CT NOFA > Resources > Classified and Community Board > Assistant Farm Manager

Assistant Farm Manager

Employer: Waldingfield Farm

Work Location: Washington, CT

Term of Employment: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation Range: $45-$50k annually, DOE

More Details / Apply for Job

Duties / Responsibilities

Waldingfield Farm, established in 1990, is a thriving certified organic vegetable operation located in the town of Washington, Connecticut. Through the use of three propagation greenhouses, seven high tunnels, and approximately 20+ acres under cultivation, we grow an extensive assortment of vegetables and fruit to support our CSA, farmer’s markets, and wholesale accounts.

We are currently seeking qualified applicants for our Assistant Farm Manager position. This is an eight-month commitment, from mid-March through the end of November, with the potential to become year-round based on the individual candidate’s performance. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Owners and Farm Manager to execute a variety of daily tasks in conjunction with, and sometimes separate and apart from, our seasonal crew.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage and support a team of approximately 12 summer crew members during peak season – providing guidance, quality control, pace-setting, feedback, and mentoring to ensure everyone contributes effectively and efficiently to the collective goals of the farm.
  • Collaborate closely with farm manager/owners – engage in daily/weekly discussions covering particular field operations, production priorities, and team needs.
  • Participate in hands-on field work – including seeding, planting, cultivation, hand-weeding, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and tractor operation.
  • Provide farmer’s market coverage, when necessary.
  • Identify/address tasks in a proactive manner to facilitate farm efficiency.
  • Assist with the maintenance of farm equipment, tools, and infrastructure to help ensure their safety, efficiency, and longevity of use.

Hours & Compensation:

  • Full-Time Position: 40 hours/wk, either Mon-Fri or Tues-Sat, based on farm needs. Season runs from March 15 thru Thanksgiving, with the potential for year-round employment for the right individual. Peak season (June-Sept) may require additional hours – not to exceed 50 hours/wk.
  • Compensation: $45,000-$50,000 annually depending on experience and skillset. Paychecks are issued weekly.
  • Vacation: Two weeks of paid vacation – one of which may be taken during peak season (June-Sept). Paid sick days.
  • Produce: Members of our team are encouraged to enjoy the fruits of their labor, literally.
  • Professional Growth Opportunities: Potential for long-term growth within the farm, including increased responsibilities, increased autonomy, and increased opportunities for professional development.

Desired Applicant Experience

  • Experience: Minimum of 2+ full seasons working on a diversified vegetable farm, with experience managing crews and leading field operations a plus.
  • Leadership & Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to lead and support a team; professional, personable, versatile, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with farm manager, owners, and seasonal crew.
  • Technical Skills: Comfortable operating tractors, farm tools, and other related equipment; solid understanding of basic diversified vegetable agronomy, including principles of crop care, planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
  • Work Ethic & Initiative: Highly motivated, proactive, detail-oriented, punctual, and able to anticipate/remedy farm and seasonal crew needs.
  • Physical Stamina: Must be capable of performing physically repetitive tasks involving bending, pulling, lifting, and carrying on a daily basis. Must be willing/prepared to work outdoors in difficult, seasonal weather conditions.
  • Communication & Problem-Solving: Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively and kindly with everyone, including farm manager, owners, seasonal crew, and customers. Ability to identify/analyze various challenges and propose workable solutions.
  • Attention to Quality & Efficiency: Balances speed and productivity with high standards for crop quality and crew performance.

How to Apply / Notes / Other Information

Please send a resume and any other pertinent information by email to Patrick@waldingfieldfarm.com.

Waldingfield Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we work hard to build and maintain a culture of respect, kindness, and inclusion for all team members.