Employment Opportunities
At Hawthorne Valley, we value and strive for social and cultural renewal in our work. We believe that cultivating an environment where everyone can be – and become – the truest expression of their humanity is essential for individual, organizational, and societal health. We know that a diverse community where everyone feels safe and is valued as they are is a strong community. Hawthorne Valley is committed to creating a diverse coworker body, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Hawthorne Valley Association
Located in the heart of New York’s verdant Hudson Valley, Hawthorne Valley Association is what many consider the future of agriculture, education, and community life to be. With more than 900 acres of lush farmland under management, a K-12 Waldorf school and farm-based learning experiences for all ages, and a robust network of social enterprise businesses that honor the earth, create meaningful jobs, and expand markets for healthy food, Hawthorne Valley encourages all its staff to put head, heart, and hands together to make the world a better place. Our reach extends from our home base in Columbia County to NYC’s Greenmarkets (our Biodynamic® produce, cheeses, and fermented products are prominently anchored in Union Square) to offices and boardrooms across the world where our alumni are making their impact.
Please note: To apply for any of the following positions at Hawthorne Valley, please complete this Application Form. It will be forwarded to the appropriate staff person for review.
Campus Operations Supervisor
Hawthorne Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a Campus Operations Supervisor who will be responsible for the day-to-day health, safety, care and maintenance of Hawthorne Valley’s extensive campus buildings and grounds.
The Campus Ops Supervisor is a hands-on maintenance professional who directly scopes and addresses required work and also oversees a team of dedicated internal facility technicians and grounds staff to support preventive and reactive maintenance of buildings and equipment, health and safety compliance, water and utilities optimization, zero waste management practices, pest control and ecological stewardship of our extensive student-, employee- and public-facing grounds.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
- Perform key maintenance and repairs across campus as needed
- Directly mentor and manage (3) Campus Services Team members
- Oversee and administer campus-wide recurring and preventive maintenance plan including buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicle fleet
- Manage and approve Campus Services Expense budget and deliver recurring reports and targeted recommendations to Campus Director
- Oversee campus-wide work order ticketing, fulfillment and reporting tool
- Maintain all drawings, technical specifications, service records, warranties, maintenance schedules, contractor agreements for all buildings, equipment, campus vehicle fleet and campus assets
- Maintain detailed annual/seasonal schedule of PM’s across all campus-services maintained assets
- Scope, budget and project manage contractor repair and maintenance works and light construction projects
- Oversee all recurring mandatory drills, inspections, trainings and compliance activities related to health, safety, security, water and utilities
- Perform other related seasonal or cross-functional duties as assigned by the Campus Director
- Embed Net Positive processes (waste, water, carbon etc.) and team performance expectations across areas under management and in alignment with organization-wide strategy and goals set with Campus Director and HVA leadership
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
- Excellent project management skills and process-oriented approach to team goal-setting and performance management
- Critical thinker with strong people skills working alongside internal staff and outside contractors
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- 8-10 years experience in facility operations for a campus-scale or multi-site organization
- Direct hands-on knowledge and experience in key trades (carpentry a priority) and ability to assess works for accuracy, craftsmanship and cost
- Experience directly managing or subcontracting multiple trades as needed (eg. plumbing, carpentry, construction, electrical)
- Competency managing budgets as well as assessing and negotiating small projects or contracts with 3rd party providers
- Experience working in a school environment desired
This is a full-time non exempt position with a starting pay range between $25-$29 per hour commensurate with experience. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package with health, dental and life insurance, paid time-off, retirement matching up to 5%, Flexible Spending Accounts, tuition remission and a Farm Store discount.
WORK HOURS: 7:00am-3:30pm M-F; Hours may vary based on seasonal requirements and according to mutual agreement between Employee and Campus Director. Occasional off-hour, evening or weekend hours may be required to support calendared community events or school functions. Additionally, this position will act as first responder for emergency campus power outages, mechanical repairs, fire alarms and severe weather events (including snow removal) and interface with State and County first responders accordingly.
To apply, please visit our ADP employment page.
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, an Early Childhood through 12th grade private, independent school located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley region in Ghent, NY, is seeking to fill the following positions.
Located in the historic Hudson River Valley, our school is ideally situated on a 900-acre Biodynamic® farm surrounded by beautiful views of the nearby Catskill Mountains and Berkshire Hills. Both natural beauty and cultural riches surround us, providing wonderful opportunities for our students, families, and teachers. The school is 2.5 hours north of New York City. The local area abounds with additional initiatives, including a Christian Community Church and the Berkshire-Taconic Branch of the Anthroposophical Society. Our diverse student body includes the children of co-workers from three nearby Camphill communities.
The school is an initiative of Hawthorne Valley Association, which supports several Anthroposophical initiatives including the farm, the Alkion Waldorf teacher-training program, a Place-Based Learning Center, and an organic store, and bakery.
Class Teacher- School Year 2024-25
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is seeking a dynamic, well-rounded, artistic, and experienced Waldorf class teacher for our lower school for the academic year 2024-25 beginning in September. This position will support our Class teachers in Grades 1-5, as well as reach in to provide block support when a teacher is ill or needs to take a leave of absence. We are looking to strengthen our roster of Lower School teachers and see this as a position that would lead into a First Grade Position the following year (2025-26). Our aim is to better integrate a class teacher into the fabric of our school before they take on the demands of a class, and to better support our current teachers by having qualified and experienced full-time staff on board. This is full-time position, with benefits, and 90% tuition remission.
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School provides a Waldorf education from nursery all the way through high school. We are located in the historic Hudson River Valley of New York State and are ideally situated on a 900-acre biodynamic farm surrounded by beautiful views of the nearby Catskill and Berkshire Mountains. Both natural beauty and cultural riches surround us, providing wonderful opportunities for our students, families, and teachers. The school is 2.5 hours north of New York City.
This is position provides the right person with a special opportunity to join a vibrant community. The school is a branch of the Hawthorne Valley Association (HVA), which supports several Anthroposophical initiatives including the Hawthorne Valley Farm and Farmstore, a Farm Apprenticeship program, a Farmscape Ecology Program, the Alkion Waldorf teacher-training program, and a Place-Based Learning Center. The local area abounds with additional initiatives including a Christian Community Church and the Berkshire-Taconic Branch of the Anthroposophical Society. Our diverse student body includes the children of co-workers from three nearby Camphill communities.
Qualified applicants should have an undergraduate degree as well as a certificate from a recognized Waldorf class-teacher training program. This is a lead-teacher role, and we are only seeking experienced applicants who have worked in a Waldorf setting and can bring their gifts to our school. Our teachers must demonstrate an unflagging devotion to children, a strong commitment to Waldorf Education, and a dedication to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work that is so necessary in our age. In addition, we are looking for candidates willing to engage in continuous professional development, dedicated to excellence in teaching, and committed to developing strong, collaborative working relationships with colleagues, parents, and the wider community.
We look forward to hearing from you. Please email a letter of interest along with a resume to:
Karin Almquist, School Director
Student Intern Positions in Early Childhood and Lower School
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is seeking individuals who have an interest in working as an intern for our Early Childhood program or our Lower School programs for the school year 2024-25. We are looking for individuals who are currently enrolled in Waldorf teacher-training programs or who have just finished training and are looking for hands-on experience to supplement their studies before taking on the responsibility of class teaching. This position is intended for a person who has a real interest in a career working in a Waldorf School.
Our student intern position is a full-time salaried position with health benefits. The salary is a $20,000 stipend for the academic year. Or adjusted if just for a semester. Interns meet regularly with mentors, and get the opportunity to experience multiple classes, faculty meetings, festival planning and all the varied aspects of life in a Waldorf school. We have a shared house that an intern could choose to rent a room in for $500/month plus utilities.
A Nursery through Grade 12 Waldorf School, HVS is situated on a 900-acre biodynamic farm surrounded by expansive views of the nearby Catskill and Berkshire Mountains. The school is 2.5 hours north of New York City. HVS is a branch of the Hawthorne Valley Association (HVA), which supports several Anthroposophical initiatives including the Hawthorne Valley Farm and Farmstore, a Farm Apprenticeship program, a Farmscape Ecology Program, the Alkion Waldorf teacher-training program, Adonis Press, and a Place-Based Learning Center. The local area abounds with additional initiatives including a Christian Community Church and the Berkshire-Taconic Branch of the Anthroposophical Society. Our diverse student body includes the children of co-workers from three nearby Camphill communities.
Interested individuals should submit a letter of intent and resume to Karin Almquist, School Director. Please specify if you are interest in the Early Childhood position or the Lower Grades internship.
Educational Support Teacher- School Year 2024-2025
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is seeking a Waldorf-trained teacher with awareness of the Middle School and High School Curricula for a fulltime faculty position as an Educational Support Teacher. This position, for the academic year 2024-25 beginning in September, includes benefits, and 90% tuition remission.
This position is a new one intended to strengthen our Hickory Program, a program designed to support struggling students with a combination of reaching in, pulling out, and leading small group sessions. Our aim is to better support our Middle and High School students. The Educational Support Teacher will collaborate with our School Counselor and our Therapeutic Support Coordinator to meet the needs of students who have individual learning plans requiring accommodations, differentiated learning, additional review of core classroom content, help with sensory-motor challenges and support with general processing/learning difficulties. This position works with teachers to assess students by both pushing into classes and pulling out students for individual sessions. The position plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy relationships with teachers and parents to support individual learning plans with clearly articulated goals and strategies.
Applicants should demonstrate a warm and non-threatening conversational style, an ability to relate well with students, an appreciation for the adolescent years of child development and an interest in Waldorf education. A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teachers and the capacity to build positive relationships with parents is key. Also important is a clear understanding of growth mindset pedagogy and the ability to empower classroom teachers to feel capable to meet the needs of all their students is key. This position needs excellent communication skills (written and oral) and basic email and computer skills. A strong work-ethic, organizational ability and self-initiative are essential. The ability to interpret educational psychological assessments and academic assessments is necessary. Our teachers must demonstrate an unflagging devotion to children, a strong commitment to Waldorf Education, and a dedication to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work that is so necessary in our age. In addition, we are looking for candidates willing to engage in continuous professional development, dedicated to excellence in teaching, and committed to developing strong, collaborative working relationships with colleagues, parents, and the wider community.
Qualified applicants should have a BA degree, a certificate from a recognized Waldorf class-teacher training program, and additional educational background in Special Education or Curative Education (ideally a Masters). Experience with reading, writing and math intervention, supporting Tier-2 and 3 interventions, and writing and managing Individualized Education Plans is ideal. Candidates with a background in Anthroposophical Curative Education are encouraged to apply.
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School provides a Waldorf education from nursery all the way through high school. We are located in the historic Hudson River Valley of New York State and are ideally situated on a 900-acre biodynamic farm surrounded by beautiful views of the nearby Catskill and Berkshire Mountains. Both natural beauty and cultural riches surround us, providing wonderful opportunities for our students, families, and teachers. The school is 2.5 hours north of New York City.
This is position provides the right person with a special opportunity to join a vibrant community. The school is a branch of the Hawthorne Valley Association (HVA), which supports several Anthroposophical initiatives including the Hawthorne Valley Farm and Farmstore, a Farm Apprenticeship program, a Farmscape Ecology Program, the Alkion Waldorf teacher-training program, and a Place-Based Learning Center. The local area abounds with additional initiatives including a Christian Community Church and the Berkshire-Taconic Branch of the Anthroposophical Society. Our diverse student body includes the children of co-workers from three nearby Camphill communities.
We look forward to hearing from you. Please email a letter of interest along with a resume to:
Karin Almquist, School Director
Hawthorne Valley Farm Store
We are a full-line organic/natural foods and grocery store that will meet all of your household shopping needs. We strive to offer as many locally grown or produced fruits, vegetables, grocery products, and household items as possible and are committed to supporting our local farmers and artisans.
The Farm Store carries the full line of Hawthorne Valley “Made on our Farm” products including pasture-raised beef, pork, and chicken; cheese, yogurt and raw milk from our creamery; bread, rolls, croissants, cakes, cookies and more from our bakery; and wild-fermented kraut, kimchi-inspired ferments, and hot sauce from our fermentation enterprise, Hawthorne Foods. The store is open 7 days every week from 7:30 am – 7:00 pm.
The mission of Hawthorne Valley Farm Store is to provide the highest quality biodynamic, organic, local and regional food to the community at reasonable prices and in a profitable manner; in doing so the store will support the ongoing mission of Hawthorne Valley Association.
Produce Stocker
Hawthorne Valley Farm Store is looking to fill two (2) part-time Produce Stocker positions. If you are looking to keep busy and active while maintaining a fairly regular work schedule, but not looking for a full-time work commitment, this may be the job for you! Part time employees receive a 10% discount at our Farm Store.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist customers with produce questions and special orders
- Display fruits and vegetables to show abundance and quality while maintaining proper storage conditions
- Replenish and rotate displays, culling several times daily, and following stocking priorities set by Produce Buyer
- Trim, wash, bundle produce, following priorities set by Produce Buyer
- Dispose of damaged or spoiled goods promptly, with appropriate notification to Produce Buyer
- Remove trash, clean cases and keep prep and storage areas in clean, orderly condition.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Organized, accurate with details
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Ability to lift 50 lbs
- Regular, predictable attendance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with or interest in natural foods and produce
- Customer service experience
The current shift opening for this position are:
- Fridays & Saturdays 6am to 1pm
This is a part-time non-exempt position with a starting pay rate between $15-$16 per hour. To apply, please complete this application form.
Part-Time Kitchen Hand/Deli Team Member
Hawthorne Valley Farm Store is seeking a part time Kitchen Hand/Deli Team Member to prepare attractive healthy dishes for the natural foods deli and to assist the chef in coordinating kitchen operations. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Prepare deli offerings following specifications of the chef
- Maintain kitchen and retail display areas in sanitary and orderly conditions
- Follow safety, storage and labeling procedures
- Ensure high standards of customer service to assist customers and co-workers
Key Success Factors:
- Ability to follow instructions and handle multiple demands
- Comfortable working in close quarters with other people
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time
- Manual dexterity with hazardous equipment
- Regular, predictable attendance
Qualifications:
- Experience cooking for restaurant, deli or catering
- Working knowledge of natural, organic, vegetarian and other specialty cuisines, with understanding of various dietary restrictions
This is a part time non-exempt position with a starting pay rate of $16 hourly. The anticipated shift opening for this position is Wednesdays and Sundays from 6 am to 2 pm.
To apply, please complete this application form.
Full-Time Chef
Hawthorne Valley Farm Store is seeking a full-time Chef to oversee all aspects of running the in-house kitchen operation while ensuring all foods prepared align with Hawthorne Valley’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Proactively plan weekly menus to ensure ingredients are in house, margin goals are achieved, menus are posted on the website and deli bar on a timely basis.
- Evaluate and monitor best and slow sellers on a weekly basis and revamp future menu planning accordingly.
- Direct responsibility for food estimation to ensure proper amounts are planned for during regular store hours and special events.
- Maintain inventory records on all ingredients and supplies used by the Kitchen to ensure minimal wastage and elimination of excess inventory.
- Research and develop new recipes to provide variety for customers, increasing sales and utilizing biodynamic, organic, natural, local and seasonal ingredients when possible.
- Establish and ensure high quality and sanitation standards in the Kitchen and Deli Bar meet and/or exceed Health Department regulations.
- Schedule, manage and develop all kitchen employees and ensure department staff is informed of storewide meetings and policy changes
- Participate in development of department operating and capital budgets.
- Review financial reports of department performance and take corrective action as needed.
Key Success Factors:
- Able to lead, inspire and train a highly efficient kitchen staff.
- Passion and commitment for biodynamic, organic and natural foods.
- Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job.
Qualifications:
- Professional culinary experience
- Must work well with a team
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
- Understanding of budgets, forecasts and ability to manage kitchen and labor expenses.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Computer skills knowledge (Email, Word and Excel)
This is a full time non-exempt position with a starting pay range between $20-$25 hourly, commensurate with experience. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a generous benefits package including health, dental and life insurance, paid time-off, retirement matching up to 5%, Flexible Spending Accounts, tuition discount and farm store discount.
To apply, please visit our employment page
Hawthorne Valley Bakery
The mission of Hawthorne Valley Bakery and Creamery is to provide the highest quality biodynamic and organic food to the community at reasonable prices and in so doing support the ongoing mission of Hawthorne Valley Farm and Association (Education, Arts, and Agriculture).
There are no job openings at this time.
Hawthorne Valley Place Based Learning Center
The mission of the Children’s Program of Hawthorne Valley Farm Place Based Learning Center is to inspire, strengthen and transform the connection between people and the living land. We seek to provide opportunities to children and adults for place-based, artistic experiences within the context of a working Biodynamic® farm. The Place Based Learning Center has been providing on-farm learning experiences for children and teens since 1972. Our biodynamic farm, school, and related initiatives all sit on a beautiful 900-acre campus; our mission includes the integration of education, agriculture, and the arts, and our work with students is informed by a deep reverence for our environment, an awareness of the interdependence of our community, and a knowledge of the pedagogy of Waldorf education.
We are located in Upstate New York in the beautiful Hudson Valley, 2 ½ hours from Manhattan. The Place Based Learning Center offers year-round children’s programming. During the school year, our Visiting Students Program hosts weeklong residential educational farm experiences for school classes (grades 3-10). In the summer, we welcome campers ages 8-16 to our overnight and day camps.
Each staff member is asked to help create a professional environment which encourages respect, honesty and trust amongst all employees and also offers the highest degree of service to participants in the Place Based Learning Center programs. Employees are asked to maintain the program image as an ethical and positive place to work while exemplifying the mission statement.
2024 Summer Camp Application
PBLC is now hiring for their 2024 summer camps. The camps are: Farm & Arts Day Camp, Farm Explorers Overnight Camp, and Earth Stewards overnight Camp.
Positions
- Day Camp Counselors
- Day Camp Assistant Manager
- Overnight Camp Counselors
- Overnight Camp Assistant Managers
- Arts & Crafts Counselor
- Farm-To-Table Camp Cooks
For Summer Day/Overnight Camp applications click here.
Summer Camp Nurse- One or Two Week Positions Available
Hawthorne Valley Farm Summer Camp (ages 8-16) has a one to four week work opportunity for a nurse (RN or LPN) at our unique Farm Camps in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Ghent, NY! Enjoy the wonders of nature and animals on our 900-acre Biodynamic Farm where children experience a working farm and, through active participation, learn practical skills, develop social relationships, and gain a deeper sense of self and relationship to nature. Medical needs in the past have been colds, sprains, homesickness, stomach flu, cramps, poison ivy, small cuts and bruises, etc.
Responsibilities:
- This position is responsible for the medical needs of 72 campers ages 8 to 16, and 20 staff per session of camp. This includes our day and residential camps.
- Ensures compliance with the Columbia County Department of Health camp health regulations.
- Overnight presence on campus, and availability for medical needs that may arise.
- Dispensing medicines, performing first aid, daily sick calls
- Maintaining all medical records and documentation on campers and staff
- Liaison to camper parents
- Accompanying campers/staff to doctors when needed
- Provide a nurturing and responsive environment to campers, guests and other staff members.
- Help to ensure the smooth operations of the daily needs of the camp by being flexible and attentive to details
- Support Camp Director, Camp Managers and counselors with upholding all camp medical protocols
- Support Campers’ behavioral, health, and emotional well-being
Desired Qualifications:
- Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), with current license in New York State, with current CPR/AED certification
- Experience working with children ages 8 to 16 is a plus
- Nurturing personality able to work with all age groups and needs, including home sickness.
- A good work ethic with an ability to be flexible, work as a team member with all age groups.
- Strong time management, communication, organizational and record keeping skills.
- Strong assessment skills and some knowledge of homeopathic medicines is a plus
- Ability to live on campus in private room for the duration of the session.
- The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
- New nurse graduates are encouraged to apply
- There is a mandatory online orientation in June (dates to be determined) which should last approximately 2 hours. The dates of the camp are June 23 to August 2, 2024. The salary for the Summer Camp Nurse is $1300 per week. Private room and all organic meals are provided as a benefit. Daily schedule varies, depending on medical and administrative needs, but is typically busier before breakfast and toward the camper’s bedtime. The nurse will get one full day off per week.
Session | Weeks | Status |
June 23rd – 28th | One Week | OPEN |
June 30th – July 12th | Two Weeks | OPEN |
July 14th – 19th | One Week | OPEN |
July 21st – Aug 2nd | Two Weeks | OPEN |
Applicants can sign up for one, two, three, four week blocks, or the entire summer!
*Please note: For nurses with children, we are happy to discuss tuition-free camp placement as part of the benefit package.
To apply, please complete this Application Form, send a letter of interest, a current resume, and contact information for three work references (preferably employers who have seen you working with children) to Joe Harris, Summer Camp Director at: [email protected]
For more information please visit: Working With Us – Place-Based Learning Center (hawthornevalley.org)
Hawthorne Valley Farm
Hawthorne Valley Farm was established in 1972 and has grown into a diversified, 900-acre Demeter certified 650A Biodynamic® farm (Demeter remains the oldest ecological certification organization in the world) in upstate New York. Our farm is also USDA certified organic and Animal Welfare Approved.
There are no job openings at this time.
Farm Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships refer to fixed-length opportunities in the realm of food production and food enterprise. This currently includes traditional vegetable and livestock apprenticeships. In the future, we will be offering structured learning opportunities in the bakery, creamery, and sauerkraut cellar. Current opportunities include:
Please visit the Farm’s Apprenticeships page for the most up-to-date information on available positions.
Farmscape Ecology Program
The Farmscape Ecology Program was founded in 2003 as a small research and outreach program dedicated to encouraging an informed compassion for place.
We do this by exploring the relationship between human culture and the rural, semi-agricultural landscape of Columbia County.
There are no job openings at this time.