Seasonal Camper Support Specialist

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, .

Hourly Rate : $34.00-$36.00/hour 

Rates are determined based on relevant experience. 

Housing:  NOTE: For those applying from off the island, please note that we have very limited staff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by in summer, TFI staff acts as liaisons to aid in locating and securing summer rentals. However, securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of the employee.  

Hours per week:  10 total, approximately 5 on-site plus 5 remote 

Job Classification:  Nonexempt, Seasonal 

Job Type:  Hybrid 

Duration:  June 8–August 21, 2025 

Location:  The FARM Institute, Edgartown, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Are you interested in supporting the social-emotional health and wellness of campers at Farm Camp at The FARM Institute this summer? Would you like to work with camp staff to help make every amazing camp week a success for all campers?

The Farm Institute’s Farm Camp creates a safe, accessible, fun, inclusive, and enriching educational environment for all sixty campers ages 4-13 to engage in authentic farm activities. Through daily barnyard and garden chores, projects, and games, our campers make real-life connections that strengthen their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us.

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps .

The Role:

As the TFI Camper Support Specialist (CSS), you have a deep understanding of behavioral modification and child development and will value experiential, place-based education. You will be excited to share your knowledge to help prepare staff, camp spaces, caregivers, and campers for a successful camp experience. 

During training weeks (June 8-18), you will meet with Camp Directors, review camper profiles, and develop a 2-hour on-site workshop for the TFI camp team. During camp (June 22–August 21), you will work onsite at The FARM Institute (TFI) for up to 5 hours per day on Mondays to observe campers in their daily activities. Tuesdays through Fridays, you will be available remotely for review of camper records, parent communications, remote consultation, and onsite work if needed. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Assist in setting up indoor and outdoor activity and quiet spaces that allows all campers to flourish at camp
• Lead a staff training as it relates to understanding and supporting campers with a range of needs
• Review camper records and documents (IEPs, Behavior Plans, etc.) prior to attendance
• Communicate with caregivers as necessary before or during camp to set up campers for success
• Take lead in coordinating and implementing strategy plans for campers who would benefit from accommodations and modifications
• Support Camp Educators with camper accommodations and modifications
• Ensure proper completion and documentation of administrative duties as they relate to camper accommodations and modifications

This is a seasonal position working 10 hours/week and reporting directly to the Islands Education Manager/TFI Camp Director.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• A master's degree or equivalent experience in social work, education, child development, or other relevant course of study.
• Proven expertise in the areas of trauma-informed practices, neurodiversity, behavior modification, and special education.
• Creative, passionate, open-minded, and knowledgeable in a broad range of behavioral, social, and developmental needs of campers and their caregivers.
• Effective documenter of camper behavior and ability to share observations and ideas to caregivers and camp staff.
• Adept at reading IEPs and other camper documents and providing insight and direction to best support campers.
• Experience working with children with diverse needs, abilities, and interests.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with strong interpersonal skills: helpful, calm, friendly demeanor.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Full availability for camp staff training (June 8–18) and all weeks of camp (June 22-August 21) 
• Must have or be willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification (provided, if necessary)  
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check 

Commitment to Our Farm Institute Farm Camp Staff

We pledge to create a workplace that fosters staff development and supports the mental, emotional, and social health of our camp staff. We strive to provide training that will help staff fully prepare to care for campers and keep them safe, as well as to deliver quality educational experiences throughout the season. We will consistently recognize the incredible work of our staff, and ensure that they feel seen, heard, and fully supported in this special work.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Contact our People team at [email protected] !

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions. 
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here:  Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity .

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] .