Join Our Team

Merck Forest & Farmland Center (MFFC) is a place based educational nonprofit dedicated to connecting people with the land through hands-on learning, ecological stewardship, and sustainable forestry and farming practices. Nestled on 3,500 acres in the Taconic Mountains of Vermont, we welcome thousands of visitors each year to explore our trails, participate in educational programs, camp, and experience the beauty and resilience of this landscape.

Working at MFFC

When you join our team, you become part of a community that values stewardship, and the deep connection between people and place. Our work environment is rooted in collaboration and a shared commitment to conservation.

What makes MFFC special:

Work directly with the land—whether you're sugaring, tending livestock, teaching children, or stewarding trails.
Collaborate across disciplines with foresters, farmers, educators, and conservation professionals
Be part of a place-based organization where your work has visible, lasting impact
Experience the seasons in a landscape that offers year-round beauty and challenge
Join a team that values learning, adaptability, and land stewardship

Our culture is hands-on, mission-driven, and grounded in respect for the natural world. We work hard, we work together, and we find meaning in the work that sustains both the land and the community.

Careers

Join our team and build a career rooted in purpose and place. If you are passionate about conservation, education, and sustainable land management, and have a sense of humor, read on.

What We Offer:

Benefits package (details vary by position)
Professional development opportunities
The chance to work in one of Vermont's most beautiful and ecologically significant landscapes

How to Apply:

To apply for a position, please send your resume and cover letter to learn@merckforest.org. In your cover letter, let us know what draws you to this work and what you would bring to our team.

Do you enjoy nature, being outdoors, and helping others learn about the fascinating world around us? Would you like your “office” to be a 60 acre working farm and a 3500 acre forest? We are looking for a Field Educator to help lead, design, and plan nature based educational experiences for visitors to our organization, as well as create special projects for signature events.

Job Title: Field Educator Hours: Hourly as needed depending upon season Rate: $18 per hour

About Us At Merck Forest and Farmland Center (MFFC), our Education Team ensures that everyone has access to enriching experiences that deepen their connection to the land. You will be a part of this fun and outgoing team that provides such experiences to visitors to our organization.

About the role As a Field Educator, you'll help create and lead nature based, meaningful explorations around our farm and forest. From agriculture to forests to pond ecology, you'll plan and lead activities for learners ranging in all ages to help them engage meaningfully with the environment.

About you! - If you have some of these characteristics we’d like to talk with you!

You enjoy sharing your love of and knowledge about the natural world with others.
You are a college student studying education or environmental studies.
2+ years of experience teaching children and/or adults, preferably in outdoor settings.
You are comfortable interacting with farm animals! (Horses, turkeys, sheep, goats, piglets, chickens, etc.)
Flexible and adaptable (a sense of humor would be great!)
Supportive and positive approach to guiding anyone interested in learning!
Wilderness First Aid certification or Wilderness First Responder helpful - but not necessary.

Some of your responsibilities:

Lead group activities that support the MFFC mission.
Support learning offering helpful guidance and positive feedback.
Ensure an engaging experience for all.

Special skills:

Ability to hike 2-3 miles
Ability to carry / lift 15 lbs
Ability to pass a background check

Join us in creating unforgettable experiences for all who visit Merck Forest & Farmland Center while fostering a love for nature and conservation! Email John Schneble with interest at learn@merckforest.org or call with your questions at 802-394-2578.

Do you enjoy nature, being outdoors, and helping others learn about the fascinating world around us? Would you like your “office” to be a 60 acre working farm and a 3500 acre forest? We are looking for a Lead Camp Counselor to help lead, design, and plan nature-based educational experiences for summer campers.

Job Title: Lead Camp Counselor Rate: $14-18 per hour, dependent on experience

Important Dates: Training: June 15th-18th

Camp Season: June 22nd- August 10th, Monday-Fridays 8:30am-4:00pm

About Us

At Merck Forest and Farmland Center (MFFC), our Education Team ensures that everyone has access to enriching experiences that deepen their connection to the land. You will be a part of this fun and outgoing team that provides such experiences to our summer campers.

About the role

As Lead Camp Counselor, you'll guide campers (with the help of an Assistant Counselor) through the summer camp experience and lead week-long camp sessions where campers can explore our farm and forest! From agriculture to forests to pond ecology, you'll plan and lead hands-on activities for campers ranging from ages 6-14 with support from our Senior Education Manager and Program Director.

About you! If you have some of these characteristics we’d like to talk with you!

● You enjoy sharing your love of, and knowledge about the natural world with others.

● Comfortable interacting with nature and around our farm animals! (Horses, turkeys, sheep, goats, piglets, chickens, etc.)

● Flexible and adaptable (a sense of humor would be great!)

● Supportive and positive approach to guiding young learners.

● Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED certification or Wilderness First Responder helpful.

One or more of the following describes you:

○ College student studying education or environmental studies

○ Retired or part-time educator ○ Have 2+ years of experience teaching children, preferably in outdoor settings

Some of your responsibilities:

● Attend training to help you build familiarity with our camp setting and give you the resources to lead an awesome camp experience (for you and the campers!)

● Direct and support assistant camp counselors, offering guidance and feedback.

● Ensure a fun and engaging experience for campers.

● Contribute to creating a safe and positive camp culture that fosters teamwork and inclusivity.

● Lead, supervise, and organize group experiences (games, crafts, and other activities) for campers

● Assist in the clean-up of all activities and camp program areas, including respectful and careful use of all program facilities, materials, and buildings.

Special skills:

● Ability to hike 2-3 miles and maintain a positive attitude in all types of weather!

● Ability to carry at least 15 lbs.

● Ability to pass a background check.

Do you enjoy nature, being outdoors, and helping others learn about the fascinating world around us? Would you like your “office” to be a 60 acre working farm and a 3500 acre forest? We are looking for an Assistant Camp Counselor to help lead, design, and plan nature-based educational experiences for summer campers.

Job Title: Assistant Camp Counselor Rate: $14-18 per hour, dependent on experience

Important Dates: Training: June 15th-18th

Camp Season: June 22nd- August 10th, Monday-Fridays 8:30am-4:00pm

About Us

About the role

As Assistant Camp Counselor, you'll support the Lead Counselor in managing campers and contributing to a positive and fun camp culture. Your role will be to help lead and guide campers through week-long camp sessions where campers can explore our farm and forest! From agriculture to forests to pond ecology, you'll be involved in hands-on activities for campers ranging from ages 6-11 with support from our Senior Education Manager and Director.

About you! If you have some of these characteristics we’d like to talk with you!

● You enjoy sharing your love of, and knowledge about the natural world with others.

● Comfortable interacting with nature and around our farm animals! (Horses, turkeys, sheep, goats, piglets, chickens, etc.)

● Flexible and adaptable (a sense of humor would be great!)

● Supportive and positive approach to guiding young learners.

● Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED certification or Wilderness First Responder helpful.

One or more of the following describes you:

○ High School student interested in education or environmental studies

○ College student studying education or environmental studies

○ Retired or part-time educator ○ Have 2+ years of experience teaching children, preferably in outdoor settings

Some of your responsibilities:

Attend training to help you build familiarity with our camp setting and give you the resources to lead an awesome camp experience (for you and the campers!)
Ensure a fun and engaging experience for campers
Contribute to creating a safe and positive camp culture that fosters teamwork and inclusivity.
Provide support to Lead Camp Counselor in guiding group experiences (games, crafts, and other activities) for campers
Communicate openly with Lead Camp Counselors to identify needs and adjust plans as needed throughout the camp day.

Special skills:

● Ability to hike 2-3 miles and maintain a positive attitude in all types of weather!

● Ability to carry at least 15 lbs.

● Ability to pass a background check.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are essential to the work we do at MFFC. From maintaining trails to supporting educational programs, caring for animals to assisting with special events, volunteers help us steward the land and serve our community.

Learn More

Internships

Our internship programs provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences for students seeking to deepen their knowledge of sustainable land management, conservation, and environmental education, and more.

Express Your Interest