Company description
Orkestai Farm is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Nassau County, Long Island (an hour outside of Manhattan). Our primary worksite is in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on an acre plus of land in the park’s grassy meadows, adjacent to forests. Our practices prioritize the vitality of the soil and the connections between the human and more-than-human world. We also share and teach our regenerative methods of vegetable farming to a Neurodiverse community and the community at large. We exist to reweave people and land through Expressive Agriculture — integrating human scale farming, nature connection, and creativity to cultivate belonging, wonder, and ecological stewardship.
Job description
Orkestai Farm is seeking a full-time, on-site Operations & Program Lead to steward the daily life of the farm as we enter our next phase of growth. This role carries real responsibility for coordinating programs, supporting educators, and maintaining operational coherence—especially when co-founders/directors are off-site.
The position includes substantial hands-on farm work and direct participation in educational programming throughout the growing season. Designed as a long-term leadership track, this role offers the opportunity to grow into deeper institutional stewardship over time.
Core Responsibilities
- Coordinate weekly farm and program operations
- Work in regular communication with co-founders to plan and implement priorities
- Support and communicate clearly with participants, staff, interns, and volunteers
- Participate daily in hands-on no-till vegetable production
- Teach and co-facilitate experiential education programs
- Maintain operational follow-through and logistical clarity
Required Experience
- At least 2 full growing seasons on a small scale organic or regenerative vegetable farm
- Significant experience in hands-on, experiential education or facilitation
- Experience carrying operational responsibility in a small team setting
- Can thrive working outdoors in varied weather conditions
- Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly
- Clear empathic communication, positive attitude and strong follow-through
- A steady presence and deep connection to Land
Schedule
- 30+ hours per week, year-round
- Growing season includes Saturdays
- Winter months emphasize planning, systems, and organizational development
Structure & Compensation
- This role will typically begin in a structured Leadership Formation Phase (30–40 hours/week, hourly), allowing for deep immersion in farm rhythm and operational leadership.
- $28–32/hour, (depending on schedule and experience)
- As sustained operational leadership capacity is demonstrated, compensation transitions into a salaried range of: $50,000–$58,000, depending on demonstrated readiness and scope
- For candidates bringing significant prior leadership experience, a higher salary may be considered.
- Structured growth and bonus potential are aligned with demonstrated leadership and increasing responsibility.
- Simple IRA participation available.
- We are open to candidates from outside the region if long-term alignment is strong.
Compensation
this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $28.00 - $32.00
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline