ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER
Position Description
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Reports To: Farm Manager
Position Summary
The Assistant Farm Manager, is the lead in agricultural outreach and education efforts of the Blandford Nature Center (BNC) farm. The Assistant Farm Manager will work in collaboration with various team members to support the facilitation of farm-agriculture experiences and programs. The Assistant Farm Manager supervises a mix of seasonal staff, volunteers, and co-supervises farm apprentices with the Farm Manager. Some evenings and weekends are required, especially during the harvest season.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead and implement farm program activities
Operate and manage all facets of the Blandford Farm outreach and educational programming, including, but not limited to:
Curriculum development
Facilitate agriculture learning experiences for all ages within the community
Develop hands-on farming experiences to support harvest and career exploration
Develop and launch a Farm Apprentice Program
Develop pathways to expand fresh food access
Co-create overall BNC Farm strategy with BNC leadership aligned with mission and rooted in USDA project objectives and that of the Kent County Food System Plan.
Farm administration
Contribute to Farm strategic planning and update tactics as necessary
Collaborate with other BNC Managers on programming opportunities and implementation
Collaborate with Marketing and Development Department to prepare farm related marketing materials
This position is detail-orientated with an ability to logistically plan ahead.
Seek opportunities to increase farm revenue and community engagement
Coaching, mentoring, and offering feedback to farm team - staff, apprentices, and volunteers.
Farm technical activities
Support the farm team to execute the planting, irrigating and harvesting of all crops
Serve as a lead operator while actively supporting the coordination of our seasonal workforce
Use crop management data, contributing to informed decision-making and efficient field operations
Assist in the supervision of crop management including tillage, irrigation, planting, growing, and harvesting
Monitor crop health throughout the growing season
Operate farm equipment
Lead and direct individuals and teams in performing a wide array of agricultural functions across the farm
Lead seasonal employees during the peak growing season
Support compliance with all safety measures across the farm
Leadership
Collaborates with BNC Managers to oversee certain partnerships from organizations focused on supporting diverse and underrepresented communities
Support fundraising events, seasonal festivals, and tours as needed and/or requested
Qualifications:
Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color are much less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification as described. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please think about the breadth of your life experience when considering the following list:
Minimum Required Qualifications:
High School diploma or GED equivalent
3 years of agricultural experience in mixed vegetable farming using organic practices
2 years of experience in operating farm machinery for vegetable production
1-2 years of experience in supervising teams of employees and volunteers
1-2 years of experience in customer service
Highly collaborative work style; capable of implementing farm production and education program goals
Proven ability in goal setting and achieving those within a strategic vision
Proven ability in daily problem solving using limited resources
Commitment to continuous learning focused on farm improvement
Proficiency with Microsoft office and Google suite
Energetic, flexible and ability to work independently
Excellent reliability and judgement
Projects a professional image internally and externally
Positive role model in attitude and behavior
Must maintain a valid driver’s license
Physical Requirements:
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, or kneel for extended periods of time
Ability to lift over 50 pounds
Ability to navigate uneven terrain
Ability to work in inclement weather
Core Competencies:
Organizational: Teamwork, Cultural Responsiveness, Pursuit of High Quality, Effective Communication, Organizational Awareness
Management Level: Resource Management, Emotional Intelligence, Planning, Assessment & Decision Making, Assess & Evaluate
Position Specific: Farm and Agriculture Business Knowledge, Farm Management, Community Engagement
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in related field
2 years of farm manager experience
Experience raising farm animals
Experience with farm education programming
Compensation:
This is a paid, exempt, full-time position working 40+ hours per week. The salary for this position is $49,000 per year. This position qualifies for paid holidays and earned annual paid time off, participation in health, dental and vision insurance, free BNC membership, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA plan with an up to 3% employer match.
To Apply:
Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org/employment-opportunities/ and click on the Job Board to complete your application. When applying for this position, please note:
Blandford Nature Center’s Mission
To engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.
Blandford Nature Center’s Vision
A thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.
Blandford Nature Center’s Values
Inclusion: Intentionally welcoming and embracing everyone
Stewardship: Responsibly using and caring for all our resources
Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization and community
Experiential: Providing direct opportunities to enjoy, explore, and learn in nature
Partnership: Connecting and collaborating to effectively serve our community
Innovation: Using creativity and curiosity to continuously improve
The policy of the Blandford Nature Center is to ensure that diversity, inclusiveness, and respect are integral parts of our day-to-day management and work. Blandford staff, board and volunteers commit to ensure equal access to Blandford and all of its educational opportunities by all people.
In essence, diversity includes all the characteristics, experiences, and cultural influences that make each of us unique individuals. All individuals are welcome at Blandford Nature Center, and all individuals, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a parent, will be treated with respect and dignity. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, we can continue to value and appreciate the strengths afforded by differences in the styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. We all share the responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion throughout BNC, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a team and leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.
