Therapeutic Farm Coordinator

Role Overview

The Therapeutic Farm Coordinator will integrate biodynamic farming practices with nature-based learning experiences for individuals on the autism spectrum. This role will bridge the gap between farm activities and therapeutic goals, creating a safe, structured environment where participants can develop sensory, motor, and life skills through farming. The role involves collaborating closely with farm teams, therapists, and educators to ensure the farm becomes a dynamic space for both productivity and therapeutic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Therapeutic Farm Facilitation

• Lead nature-based, sensory-aware farming activities, guiding individuals through step-by-step tasks.
• Adapt farming activities to suit individual needs, including non-verbal communication and varying support levels.
• Establish predictable routines to encourage participation, skill-building, and sensory regulation during farm activities.

Farm Coordination & Team Collaboration

• Work with on-ground farmers and staff to translate farm tasks into accessible learning experiences.
• Coordinate daily farm activities with therapeutic goals and educational objectives, balancing productivity with participant engagement.
• Supervise the maintenance of the biodynamic farm system, ensuring it is ecologically sustainable and provides a safe environment for all participants.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with the therapy team, educators, and staff to align farm tasks with developmental and therapeutic objectives.
• Share observations and progress updates on participant engagement, integrating sensory, motor, and behavioral insights into farm activities.
• Foster effective communication across farm, therapy, and education teams to ensure alignment on participant goals.

Farm Environment Management

• Ensure that the farm environment is safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning.
• Identify sensory triggers within the farm space and adjust activities or settings to create positive experiences for all participants.
• Promote ecological sustainability by maintaining the farm according to biodynamic principles while supporting participants’ learning and engagement.

Key Outcomes

• Develop and deliver nature-based activities that enhance sensory regulation, motor skills, and life skills for individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Maintain a safe, productive, and inclusive farm environment that nurtures both ecological sustainability and therapeutic learning.
• Increase participant engagement and independence through farm-based therapeutic practices.

Must-Have Requirements

• A Master’s degree in any of the following fields—Biodynamic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, or Therapeutic Studies—would be ideal.
• 4+ years of experience working in either biodynamic, organic, or permaculture farming, with hands-on experience in farm-based education or team coordination.
• Strong communication skills, including non-verbal communication techniques, with the ability to engage participants of varying communication styles.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in community or residential environments, with a focus on therapeutic practices integrated into farming or nature-based education.
• Familiarity with integrating therapeutic practices into farming or nature-based education.

Why This Role Matters

This role offers a unique opportunity to integrate farming with therapy, providing individuals on the autism spectrum with meaningful engagement, skill-building, and sensory development. You will be at the heart of a program that nurtures growth—both in the soil and in the individuals we support.

Compensation & Growth Opportunity

Compensation

₹5–7 LPA

Growth Opportunity

The Therapeutic Farm Coordinator will have the opportunity to pioneer a unique, nature-based therapeutic program within the India Autism Center. As the program develops, there will be room to expand the scope of farm activities, create new therapeutic models, and take on leadership responsibilities within the broader organization.

About India Autism Center

India Autism Center (IAC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a comprehensive ecosystem of support, training, research, and lifelong residential living solutions for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through our residential facility, professional training initiatives, community engagement efforts, and knowledge development work, we aim to empower individuals with autism, promoting greater independence, dignity, and quality of life across India.