Company description

The Salt Marsh Farm at Chewonki is 27 acres of pasture and 1 acre of vegetable and flower production—and it’s at the heart of hands-on environmental education. We grow food, raise laying hens, pigs, and sheep, steward woodlots, and integrate it all into transformative programs for students, campers, and educators.

Job description

ASSISTANT EDUCATIONAL FARM MANAGER

Do you believe farms are classrooms? That soil health, animal care, and food systems can shape the way young people see the world?

Chewonki Foundation is seeking an Assistant Educational Farm Manager who is as passionate about teaching as they are about growing. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in early mornings, loves collaborative problem-solving, and is excited to model regenerative agricultural practices for young people.

Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus, in-person, Residential*)
This is a residential position, employer-owned shared housing included (no pets).
Schedule: This is a full-time, all-year position with paid time-off. Work schedule tentatively will be Tuesday-Saturday beginning at 6:30am for morning chores.

Key Duties:

Farm & Garden Leadership

• Oversee 1 acre of production space (field, hoophouse, greenhouse, wash/pack, root cellar)
• Lead crop planning, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest systems
• Conduct soil testing and steward soil health through cover cropping, rotation, fertilization, and IPM
• Manage irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler)
• Operate and train others on BCS, tractor, and hand tools
• Maintain accurate records, inventories, and production schedules

Livestock & Land Stewardship

• Assist with feeding, health management, reproduction planning, and slaughter coordination
• Support rotational grazing, fencing, manure management, and pasture fertility
• Contribute to woodlot management (felling, bucking, splitting)

Supervision & Hiring

• Recruit, hire, and directly supervise Summer/Seasonal Farm Workers
• Provide coaching, regular check-ins, goal setting, and performance reviews
• Collaborate with HR and the Educational Farm Manager on recruitment strategy

Education & Programming

• Facilitate farm chores and work programs for Maine Coast Semester students
• Implement hands-on farm curriculum for Camp Chewonki
• Train educators in farm and food systems topics
• Partner with the Kitchen Team to integrate farm products into Chewonki’s food system

Community Engagement

• Participate fully in campus life, shared meals, and events
• Model Chewonki’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability
• Share responsibility for risk management across the organization

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Check including Motor Vehicle Record.
• Valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier (this role involves driving the farm truck)
• High school diploma or GED required, Bachelor's preferred.
• Minimum two seasons worth of experience on a vegetable farm, including experience in crop planning, vegetable production, and soil management.
• Demonstrated experience or excitement about working with youth in an educational setting.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience managing budgets, supervising staff, and maintaining farm records.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lb at a time.
• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
• Ability to live and work in a small community.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: $45,000-46,000 Annually

Benefits: health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 403B retirement plan, paid time off, and access to professional development funds.

Residential: Shared employer-owned housing is available (no pets). Residency is optional; compensation remains the same if living off-campus. Residential staff receive meals when programs are in session.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $43,950 - $50,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

March 15, 2026