Company description

Armistead Farm is a new nonprofit organization in Franklin, Tennessee, built on land that has been in the Short family since 1887 and recognized by the State of Tennessee Century Farm in 2014. On approximately 48 acres within the city limits of Franklin, Armistead Farm is building a revitalized, productive farming operation integrated with educational programming to serve our local community.

The mission of Armistead Farm is to honor and preserve the agricultural legacy of this land by nourishing the local community through access to farming, food, and educational experiences.

Armistead Farm, Inc. recently received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. Over the past year, in addition to establishing the new organization and board of directors' membership, a master plan was designed form Armistead Farm. The organization is now ready to launch a 3-acre market garden with additional phased operations over the next five years that include egg production, orchard, and silvopasture with sheep.

Armistead Farm's vision is to inspire and equip each generation to steward the land, promote healthy communities, and build connected food systems through farming practices and shared experiences.

Job description

Armistead Farm has been designed as a multi-enterprise working farm, with a master plan that includes vegetable and flower production, pasture-raised egg production, an orchard, and an agroforestry system with sheep. At launch, the Farm's primary focus is market gardening. The goal over the next five years is to establish a 3-acre year-round production operation encompassing 12 high tunnels and 6 outdoor garden beds, plus dedicated areas for asparagus, blueberries, strawberries, and cover crops. This market farm is the heart of the organization's mission drive strategy, centered on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in 2027 and education programming planned to begin in 2028. The Farm Manager must bring deep, hands-on experience with market-scale gardening of vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and specialty crops, high tunnel management, and CSA operations.

The focus of 2026 is building the foundation for production: procurement of farm equipment and supplies, soil conditioning, and infrastructure buildout, including establishing the first eight high tunnels and three outdoor garden beds, a new well, and a full irrigation system for the initial market farm. The Farm Manager will have a central role in shaping these decisions alongside the Executive Director. CSA launch is planned for summer 2027, with a farm store to follow in 2028. During this start-up phase, the Farm Manager will have access to planning and farm consultants. This is a building year, and we are looking for someone energized by the work of launching something new.

The Farm Manager will serve as the primary on-site operational leader, working in close partnership with the Executive Director to launch a market garden farm to serve the local community. This is a rare opportunity to be part of building something meaningful with a working farm and future education center on historic land, in a growing community hungry for connection to where food comes from.

Farm Manager Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations

• Oversee all crop planning, planting, cultivation, and harvest schedules for a 3-acre market garden
• Implement sustainable and regenerative practices including integrated pest management, soil stewardship, and pollinator habitat
• manage irrigation systems, 12 high tunnels, 6 garden beds, and post-harvest wash and pack facilities
• Ensure food safety protocols, organic certification compliance and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate seasonal production schedules and mange purchasing and vendor relationships
• Hire, train, and supervise farming operations staff beginning in 2027

Direct Sales and Community Programs

• Launch and manage a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with educational components and first subscription deliveries in summer 2027
• Launch in 2028 a farm store including inventory, pricing, customer service, and marketing
• Coordinate harvest schedules to ensure consistent supply for both CSA distributions and retail sales

Administrative Management

• Develop and mange farming operations budget and direct sales
• Oversee equipment purchasing, maintenance schedules, and facility management

What We're Looking For

Required

• 4-8 years of hands-on experience in diversified, market-scale vegetable and specialty crop production
• Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in sustainable and regenerative farming practices
• Experience managing direct-to-consumer sales such as a CSA program, farm store, or farmers market
• Financial management skills developing budgets and tracking profitability
• Experience hiring, supervising, and developing farm staff, with a track record of building a culture of trust, clear expectations, and accountability
• Clear communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to inspire others
• Willingness to relocate to Williamson County in the Middle Tennessee area

Preferred

• Completion of the Market Gardener Masterclass Certificate (Market Garden Institute) or equivalent formal training in bio-intensive market gardening
• Familiarity with Middle Tennessee growing conditions and climate
• Experience working within a nonprofit organization, particularly one with education programs serving local communities
• Comfort serving as a visible and confident ambassador for an organization's mission and vision
• Experience collaborating with a board of directors and establishing community partnerships

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range $75,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience, plus a relocation stipend. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage are offered, as well as both short-term and long-term disability, and paid time off in addition to holidays.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

July 01, 2026