Company description

Charter Oak Communities (COC) is a forward-thinking housing authority in Stamford, Connecticut, revolutionizing assisted public housing with innovative partnerships, creative funding, and smart business practices, all driven by a broad vision. Our exceptional team and diverse partners are dedicated to improving life for our residents and the broader community, positioning COC as a national leader in residential services and housing.

For the past two decades, COC, formerly the Stamford Housing Authority, has been pivotal in rejuvenating Stamford’s neighborhoods. We’ve transitioned from old public housing models to new, community-supported developments. Notably, COC has transformed Vidal Court by replacing 216 below-market units with 134 new market-rate homes, spread across several developments: Westwood (2011), Palmer Square (2012), Greenfield (2015), and Park 215 (2018).

At COC, our primary goals are to broaden access to affordable housing and to foster the socioeconomic advancement of our residents. We take pride in our track record of helping residents become self-sufficient. Together with our partners—including investors and governmental bodies at all levels—we are confidently steering COC’s programs toward a sustainable future.

Job description

Job Title: Farm Operations Leader

Location: 129 and 142 Stillwater Ave

Department: Fairgate Farm

Date Adopted: March 13, 2026

Date Revised:

Reports to: Director of Fairgate Farm

FSLA Status: Non-Exempt - Hourly Wage Range ($26.45 - $28.55)

Job Type: Full-Time, Seasonal (March – November)

FAIRGATE FARM OVERVIEW:

Fairgate Farm (Farm), Stamford’s unique communal urban farm, has grown considerably since its inception in 2010. The Farm has become a hub of excitement and opportunity when it comes to all aspects of agriculture, food access, personal and public health, environmentalism, and community building. Fairgate Farm has a small staff that is supplemented by volunteers consisting of individuals along with occasional corporate and community groups. The heart of the Farm’s mission is to combat food insecurity by growing and distributing nutrient-rich foods in an equitable way throughout Stamford.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Farm Operations Leader is responsible for carrying out day-to-day farm operations, including food production, volunteer instruction, and farm maintenance – ensuring high-quality food, safe and welcoming farm grounds, and a positive and inclusive environment for all volunteers and visitors – all in alignment with the Farm’s mission and Charter Oak Communities (COC) values. The Farm Operations Leader reports to and works closely with the Director of Fairgate Farm (DoFF).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Farm Operations

• Proactively optimizes farm performance, as a unit and as part of Charter Oak Communities, in accordance with company policy
• Executes crop plan for food production; ensure successful seeding, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest of crops
• Monitors crop health, apply amendments, foliar sprays, etc. in accordance with crop plan and DoFF approval
• Maintains indoor hydroponic farm
• Maintains the Farm’s community compost operation
• Supports successful operation of the PWYC Fairgate Farmstand and Farm Community Fridge
• Responsible for day-to-day record keeping important information, such as production, compost data, community engagement and Farm market reports.
• Generates reports; reviews data and makes recommendations, if appropriate, to the DoFF
• Maintains farm machinery, equipment, and structures with guidance and approval of DoFF
• Maintains Farm grounds including, but not limited to, mowing, trimming, trash and recycling to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming environment
• Understands, educates, and ensures volunteers and others are compliant with governmental regulations and health & safety standards

Volunteer and Community Relations

• This position trains, manages, instructs and develops volunteers on a daily basis, as appropriate, while working closely with farm staff
• Increase volunteer engagement by performing outreach to local community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, and corporations
• Co-organize special volunteer events with the Community & Food Distribution Manager (C&FDM;) (e.g. volunteer appreciation events, dinners, clean ups, special projects)
• Develops and fosters partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and community groups that visit
  Conveys positive energy and enthusiasm of Fairgate Farm’s culture and mission

Other

• May be required to perform other related duties as required and/or assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task successfully in a multifaceted position
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment that has shifting priorities and is deadline driven
• Ability to follow directions and consistently repeat related tasks independently
• Strong knowledge, experience and highly skilled in all aspects of the farm business
• Strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to assess and initiate work to be done independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfortable working with a variety of demographics
• Excellent customer service skills with farm patrons, volunteers, market staff and Stamford community
• Ability to focus on effective planning and time management
• Average knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work flexible and/or extended hours is required

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent Is required, Associates Degree in agriculture or related field preferred
• A minimum of two (2) years of full-time professional agricultural experience is mandatory
• Have significant hands-on experience in maintaining, harvesting, and preparing crops for market
• Three (3) years of direct community relations experience preferred
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain a current license
• Ability to read, write, and speak English professionally is required
• Ability to work regular weekend hours, and occasional evening events are required

Mandatory Requirements:

• Agricultural Methodology & Skills Assessment will be administered to top candidates; successful completion is required to advance to the interview stage
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, physical, background, and reference checks
• Candidate must be in good physical health to bend, lift to 50 pounds, use garden tools, and be on one’s feet for extended periods of time working in all weather conditions
• Additional physical requirements provided under separate cover

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $26.45 - $28.55

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline