Orchard Farm Manager - Full Time
Location: Waldorf School of Princeton – Orchard Farm
Reports To: Administrator
Position Summary
The Waldorf School of Princeton (WSP) seeks a full-time Farm Manager to oversee the care,
stewardship, and day-to-day land-based operations of Orchard Farm. This role focuses on
hands-on farm management, coordination of land use, and alignment of farm practices with
regenerative and biodynamic principles.
Orchard Farm is a 60-acre organic farm that has recently become a part of WSP. We are seeking
someone with passion for community-facing farm operations and that is interested in the
possibilities ahead for this innovative transition from a family-run farm to an education-based
non-profit. Caroline and Bob Phinney, the former operators of this legacy organic farm in the
Princeton area, are also the founders of the school. The right candidate will appreciate the rich
history they continue to bring to operations combined with the school’s enthusiasm for further
integration and community-impact initiatives.
While this position reports to WSP’s Administrator, the day-to-day operations will be overseen
and supported by the Board of Trustees’ Farm Committee. This is a one-year, 12-month
contract.
Key Responsibilities
Resource Management
- Oversee day-to-day care of the hazelnut orchard, active plots, chicken flocks, and, as
needed, pastured animals.
- Coordinate any efforts for hazelnut orchard care, cover cropping, pasture management,
produce or product sales, and seasonal field work.
- Develop and oversee basic yearly work plans, benchmarks, and calendars for planting,
maintenance, and land care.
- Oversee management and upkeep of Farm Store and Kitchen with support of
Administration, Farm Committee, and volunteers.
- Take care of equipment and tools and create maintenance plans for them.
- Manage irrigation and soil amendment needs for active plots.
- Keep appropriate records for all plantings, compost, harvests, and other relevant
activities.
Volunteer Work Leadership
- Provide leadership for volunteer work days related to planting, harvesting, and
maintenance, including working with the Farm Committee, School Administration, and
Faculty to plan out volunteer day calendars and activities and be on-site for them.
- Identify appropriate tasks for all abilities of volunteers and ensure safe, productive
engagement for both current school families and community volunteers.
Coordination with Existing Farm Operators
- Serve as the primary point of contact with the Phinneys and their staff regarding land
use and shared spaces.
- Coordinate schedules, access, and responsibilities in a respectful, collaborative manner.
- Communicate any identified land-based needs and constraints to the Farm Committee.
Operational Oversight
- Coordinate logistical needs with the Phinneys or Farm Committee such as mowing
schedules, equipment uses, and repairs.
- Identify when outside contractors or skilled support are needed and coordinate
accordingly.
- Ensure farm operations align with safety standards, school expectations, and budget.
- With support from the school, assist with preparation and submission of applications
(e.g., Farm Assessment, grants) and fundraising initiatives.
Vision & Practice Alignment
- Hold and apply the School’s vision and design principles in land-based decisions.
- Advise the Farm Committee on feasibility, sequencing, and capacity related to new
initiatives.
- Contribute practical insights to evaluation of potential farm-based pilots or
micro-enterprises.
- Attend workshops and training relevant to core farming practices.
Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with leading organic, regenerative, or biodynamic farming and
orchard practices, including experience creating and maintaining necessary GAPs, farm
plans, rotation schedules, and soil amendments.
- Comfortable managing land-based work independently and in collaboration with others.
- Ability to use small farm machinery such as tractors, mowers, and backhoes, and have
knowledge about use and maintenance of irrigation systems.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in shared-use or slow-moving
transition environments.
- Able to lift 50 pounds and safely work outside in a variety of climates.
Details
- Schedule: Full-time, 35-50 hours/week (seasonally variable). Applications will be
accepted until the position is filled.
- Compensation: $30/hour, $62,400. Flexible based on experience
- Location: Primarily on-site at Orchard Farm
