We are hiring a Ground School Associate Director for 2025. This position will work with the farm manager and education director to co-lead our 10-week summer internship for college age students. 

The position part-time  (20 / hours per week) with the option to add an additional 10-2o hours of farm work on an Island farm. 

About the job

Assistant Director of Ground School co-leads a 10-week summer internship for college-age students who desire hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture while learning about the frameworks behind the practices – including topics in agroforestry, food sovereignty, climate change, food systems and more. 

Who We Are

Gathering Ground is a farm and school located on Washington Island, WI with the mission of building a thriving local food system that engages and connects learners of all ages to nature, community, and healthy food. We believe that connecting people to the land and where food comes from will create transformative experiences and inspire action. To accomplish our mission, our farm supports our local community, food economy, and provides direct hands-on educational and recreational experiences.

Our diversified farm projects provide educational and recreational opportunities for every age and every stage – from the elementary student learning to plant a tree, or a young person who wants to embark in a career in agriculture to the casual home gardener looking for information on starting a pollinator garden. At the same time, our diversified farm projects provide for the local community by enhancing  biodiversity, supporting local farmers through knowledge sharing and market development, and growing healthy and fresh food for residents and visitors. 

Who We’re Looking For

Gathering Ground seeks a graduate student or recent college graduate with a background in agroecology, environmental studies, food studies, or related fields, who is seeking a way to share their knowledge with others. The Assistant Director will create curriculum and lead weekly discussion and activities with Ground School interns on Washington Island, WI. The Assistant Director will work with the Education and Farm Director to engage interns in topics of sustainable food production and systems. The Assistant Director will have the ability to shape the curriculum to cover their specific areas of interest and expertise. The Assistant Director must be interested in gaining experience teaching in a hands-on agricultural setting. 

Who You Are

You are a proactive and dedicated learner and teacher who is passionate about sustainability and agriculture and sharing your knowledge with those around you. You are interested in living in community and sharing life with other farmers, interns, and others engaged in the everyday work of sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Mentorship

• Select 6-8 readings and facilitate 2-hour discussion/activity sessions based on those readings. All readings should be relevant to agroecology and sustainable food systems. The readings and discussions should build on each other over the course of 10-week internship
• Be a present resource and mentor for interns, sharing meals and work projects with interns. 
• Create an inclusive atmosphere that fosters collaboration, respect, a sense of belonging and ownership over the content covered. 
• Lead weekly check-ins with interns to make sure of their wellbeing and engagement in the internship.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Track and monitor student progress by collecting assessment data to understand the impact of the Ground School internship and share this information with the GG Director.

Professional Development

• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities of teaching in this unique setting

   

Collaboration & Communication

• Engage with colleagues, students, and stakeholders to maintain mission alignment and shared experiences.
• Develop and sustain community partnerships, enhancing opportunities for intern success.
• Participate in Gathering Ground summer activities including Farm and Field Bike Tour and Dinner in the Vineyard, and Farmers Market
• Work to maintain a living systems approach that supports the building and sustaining of interdependence within the organization.

How to apply

Email your cover letter and resume or CV to alessandra(AT)gatheringgroundwi.org. In your cover letter, please include why you are applying for this position, what you hope to get out of it, and what knowledge and experience you want to share with Ground School interns and Gathering Ground at large.