Part Time Farm Manager in North Reading, MA
Job Description
Founded in 1981, the Cooperative for Human Services, Inc., a multi-service organization that provides residential services, independent living supports, and guardianship services for people with intellectual and other related disabilities. Our mission is to empower, support, and expand the knowledge, skill, and natural capacities of the people we serve to direct and live full and meaningful lives within their community.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of our small educational farm while creating a safe, healthy and enjoyable space for all visitors and individuals served at the farm. The Farm Manager is responsible for managing crop fields, greenhouse, farm property grounds, animal health and wellbeing, and activity implementation while creating and nurturing an inclusive environment where our individuals served can learn, grow, and thrive through meaningful agricultural activities.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Management and supervision of Farm-Activities Coordinator(s), assign tasks and set out priorities to create and implement engaging activities related to nature and farming for visitors
• Create and implement annual Crop Plan, manage seed inventory
• Manage and grow crops using organic, regenerative-focused, low-till methods, including soil preparation, greenhouse seeding, transplanting, cultivating, irrigating, mulching, trellising, pruning, pest and disease control, monitoring fertility, harvesting, etc.
• Keep records on harvest amounts, visitors to farm, egg counts, animal health, seeding and transplanting dates, and all other practices in the fields to ensure continual improvement from year to year
• Order soil tests for fields every Fall through the UMass Extension and use recommendations to improve soil fertility
• Manage greenhouse
• Write and send regular emails out to company to promote Farm activities
• Order and purchase supplies as needed, for fields, animals, and activities
• Manage storage and distribution of harvested crops and eggs
• Continual assessment of grounds for safety, and coordination with Maintenance Team to address any identified problems
• Manage animal health and well-being
Qualifications/Required Skills:
• Minimum 2+ year of Farm Management or Assistant Farm Management experience
• Must be willing to engage in activity facilitation for visitors from our programs (experience working with people with disabilities, or activity facilitation is a plus!)
• Must be comfortable working in adverse weather conditions
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform all physical tasks required to manage the farm
• Must be a highly responsible and communicative person, able to work independently and as part of a team
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural/Farm Business management or related field with 2+ years’ farm management experience. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Valid driver’s license and vehicle skills required.
Cooperative for Human Services, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and competence and are not influenced or affected by race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.
How to Apply
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