Queens County Farm Museum is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State, dating back to 1697.  It has served the community through the centuries as New York City grew around it.  The 47-acre site is the largest tract of farmland, home to the largest single apiary, the only farm with a full range of livestock and community composting in New York City.

Queens Farm implements regenerative farming methods and grows over 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers making it a leader in locally grown food and the ecological wellbeing of New York City.  Last year, Queens Farm harvested 21,600 pounds and 10,400 units of food, produced 3,478 dozen eggs, 100 skeins of yarn and 225 herbal tea packages from its own resources. Queens Farm has nearly 6 acres of land in production (plus a three-acre corn maze).

Queens Farm’s planned agricultural expansion includes adding five acres into production over the next five years and the addition of high tunnels.  The new Director of Agriculture will help achieve these goals and bring a new perspective to position the farm toward even greater growth.

Queens County Farm Museum is seeking a new Director of Agriculture to lead the farm’s largest expansion of food production since the 1970s.  Nutrition, health and food policy are deeply connected to sustainability. Access to locally grown food and the strengthening of food systems is paramount as New York City works toward a more equitable, just and green city.  The ideal candidate for the Director of Agriculture position will have the vision, passion and skills to drive Queens Farm’s agricultural expansion and the ability to work closely with the farm’s education and programs departments to connect agriculture planning with the farm’s public work.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement annual crop plan, propagation, cultivation, rotation and succession planting  
• Ensure produce is grown, harvested and stored for optimum flavor and quality
• Estimate crop yields; establish regular ag reporting & maintain planting, production & harvest records and keep related records and data
• Manage soil fertility
• Oversee greenhouse / cold frame production
• Manage pests & operate and implement irrigation systems with support from the farm’s Operations Department
• Manual field work, including soil preparation, hand-weeding, harvesting and packing produce, etc.
• Safely operate farm utility vehicles
• Maintain farm supplies and tools
• Manage operational systems related to food production, livestock and compost
• Organize and manage on-site farmstand and two off-site farmstands. Position organization to expand this work.
• Manage Livestock Coordinator, Farm Manager and farm crew; work collaboratively with Operations Department
• Oversee all livestock systems, including health and rotational grazing (steer, sheep, goats, alpaca, hens and pigs)
• Prioritize animal welfare and best practices
• Recruit, hire and supervise seasonal farmers and farm market staff as part of the farm’s Agriculture Workforce Development Program
• Support farmer training by conducting skills development & assessment
• Manage farm’s robust agriculture volunteer and internship program.
• Support organizational needs for various mission related events like public and education programs/workshops including the iconic corn maze.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment for staff and visitors
• Responsible for compliance with all city, county and state agricultural, food and safety policies

The Ideal Candidate

• The Director of Agriculture reports directly to the Executive Director
• Extensive farm management experience, including 3 seasons of sustainable vegetable production and knowledgeable of regenerative agricultural practices.
• Previous greenhouse experience and plant propagation required
• Enjoys working outdoors in any weather
• Ability to work independently and with a team; work weekend and early morning hours; stand for lengthy periods of time (between 4-9 hours/day); lift heavy bins and supplies, up to 50 pounds. Is able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly, and to squat, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time
• Valid NYS Driver’s License for at least 1 year, with satisfactory driving record.
• Demonstrates superb communication and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to budget and maintain agriculture department financial records 
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in agriculture or related field desirable
• Livestock/pasture management preferred
• Previous work experience with fruit orchard pruning and maintenance desirable
• Previous experience with tractor and small engine equipment operation desirable.
• Being a leading public facing institution in NYC, ideal candidate will be a real ‘people person.

What We Are Offering

• A progressive work environment as part of a small team
• Salary commensurate with experience starting at $65,000+
• Participation in the company’s Simple IRA plan
• Health Benefits
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays