Therapeutic Farm Manager

Job Description

*Position Overview*

Our Farm Manager leads and participates in the Farm Department of the therapeutic Work Program providing year-round meaningful work for people with mental health and substance abuse challenges. This role is best suited for an empathetic and collaborative leader who approaches farm operations through a therapeutic lens, integrating agricultural responsibilities with the mission at the forefront on diversified 65-acre working farm that supports recovery and community engagement. Farm manager roles in Vermont often require a “self-starter” with high energy and the ability to work independently in a physically demanding environment.

*About Spring Lake Ranch*

Spring Lake Ranch (SLR) is a unique therapeutic community and working farm, providing a supportive environment for adults with mental health challenges and co-occurring addiction issues. Located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, SLR has been in operation since 1932 and is entering a dynamic period of growth supported by donors, alumni families, and passionate staff.

*Responsibilities*

* Leads, plans, coordinates and participates in the Farm Department of the therapeutic Work Program, including livestock care and pasture management
* Ensures the health and wellbeing of Ranch livestock, communicating with veterinarian and other outside resources as applicable.
* Serves as a member of the treatment team for Farm crew residents and collaborates with the team on treatment planning and facilitation of residents achieving their goals
* Supervises crew staff, including program coordinators (pc) and specialist pc
* Supervises and builds relationships with residents to accomplish Farm and Work Program goals, involving them in all aspects of farming and supporting in participating productively in the Farm
* Works with the Work Program Manager to create and monitor Farm-related budgets.
* Works collaboratively with Food Services Manager regarding kitchen needs and coordination of livestock processing.
* Works with the Work Program Manager to design and implement Farm improvements.
* Maintains regular communication and collaborates with Clinician, Program Director, and other Work Program Managers, regarding farm and Work Program needs.
* Assists other areas of the Work Program in special and seasonal projects (e.g. sugaring, cider-pressing, ice-cutting, etc.)
* Oversees weekly group notes documenting resident progress.
* Produces annual hay crop (approximately 4000 bales), involving the Work Program.
* Maintains 65 acres of pastures, fields, and associated fencing.
* Shared responsibility with facilities team for maintenance and repairs to farm buildings, tractors, and farm equipment
* Responds/responsible for livestock and farm related emergencies on “on-call” basis.
* Organizes/ensures an on-call rotation for livestock care and farm emergencies.
* Attends daily morning meeting.
* Attends weekly Work Program meetings and staff meetings.
* Attends trainings and other meetings as requested.
* Participates in Holiday Committee (planning & coverage) rotation requiring 1 holiday commitment per year.
* Serve as a mentor for up to 1 resident at any given time
* Other responsibilities as requested.

*Qualifications*

* Effective collaborative, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills. Supervision experience.
* Knowledge and experience in farm management with emphasis on livestock care.
* Experience in operation and maintenance of tractors and other farm equipment.
* Proven awareness and commitment to safety for self and others in a farm setting.
* Experience in farming as a therapeutic tool preferred.
* Commitment to working in a therapeutic community working side by side with residents creating meaningful work on the farm..
* Strong problem-solving skills.
* Flexibility is a must; especially willingness to shift projects, time, focus, methods, or priorities as requested.
* Ability to complete physical work consisting of moderate (40 lbs.) lifting, carrying, etc. This position consists of a combination of sitting, bending, standing, kneeling, and walking. Work is both indoor and outdoor during all seasons.
* Willingness to live on Spring Lake Ranch property or within a 30 minute drive of Cuttingsville, VT general area for after-hour farm urgencies.
* Valid Driver’s License and good driving record.

*Key Physical Demands*

* *Weight Handling:* Regular lifting and carrying of 50 lb grain bags, hay bales, and farming equipment.
* *Stamina & Mobility:* Sustained, full-body activity such as walking, bending, stooping, and climbing over the course of long, sometimes 10-12 hour days, especially during lambing, calving, or harvest seasons.
* *Adverse Weather Tolerance:* Ability to work outdoors in all seasons, including cold, snow, and ice, as well as high-temperature environments.
* *Machinery Operation:* Physical capacity to operate and maintain tractors, trucks, and specialized equipment.
* *Livestock Care:* Physical capability to handle animals (cattle, sheep) and perform barn chores like mucking (cleaning manure).

*Common Job-Specific Requirements*

* *Animal Management:* Handling of sheep, cattle, or horses, including lifting equipment, administering vaccinations, and providing care in varied, sometimes high-stress environments.
* *Field Production:* For crop farms, duties include planting, hand-weeding, and harvesting while standing or kneeling for long durations.
* *Maintenance:* Fixing fences, cleaning stalls, and maintaining water systems.
* *Driving:* Often requires a valid driver’s license for transporting products or driving equipment between sites.

*Additional Expectations*

* Ability and willingness to negotiate scope and expectations in good faith as program needs evolve.
* Commitment to SLR’s therapeutic community model and collaborative approach.
* Strong professional boundaries and a recovery-oriented treatment philosophy.

*Benefits*

* Housing options available (On-site shared housing or On-site private housing)
* Monday-Friday regular schedule (with afterhours and weekend on-call responsibilities).
* Medical (80% of premium paid by employer)
* Dental (100% of premium paid by employer)
* Vision (100% of premium paid by employer)
* Income Protection (Life, STD, LTD) at one year (100% of premium paid by employer)
* 403b with employer match
* PTO (paid time off) based on position, immediately available
* FREE farm-to-table meals
* Use of 700-acre land for hiking and outdoor activities

Pay: $55,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Parental leave
* Tuition reimbursement
* Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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*Job was aggregated from Indeed.com*

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Job Types: Full Time. Job Tags: Vermont Farm Jobs.

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