Farm Hand-Part Time

Job Title: Farm Hand Reports to: Head of Facilities Department: Facilities Compensation: Company Overview Shrub Oak International School ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults with complex co‑occurring conditions. Located in northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak offers unparalleled educational opportunities for autistic students in a family‑centric, supportive environment. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of students across the spectrum, and our curriculum is based on the most advanced and successful evidence‑based clinical and academic approaches in ASD education. Essential Functions – Primary duties of the position • Assist in supporting and caring for a growing livestock program (sheep, chickens, goats, donkeys, horses) and the care and upkeep of our garden, greenhouse, and other farm‑related programs. • Supervise students at the farm and incorporate the farm as an integral Shrub Oak asset used to educate and support the individualized skill‑based development of students. • Perform all required animal husbandry: feeding, watering, cleaning and disinfecting living areas, proactively examining animals for illness or injury, administering medications, grooming, clipping, trimming and shearing coats, herding to pastures or other enclosures, shifting animals between grazing areas, and assisting with market tasks. • Plant, harvest and inspect crops by hand; ensure all plants are watered and maintained; assist in planting, watering, and landscaping in the garden. • Supervise and support the Clinical Department during Farm and Garden sessions; assist the Farm Assistant Manager with classes as needed. • Follow a cohesive hands‑on program encompassing all farm programs, including livestock and horticulture. • Perform any and all other responsibilities as may be required and needed. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Desire and ability to work with students to create a safe and comfortable learning environment. • Excellent oral and written communication skills to articulate thoughts clearly to students, staff, parents, and vendors. • Thorough knowledge of animal care, gardening, and farming practices. • Demonstrated ability to creatively resolve issues with a proactive problem‑solving approach. • Ability to demonstrate initiative in handling required work. • Ability to flexibly change course to meet competing job demands. • Ability to work as part of a collaborative team within the department and with other departments. • Ability to handle challenging behaviors respectfully and constructively in accordance with SOIS policies and protocols. • Minimum of 2 years caring for farm animals and 1 year tending to plants or crops. • Minimum of 1 year working with children, preferably with special needs. Benefits • Insurance coverage: Health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance • Flexible spending account (FSA) • Paid time off (PTO) • 401k with company match • Tuition/Professional development assistance • Employee assistance program (EAP) • Employee discounts Physical Requirements /Demands A workday regularly includes multiple or conflicting demands, deadlines, and time pressures; work requires sustained concentration. Standing for sustained periods, bending, stretching, walking up and down stairs (building has 6 floors), and around a hilly campus as needed, may also require walking between floors or buildings at a moment’s notice. May need to lift/move boxes up to 25 pounds and move or rearrange furniture. Work Environment We are a boarding school located on a 127-acre campus. The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, mostly inside the classroom or educational environment, and may include work within the residential setting. The building has 6 floors accessible by staircases and elevators. EEO Statement Shrub Oak is an equal employment opportunity employer. Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essential functions of their job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation. Please note SOIS maintains a smoke‑free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors, outdoors, and during off‑campus activities, with enforcement measures in place including smoke/vape detectors. Non‑compliance will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. #J-18808-Ljbffr