Company description

Chewonki is a nature-based education center in Midcoast Maine. The Educational Farm Co-Manager is responsible for overseeing the operation of the farm’s educational programming and infrastructure in support of Chewonki’s wide-reaching programmatic and educational needs.

Job description

Chewonki is seeking a dedicated and collaborative Educational Farm Co-Manager to oversee our dynamic farm and woodlot operations. From managing pastures, livestock, and gardens to sustainable forestry and engaging educational programs, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Through this shared leadership model, you’ll foster growth, sustainability, and community connection while serving as a vital bridge between the farm and Chewonki’s greater educational mission.

Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus, in-person, Residential)

This is a residential position, shared housing included.

Reports to: President

Schedule: Full Time (including some weekends and evenings; residential position)

Salary: $58,656 /Annually

Benefits: Housing, meals, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, 403B retirement plan, and access to professional development funds.

Important Dates:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

Priority Deadline to Apply: August 5th, 2025 11:59pm

Organization and Position Summary

Chewonki is a nature-based education center in Midcoast Maine. The Educational Farm Co-Manager is responsible for overseeing the operation of the farm’s educational programming and infrastructure in support of Chewonki’s wide-reaching programmatic and educational needs. As a Co-Management position, this role will share management tasks with another educational farm manager. This role will develop and deliver a curriculum that teaches about sustainability and food systems through farm resources, and maintain the physical structures of the farm that support symbiotic hands-on learning experiences for students and participants: grow vegetables, raise livestock, and (in the winter) split small amounts of firewood for educational purposes.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Education

Maine Coast Semester

• Collaborate with Maine Coast Semester to plan, delegate, and facilitate the farm-based work program and daily farm chores for semester students.
• Participate in a rotating schedule of weekend residential duties. Serve as a student advisor.

Camp Chewonki

• Design and implement the Farm Activities curriculum with camp staff.

Outdoor Classroom

• Train Outdoor Classroom instructors on farm and food systems-focused curricula, and offer and lead work projects and chores.

Kitchen/Food Philosophy

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Food Services to support and develop education around sustainability and food systems.

Supervision and Budget Management

• Oversee the scheduling, management, hiring, and supervision of farm staff.
• Participate in annual budget management.

Garden Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall garden plan, including overseeing day-to-day operations, purchasing supplies, and the maintenance of compost.
• Coordinate post-harvest handling and storage of farm products (including on-campus root cellar).
• Manage soil testing, cover cropping, and soil amendments.

Pasture/Livestock Responsibilities

• Oversee daily feeding, care, health, reproduction, and herd management of livestock, including animal purchases and slaughter coordination.
• Support fiber arts education.
• Facilitate manure spreading/soil testing/nutrient management of pasture/hay.

Community Responsibilities

• Strive to uphold and embody the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Work on the Chewonki campus and share meals with the community.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

PREREQUISITES/REQUISITES

• Must pass a Criminal Background Check, including Motor Vehicle Record - required by the state of Maine for all employees working with youth
• Valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier - necessary for job duties, which include livestock transport
• Attend required onboarding and training sessions (in-person/on campus).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Supervisory experience on a sustainable diversified farm.
• Experience working with youth in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of and skill related to animal husbandry, preferably sheep, pigs, turkeys, and/or chickens.
• Experience with crop planning and garden management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with students and staff of diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Experience managing a budget, supervising employees, and record keeping.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate a tractor and chainsaw and/or willingness to learn.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to do routine repairs on equipment, fences, and buildings.
• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in all weather conditions.

Residential Benefits

As a condition of employment, the Employee will be provided with employer-owned housing, which is considered an integral part of the position. Occupancy of this housing is contingent upon active employment and will terminate upon the conclusion of the employment relationship

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

August 13, 2025