Farm Manager
Employer: Northwest Corner Farm
Work Location: Winchester, CT
Term of Employment: Full-time; seasonal
Compensation Range: $52,000 annualized
Duties / Responsibilities
Northwest Corner Farm is a diversified, certified-organic farm located in Winchester, CT in Litchfield County. We produce the highest-quality vegetables, herbs, and other food items using certified organic, no/low-till practices. We currently utilize a 72×30 high tunnel and half-acre for production as well as a mushroom yard, sugarbush, and apiary. We also have an additional half-acre of production capacity under cover crop.
The farm began operation in 2023 and has sold through a variety of wholesale channels, a CSA, and direct on the farm. We are dedicated to our local community and have sold to or donated to our local schools, senior center, child care center, food pantry, and soup kitchen.
The Farm Owners are interested in transitioning the farm operation to a farmer who is knowledgeable of and dedicated to the principles of sustainable, community-based agriculture. We would like to hear from people who have both farming experience and experience running a business, and who seek a long-term commitment. We are open to considering a variety of financial models including immediate revenue sharing as well as an opportunity to build equity in the farm operation and farm property over time.
We would consider offering a position as Farm Manager for a trial period of at least one season. The Farm Manager is responsible for all aspects of the farm business, including not only the on-farm operation (field prep to crop planning to harvest to wash-pack to post-harvest storage), but also off-farm business operations including sales, marketing, deliveries, customer billing, crew payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and record-keeping.
Desired Applicant Experience
We are looking for someone who is committed to farming and has the following abilities and experience:
- 3+ years of experience in commercial organic farming
- Working knowledge of organic certification, soil science, plant science, IPM
- Working knowledge of PSA and other food safety protocols
- Entrepreneurial experience and demonstrated abilities in planning, budgeting, administration, supervision of others, marketing, sales, business development, and customer relationship management
- Experience in crew hiring and management; ability to effectively lead a crew to accomplish time-sensitive tasks
- Knowledge of general small farm machinery (BCS, mower, etc.)
- Ability to operate machinery and power tools confidently and safely
- General carpentry and handyperson skills a plus
- Fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and equivalent GSuite (Calendars, Gmail, Docs, Sheets), to maintain thorough and accurate farm records
- Fluency with app-based tools such as shared team calendars on smartphone & laptop, greenhouse monitors, weather reporting, etc.
- Positive attitude and enthusiasm for sustainable food production
- Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and practices
- Resilient against the effects of ongoing climate change, including unpredictable weather and environmental challenges
- Ability to thrive within an evolving “startup” farm operation
- Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds repeatedly
- Ability to work outdoors in nearly all weather conditions
- Valid driver’s license and required personal vehicle operator insurance, with reliable transportation
Full details on our website: http://northwestcornerfarm.com/jobs
How to Apply / Notes / Other Information
Annualized base salary of $52,000
Potential for performance-based bonus at the end of the season
Monthly housing stipend of $1,000, in Winchester
5 paid holidays during high season
Gear stipend $250
Free farm produce equivalent to a CSA share weekly throughout the season
Funding available for career development/professional education
Due to the seasonal nature of intensive vegetable production, the position requires extended availability during the high season (May-September), including some weekends and holidays when necessary (e.g., watering, crop protection, etc.).
Apply on our website: http://northwestcornerfarm.com/jobs