Situated on more than 270 acres of Orange County’s extremely fertile black dirt, the Chester Agricultural Center is conserving prime farmland, making it available on long-term affordable leases and putting it to its best use: growing clean, local food using organic management practices.

The CAC is working to build a stronger and more equitable regional food system, and a regenerative thriving local economy. Area farmers, leaders, values-aligned non-profit organizations and other stakeholders have stepped forward in support. The Center promotes greater awareness among farmers, workers, social investors and the community of the challenges and opportunities in the current farm-labor economy. 

Position Summary

The Farm Manager will be responsible for day-to-day farming operations and construction projects at Chester Agricultural Center LLC.  In coordination with the Chester Agricultural Center Inc.’s Director and advisors, the Farm Manager will create and implement clear and transparent policies and procedures, and promote a compassionate and safe environment for employees, contractors, lessees, and guests. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Farm Operations 

• Manage overall field operation at the Chester Agricultural Center, including maintenance of hay and fallow cropland, ecological stewardship, whole farm planning, and upkeep and maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Align all field operations with the Chester Agricultural Center long-term goals in collaboration with the Inc.’s Director
• Manage overall development and construction projects and work with contractors to implement agreed plans 
• Develop policies and procedures that reflect ecological management of the land
• Provide on-boarding for new farms
• Provide compliance with all federal, state and local regulations  
• Oversee maintenance and repair of the center’s farm buildings, roads, fences and equipment
• Other related assignments as necessary

Leadership and Management

• Demonstrate strong commitment to the long-term objectives of the Chester Agricultural Center
• Promote a team-centered approach and maintain good relationships with center staff, lessees, contractors, subcontractors, neighbors and partners
• Manage clear agreements and protocols with contractors
• Supervise staff (if applicable)

Qualifications and Requirements:

Qualifications

• Demonstrated love, appreciation, and ability to farm
• Preferred Ag Tech bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Preferred intermediate level communicative Spanish fluency
• Strong commitment to the long-term goals of the Chester Agricultural Center
• A self-starter who is able to learn on the job, prioritize, and multi-task
• Strong communication, collaboration, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to have a flexible work schedule that might include weekend duties as required
• Basic computer skills 
• Demonstrated good written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of the northeast farming community, with Hudson Valley and black dirt knowledge preferred

Required Experience

• Minimum of 1-year of experience in effectively managing a farming operation, preferably organic or biodynamic
• Minimum of 1-year experience of tractor operation 
• Demonstrated success in the effective management and supervision of staff 
• Experience with maintenance and repair of farm facilities and equipment
• Knowledge and experience in the maintenance of crop production records required for organic certification, soil health, and other production related documentation

Application Deadline: Rolling until filled 

Start Date: ASAP

Hours required: 40 (some evenings and weekends are required)

Salary: Starting at $65K DOE

Location: 8 Greycourt Ave, Chester, NY 10918