Postgraduate Education Fellow

Job Description

Job Description

** The application deadline has passed. You can still apply, but we will prioritize applications submitted before the deadline..**

Position Title:  Postgraduate Education Fellow       

Supervisor: Director of Farm Based Youth Programs & Early Ed Program

Employment period: January - November

Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm (hours may vary, see below)

Pay: $1,360 paid biweekly (equivalent of $35,360/year) + shared, on-site housing (optional)

Location: In-person at Shelburne Farms

Application Deadline: 9/28/26

Who We Are

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We believe that transformative learning experiences sow the seeds for a thriving and more just world. Our work seeks to create the space, spark the conversations, and share the stories to inspire educators, students, and learners of all ages to build a better future for everyone.

We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.

Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity & InclusionShelburne Farms recognizes that justice, equity, and access are central to sustainability. We are committed to translating these values into action across the organization by improving equitable outcomes in our culture, programs, and services.  Shelburne Farms is working to create experiences of belonging for all, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and people of all economic realities.
Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking postgraduate-level individuals interested in learning from and working alongside our farm-based education programs and staff.  The fellows have the opportunity to live onsite and are immersed in the daily rhythms of the farm and the cycle of the seasons.  

A majority of the fellow’s time will be spent with our school programs, summer day camp and Children’s Farmyard with additional time spent among our early childhood programs; family and public programs.  Our school programs work primarily with elementary age youth in onsite field trips and community outreach. Our summer camps focus on hosting youth for outdoor, farm-based, day-camp experiences.  The Children’s Farmyard is open to the public and provides school, camp, and youth group visits from May through October where visitors explore their connection to farm animals to understand where our food and fiber originates.  Early childhood programs are full and half-day programs for preschool and early elementary-aged children.  Our family and public programs happen mainly in the evenings and on the weekends with a variety of programs and special events offered throughout the summer.

Mentorship will be provided by education staff members; shared resources; and through independent reflection. Shelburne Farms is committed to fostering a culturally aware learning community that is open to multiple perspectives. 

Fellowships for the 2027 year will be from mid-January to November 19, 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in an orientation to Shelburne Farms and to the fellow role.

• Participate in farmyard and summer camp training sessions (possibly including tractor driving training).

• Meet with the supervisor to create professional goals and a personalized learning plan.

• Check in regularly with mentors and periodically with supervisor to discuss performance, professional goals, and learning plan.

• Observe, team teach, and teach activities for Shelburne Farms school programs, camp, children’s farmyard, and family and public programs (seasonally specific).

• Participate in daily program set-up and debrief meetings with the education team.

• Support and/or teach family programs and public events on occasional weekends.

• Participate in and/or provide support for seasonal special events.

• Attend planning meetings for programs and spend time preparing lessons and materials.

• Work on education support projects on non-teaching days.

• Participate in professional learning opportunities (when available) and staff meetings.

• Communicate effectively with coworkers to create a respectful and communicative work environment.

• Receive and incorporate constructive feedback from supervisor and mentors into teaching practice.

• Practice reflection on teaching skills, learning, and daily work and incorporate new learning for continued professional growth.

• Support a continuous effort to foster a culturally responsive learning community, respectful and inclusive of multiple perspectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• College graduate

• Interest and/or prior experience with education, sustainability, or farm-based education.

• Curiosity and willingness to learn about education practices and programs; communicating with a variety of audiences; farming practices; food systems; animal care; and more.

• Prior work experience with camps or education programs.

• Positive and flexible attitude with co-workers and visitors.

• Solution-oriented mindset when faced with challenges.

• Demonstrate initiative and display motivation in work and to seek out learning opportunities.

• Ability to follow directions in assigned tasks and work independently.

• Communicative with an interest in engaging with people of different ages and backgrounds.

• Openness to receive supportive praise and constructive feedback and make adjustments with a growth mindset.

Requirements