[2026] Farm Staff, Fresh Air Camps

FARM STAFF
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 11 – August 15, 2026 

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life- changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year- round leadership. Career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.

Position Summary

The Fresh Air Fund is hiring seasonal summer Farm Staff to facilitate educational programming at our model farm this summer. The role requires the person to plan and facilitate summer farm visits that include meeting our farm animals, a tour of our model garden, and a visit to the nutrition house. Farmers maintain the garden and take care of the farm animals. The ideal candidate is curious, hardworking and has a love of the outdoors with some previous experience with farm animals or gardening. 

This is a residential seasonal position based at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY. The role will be in-person will report to the Farm Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for planning and implementing the Farm and/or Nutrition programs.
2. Teach six class sessions each day which includes basic animal care, farm food chain, composting and organic gardening. 
3. Staff will teach an evening program or participate in the compost program after classes.
4. Other duties include but are not limited to morning and evening chores (feeding, cleaning, milking, and other duties that may include heavy lifting), garden upkeep (weeding, planting, harvesting), daily compost pick-ups from dining halls, morning breakfast program and general cleaning of the farm facilities.
5. Maintain the daily well-being of domestic livestock and the routine upkeep of the gardens.
6. Educate camps about compost program, encourage their participation, and help manage compost pile.
7. Ensure the safety of campers while in the program area.
8. Work as part of a team utilizing the skills and talents of others to enhance the program.
9. Participate fully in all assigned camp activities.
10. Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.
11. Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
12. Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the program's goals.
13. Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of camp.
14. Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp. 
15. Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
16. Be familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
17. Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of camp.
2. High school graduate or GED received by date of employment; one year of college or equivalent with coursework in biology or related environmental topics. 
3. A minimum of one year's experience working with children is required. Staff must be passionate about working with children. 
4. Prior teaching experience and basic knowledge of agriculture.
5. Willingness to work with livestock.
6. Current driver’s license preferred. 
7. Able to work and live outdoors for the summer.
8. Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player and to maintain a positive attitude.
9. Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone. 
10. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk, or hear. 
11. Able to regularly lift and/or move equipment and supplies weighing 20+ pounds.
12. Comfortable with being exposed to wet, humid, and hot conditions.
13. Available for the summer program of 2024 from start to finish.

Experience and Skills gained by the end of summer: 

1. Lifelong memories and working with youth at camp.
2. CPR/AED training.
3. Gain Knowledge about working with livestock.
4. Better understanding of the Native Flora and Fauna.
5. Gardening; Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Processing of crops.
6. Knowledge about Agricultural sustainable practices.
7. Broader understanding of nutrition and farm to table cooking. 
8. Being a team player and part of an Environmental passionate team. 

The Fresh Air Fund requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to apply for reasonable accommodation.

• Employment period: June 11, 2026, through August 15, 2026
• Compensation: $2,600 

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete a Farm Staff Application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please. 

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.