Position Summary The SAE Agricultural Specialist is responsible for planning and facilitating agricultural programming for SAE participants while overseeing Ramapo's gardens, greenhouse, corral, and related agricultural projects. This position combines hands-on agriculture and animal care with direct work with SAE participants. The Agricultural Specialist serves as a job coach, using agricultural activities to help participants develop vocational, social, and independent living skills. Essential Responsibilities Agricultural Program Management Manage and maintain Ramapo's gardens, greenhouse, maple sugaring project, and other agricultural initiatives throughout the year. Oversee the care and well-being of corral animals, including chickens, goats, and sheep. Develop weekly plans outlining agricultural projects and participant activities, including alternative activities for inclement weather. Ensure that gardens, the greenhouse, sheds, gazebo, corral, equipment, and agricultural workspaces are clean, safe, organized, and well maintained. Obtain necessary supplies and materials for the agriculture program and ensure that equipment and materials are properly maintained, used, and stored. Coordinate with kitchen staff on harvesting, farm-to-table initiatives, and Ramapo's composting program. Apply appropriate practices related to organic farming, sustainability, biodiversity, maple sugaring, farm animal care, and environmental stewardship. Participant Support and Job Coaching Serve as a job coach for SAE participants by structuring agricultural tasks that teach and reinforce vocational, social, and independent living skills. Provide clear instruction, modeling, coaching, and feedback to participants while completing agricultural activities. Supervise participants during scheduled programming and support adherence to program expectations. Maintain required documentation related to participant vocational skills, needs, successes, and areas for continued growth. Support Direct Support Professionals and other SAE staff in implementing scheduled programming through modeling, coaching, and collaboration. Planning and Administration Develop and submit an annual agriculture program plan to the Assistant Director outlining program goals, action steps, anticipated resource needs, and estimated costs. Monitor agricultural program needs and communicate supply, maintenance, safety, or resource concerns to the appropriate supervisor. Collaborate with SAE staff and other Ramapo departments to support participant programming and broader campus initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned based on program and organizational needs. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have formal direct reports. However, the SAE Agricultural Specialist provides functional supervision and direction during agricultural programming.

Responsibilities include:

Providing instruction, modeling, coaching, and guidance to Direct Support Professionals and other staff supporting agricultural activities. Directing staff and participants in the safe and effective completion of scheduled agricultural tasks and activities. Providing guidance regarding program expectations, agricultural procedures, animal care, and the proper use of tools, equipment, and materials. Coordinating with SAE staff to ensure adequate support and supervision of participants during agricultural programming. Communicating participant, staffing, safety, or program concerns to the Assistant Director or other appropriate supervisor. Qualifications At least one year of professional or personal experience in horticulture, gardening, farming, or a related area. Experience independently managing and maintaining a garden. At least one year of experience caring for farm animals. Experience working with individuals with disabilities or neurodiverse populations preferred; experience in a school, camp, residential, vocational, or similar setting is a plus. Ability to teach and model tasks clearly and provide supportive, constructive feedback. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively as part of a team. Strong organizational skills and ability to plan activities, maintain documentation, and manage supplies and equipment. . Valid driver's license preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of horticulture, gardening, sustainable agriculture, and basic farm animal care. Ability to plan and facilitate agricultural activities that support vocational, social, and independent living skills. Ability to effectively coach, supervise, and support neurodiverse young adults. Strong communication, organization, documentation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to safely use and maintain agricultural tools, equipment, supplies, and workspaces. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff and other departments. Physical & Work Environment This position requires regular outdoor and hands-on agricultural work. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including working outdoors in varying weather conditions; standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching for extended periods; handling gardening tools and agricultural equipment; working safely around farm animals; and lifting and carrying materials associated with gardening, animal care, and agricultural programming.

Pay:

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 9.0 - 12.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off Ability to

Commute:

Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Required)

Work Location:

In person