Farm Manager Job Description

Position Title: Farm Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Compensation: $23:00 – $25:00

Status: Fulltime, Exempt

Benefits: Fulltime, year-round position with health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and other benefits consistent with Nuestras Raíces’ organizational policies.

Position Summary

The Farm Manager leads the operations and long-term development of Nuestras Raíces’ 30acre urban farm, supporting a diverse community of incubator farmers and advancing a resilient, culturally rooted local food system. This role oversees production planning, land stewardship, farmer training, and market coordination while ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable farm operations. The Farm Manager strengthens farmer success through technical assistance, business support, and collaborative program integration across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations & Production

• Develop and manage the annual farm production plan, including crop planning, field preparation, planting, harvesting, and postharvest handling.
• Coordinate production with the Mobile Market and Food is Medicine programs to ensure culturally relevant and consistent supply.
• Oversee farm infrastructure, equipment, irrigation, and land stewardship practices.
• Maintain and operate tractors, machinery, and small equipment safely and efficiently.
• Implement organic growing practices, soil health management, composting, nutrient management, and IPM.
• Maintain farm roads, drainage, fencing, and overall site safety.
• Coordinate repairs, improvements, and capital projects with contractors and partners.
• Perform or oversee farming duties across all urban agriculture sites.

Farmer Support & Training

• Provide technical assistance, mentorship, and one-on-one support to incubator farmers.
• Develop and deliver farmer training programs, including workshops, field demonstrations, and peer learning opportunities.
• Support farmers with business planning, recordkeeping, greenhouse production, seedling management, and season extension.
• Facilitate access to land, equipment, shared infrastructure, and cooperative purchasing.
• Support farmers in meeting USDA, state, and local regulatory requirements.

Administrative, Supervisory & Program Management

• Supervise, direct, train, and evaluate farm staff, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers.
• Facilitate monthly farm meetings and monitor participation.
• Prepare and monitor annual farm budgets with the administrative team.
• Maintain purchasing, inventory, and farm documentation.
• Develop and update program policies and procedures, including farm contracts, greenhouse agreements, equipment use, and safety protocols.
• Participate in long-term planning, land access discussions, and farm expansion initiatives.
• Organize volunteer groups safely and productively.

Grant Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records for all farm-related grants, including MDAR programs and other federal, state, and private funding sources.
• Track production data, farmer participation, training activities, and program outcomes.
• Ensure timely reporting and audit readiness in collaboration with the Executive Director and administrative team.
• Attend MDAR project meetings, conferences, and support program implementation and documentation.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Support community events, volunteer days, and educational activities at the farm.
• Collaborate with partner organizations, universities, and agricultural networks to strengthen programming and resource access.
• Represent Nuestras Raíces in local and regional food system initiatives.
• Work with the Holyoke Food Policy Council and other partners to advance supportive urban agriculture policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sustainable Food Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in farm management, sustainable agriculture, or agricultural education.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Strong understanding of crop production, soil health, and farm systems.
• Experience working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx and immigrant farmers.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• First Aid and ServSafe certifications (may be provided by Nuestras Raíces).
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

 

Nondiscrimination Clause

Nuestras Raíces is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve.