Children's Program Assistant in Ghent, New York at HAWTHORNE VALLEY ASSOCIATION

Temporary PBLC Children’s Program Assistant

Part-Time | $20–$23/hour | Approximately 20 hours/week | Temporary through November 20, 2026

Join the Hawthorne Valley Farm Place Based Learning Center!

Do you love working with children, spending time outdoors, and learning through hands-on experiences? The Hawthorne Valley Farm Place Based Learning Center (PBLC) is looking for a Temporary Children’s Program Assistant to join our team this fall.

This is an opportunity to work with visiting school groups and children ages 8–16 in the unique setting of a working biodynamic farm. You’ll help bring learning to life through authentic farm-based activities including animal care, gardening, cooking, dairy, crafts, horse-related activities, and barn work.

Our Children’s Programs are grounded in the principles of Waldorf Education and place-based learning, with an emphasis on connection to the land, community, responsibility, creativity, and hands-on discovery.

What You’ll Do

Working collaboratively with PBLC program managers and other staff, you will:

• Help create a warm, nurturing, and responsive environment for visiting children, teachers, chaperones, parents, and program participants.
• Implement hands-on, farm-based educational activities with children ages 8–16.
• Assist with activities such as cooking, dairy, animal care, horse-related activities, gardening, crafts, and barn cleaning.
• Help ensure that all farm-based educational activities are conducted safely.
• Maintain and care for the tools, materials, and supplies needed for programs.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in program planning and implementation.
• Support an environment of respect, honesty, trust, and positive community engagement.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working with children ages 8–16, particularly in hands-on or outdoor environments.
• Basic knowledge of animal care and gardening.
• An interest in or experience with farm-based crafts and activities.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to collaborate, receive guidance, and learn new skills.
• Flexibility, curiosity, and an open attitude toward new ideas.
• Knowledge of Waldorf Education and/or biodynamic agriculture is a plus.

You don’t need to have experience in every area listed above. A willingness to learn, work collaboratively, and engage enthusiastically with children and the farm environment is important.

About the Program

The mission of the Hawthorne Valley Farm Place Based Learning Center’s Children’s Program is to inspire, strengthen, and transform the connection between people and the living land. We provide children and adults with opportunities for place-based and artistic experiences within the context of a working biodynamic farm.

Our programs draw on the principles of Waldorf Education and foster respect for the earth, interdependence, responsibility, creativity, and social consciousness. Through meaningful experiences with the land, animals, food, and community, we encourage children to approach the world with openness, curiosity, and awareness.

Position Details

Reports to: PBLC Children’s Program Director
Employment Type: Temporary, Part-Time
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week
Start Date: Immediately
End Date: November 20, 2026
Pay: $20–$23/hour, commensurate with experience

Schedule options:

• Morning: Tuesday–Friday, 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
  OR
• Afternoon: Monday–Thursday, 2:00–7:00 PM

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including a current résumé, cover letter and references, through our online application system.

We’d love to hear from people who are excited about working with children, learning from the land, and being part of a collaborative farm-based educational community.