, animal care, and staff leadership. The Farm Education Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Farm Director, Summer Camp Leadership, and Outdoor Education Director to deliver engaging educational programming for a variety of groups, from summer campers to school and retreat groups of all ages.

SPRING 2026:

Assist in the planning and organization of farm programs for school groups and outdoor education participants along with supporting farm maintenance, crop production, and program development. Along with facilitating experiential outdoor programs for overnight youth groups, emphasizing environmental education, team-building, and leadership development.

SUMMER 2026:

Serve alongside our Farm Director and summer camp Farm Specialist in our summer camp program while facilitating farm programming for summer campers, crop production, farm upkeep, and animal care. Along with training and supervision of summer farm staff.

FALL 2026:

Assist in the planning and organization of farm programs for school groups and outdoor education participants along with supporting farm maintenance, crop production, and program development. Along with facilitating experiential outdoor programs for overnight youth groups, emphasizing environmental education, team-building, and leadership development.

HOURS:

Spring & Fall: Expect long, rewarding days spent outdoors, with work hours aligned to farm, animal, and guest needs. Evening and weekend work is required. You will have two days off for every five days worked.

Summer: Long rewarding days outdoors, with work hours aligned to the farm, animals, and farm-camper needs. Evening and weekend work is required with flexibility. You will have Three days off for every two week pay period.

COMPENSATION:

We offer competitive pay starting at $110 per day, with an increase to $116 per day for those who have a lifeguard certification. Additionally, we provide comfortable staff housing, all meals while you are working, access to the kitchen, laundry facilities, and internet. Cape Cod is a fantastic place to live, and you will have access to a wide range of outdoor recreation equipment to help you enjoy it!

• Passion for working outdoors with youth, teens, and adults.

• Desire to facilitate environmental, teambuilding, and challenge course programs.

• 21+ years old with a degree in a Agrarian Sciences, Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Science, or relevant field or equivalent experience.

• Ability to work effectively as a team player in a collaborative residential setting.

• Comfort with giving and receiving constructive feedback.

• Physical ability to spend long hours outdoors, engaging in active facilitation in varying weather conditions.

PREFFERED CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Small-scale farm experience; weeding, planting, harvesting

• Greenhouse growing experience

• Experience and familiarity with crop rotation and crop rotation plans.

• Ability to pay close attention to detail and keep records of crop/garden health.

• Capable of working independently at times while meeting agreed upon goals and expectations.

• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/AED certification or willingness to obtain.