Agriculture Teacher in Litchfield, Connecticut at CJR

Vocational Agriculture Teacher - Job #659
Litchfield, CT 06759
Full-Time - 35 hours
Starting Salary $50,000 (see details below)
About This Position:
This position is responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of the campus farm and facilities. The employee will supervise farm activities, ensure the safe use of equipment, and support educational opportunities in animal science, crop production, and farm management. Collaboration with educators, support staff, and community partners is essential to promote experiential learning and community engagement. Additionally, the role includes assisting with emergency response, facility repairs, and community projects to maintain a safe, productive, and educational farm environment that supports the vocational agriculture program.

• Provide learning opportunities in vocational agriculture with an emphasis on:
  • Animal Science
  • Animal Care including restraints, primary & secondary healthcare, nutrition, and reproduction
  • Animal Production including poultry, beef, goats, and swine
  • Hay Production, organization and storage
  • Fence Construction & Maintenance Projects
  • Use of Agricultural Machinery & Tools
  • Facility Maintenance and Machinery Repair
  • Firewood Production
  • Maple syrup Production
  • Lawn Care and Landscaping
• Responsible for management of the farm complex, including preparing and recommending budgets, collaborating with the Director of Education on budget items, capital expenses, and grant funding
• Facilitate purchase and sale of livestock, agricultural products, and supplies
• Safely operate and maintain basic farm equipment and machinery as part of daily farm management tasks
  • Supervise students in the safe use of basic farm equipment, ensuring they operate equipment responsibly and under supervision at all times
• Support other CJR programs related to the farm on a case-by-case basis
• Represent the CJR Agricultural Programs to internal and external stakeholders
• Supervise part-time and per diem support staff
• Ensure safety of students, staff, animals, and visitors
• Oversee maintenance of on-campus and hay fields
• Manage operations of the farm, including animal care, feed production, inventory of supplies, equipment maintenance, and safety evaluations
• Responsible for snow removal of the farm complex
• Supervise the Roadside Farm Market, including staffing and operations
• Manage non-campus land areas such as fields, forests, and water resources
• Manage maintenance of farm buildings, grounds, snow removal, and emergency situations as required
• Develop, implement, and evaluate experiential learning opportunities, especially for students with special needs enrolled at CAVEC
• Collaborate with vocational and academic teachers to integrate course content and support students facing behavioral or academic challenges
• Assist in developing transition planning for students returning to public schools, workplaces, or other educational programs
• Collaborate with and provide assistance to other departments and programs within CJR, including administrative, development, and community outreach efforts.

Job Requirements & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent – Required
• Three Years of Professional Vocational Agricultural Experience - Required
• Ability to live on campus starting May/ June 2027 (free housing will be provided) – Required
• Experience using farm machinery/ equipment – Required
• CSDE Certification #098 Trade & Industrial Occupations, vocational teaching certification or willingness to obtain such is highly preferred
• Ability to work with special education and at-risk youth
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
• Communication Proficiency
• Collaboration Skills

Schedule & Rate of Pay:

• 35 hours per week
• Monday-Friday, 7:30am-2:30pm
  • This position requires as-needed/on-call availability for animal emergency response, snow removal, participation in CJR promotion events, etc.
  • On-site living will be required by July 2027, with free room and board provided starting at that time
• Starting salary is $50,000
• Salary will increase to $80,000 July 2027

Full-Time Benefits:
At CJR, we pride ourselves on creating a compassionate, culturally responsive work environment and offering a comprehensive benefits package that encourages and supports a healthy work/life balance. Joining our team, full-time employees will enjoy the following benefits:

• Free room and board as of July 2027
• Vacation follows school calendar
• 12 Sick Days to Start (Accrued Annually, Unused Time Eligible for Carry Over)
• Free daily nutritious meals
• Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
• Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
• Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
• Annual monetary incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
• Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
• 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance

About CJR:
A career at CJR is focused on working to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive! CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community-based programs. At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respects diversity, and rewards excellence!

CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity.