FARM MANAGER presso Blandford Nature Center

Position Summary

The Farm Manager maintains a sustainable food production program on the farmland of the Blandford Nature Center. This position is detail-orientated with an ability to logistically plan ahead. It involves managing a fenced-in 2.5 acre farm. In collaboration with the Maintenance Manager, the Farm Manager will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the farm facilities and equipment. The Farm Manager will work in collaboration with the Program Manager to support the facilitation of farm-agriculture experiences and programs delivered by program staff. The Farm Manager supervises a mix of full-time and seasonal staff and volunteers. Some evenings and weekends are required.

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage all farm activities

• Operate and manage all facets of the Blandford Farm, including:

• Vegetable production and field management 

• Flower production

• Farm animal management

• Farmer’s Market and retail sales

Farm administration

• Oversee and administer the farm budget 

• CSA program administration 

• Community partners and wholesale relationships 

• Provide monthly progress reports on income and activities

• Contribute to Farm strategic planning and update tactics as necessary

• Collaborate with other Blandford Managers on programming opportunities and their implementation

• Collaborate with Marketing and Development Department to prepare farm related marketing materials 

• Seek opportunities to increase farm revenue and community engagement

• Conduct formal employee performance evaluations 

Leadership

• Collaborates with other 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

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 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

• Experience 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in related field

• 2 years of farm manager experience 

• Experience raising farm animals

• Experience with farm education programming

Core Competencies:

• Organizational: Teamwork, Cultural Responsiveness, Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Effective Communication, Courage, 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

Compensation:

This is a paid, exempt, full-time position working 40 hours per week. The salary range for this position starts at $45,000 per year, based on experience. This position qualifies for paid holidays and annual paid time off, participation in health insurance, Blandford Nature Center 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:

• Submit resume and cover letter with your application

• Include three (3) professional (not personal) references with your application

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 (including transgender status, gender identity, and pregnancy), 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 Blandford, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a  leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.