Baltimore City Public Schools is hiring for a full-time Farm Program Assistant to work at Great Kids Farm. This position involves a blend of hands-on farm work, and farm-based education for K-12 students. Details below:
Job Title: Farm Program Assistant
Division: Finance Office
Department: Food & Nutrition Services
Affiliation: N/A
Date Developed: 08/21/2025
Revision Dates: N/A Overtime Status: Exempt
Pay: $26.50/hour
Reports to: Manager, Great Kids Farm
Supervisor’s Superior: Manager, Farm to School Programming
Positions Supervised: None
About the Farm to School Program at Baltimore City Public Schools
The Baltimore City Public Schools Farm to School (F2S) program promotes experiential education that connects students to nature and food systems. In every grade band, our programs and services focus on three core areas: (1) food education for lifelong healthy habits, (2) nature-based exploration for wholeness and academic enrichment, (3) food system engagement for active citizenship, leadership development, and career skills. Meaningful F2S experiences are transformative for students’ academic success and their social, emotional, and physical wellness. Additionally, they empower youth to understand, engage with, and co-create their food system in ways that can improve food security and sovereignty, while also preparing youth to be systems thinkers and social changemakers.
The Farm to School program at Baltimore City Public Schools operates out of the Department of Food and Nutrition Services. Great Kids Farm, a 33-acre educational farm in Catonsville, Maryland serves as the program hub. Farm to School staff host thousands of students annually on curriculum-aligned interactive field trip programs. More information about Great Kids Farm can be found here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/farm-school
Job Summary:
This position is part of a dynamic team that brings hands-on farm-based learning experiences to city school’s students. Employees will work outdoors on an active teaching farm, participating in daily farm tasks, caring for animals, and maintaining gardens. In addition to farm work, employees will engage students in activities that foster meaningful connections to food, the environment, and agriculture. Responsibilities include collaborating with team members, leading and supporting student groups, and facilitating engaging educational experiences.
Essential Functions:
Works independently on farm tasks including planting, harvesting, indoor & outdoor property maintenance and animal care.
Engages and instructs groups of students, Pre-k to 12th grades, in hands-on farm and cooking activities as part of the curriculum-aligned farm to school programming.
Facilitates in-school programs with a focus on school garden support.
Adheres to best practices for safety when working with students and follows the program’s emergency risk management plan.
Provides occasional farm tours for visitors and can act as a spokesperson for Great Kids Farm.
Assists with set-up and clean-up of student programs by performing such duties as cleaning tables, sweeping and mopping floors; cleaning dishes, pots and pans; disposing of field-trip related garbage.
Establishes maintains a positive working relationship with all stakeholders to include students, staff (cafeteria and school staff), parents and visitors to the site.
Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board’s policies and professional standards.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A high school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrates strong initiative and self-direction in managing assigned responsibilities.
Demonstrates knowledge of and practical experience in; seed starting and propagation, harvesting and post-harvest handling, basic animal husbandry, pest and weed management, operation & basic maintenance of farm equipment, handling weather and seasonal changes (comfort working outdoors year-round), irrigation and watering systems.
The ability to travel independently to Great Kids Farm and throughout Baltimore City using a personal vehicle.
Willingness to adapt to seasonal schedule changes.
To Apply: Email resume and brief cover letter to Cynthia Shea. cashea@bcps.k12.md.us
The above is intended to describe the essential content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Category:
Jobs, Internships & Opportunities
Region:
Baltimore & Central Maryland
Address:
6601 Baltimore National Pike
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
Contact Name:
Laura Genello
Contact Email:
lsgenello@bcps.k12.md.us
Date Posted:
08/21/2025