Company description

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success, and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Job description

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As part of MSU Extension and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), the Farm Manager will oversee the daily agricultural operations, educational programming, and community engagement of Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks , an approximately 84-acre working farm operated through a partnership between Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC), MSU Extension and Bloomfield Hills Schools. You will serve as the primary on-site agricultural leader, will be responsible for hands- on management of farm production, educational activities, and public engagement that advance the site's mission as an authentic working farm and community resource.

You will manage the full scope of farm operations, including livestock care, crop production, orchard and greenhouse management, community gardens, and managed horticultural landscapes, ensuring the farm operates as a productive, educationally aligned working farm. You will develop and implement seasonal production plans that support the site’s educational mission and program calendar, while overseeing key systems such as hay production, feed and supply management, and equipment inventories. This role also includes maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of farm equipment and vehicles, coordinating repairs, managing service schedules, troubleshooting issues, and training staff, along with tracking purchases and supporting budget awareness in coordination with MSU Extension and OCPRC leadership.

In this role, you will provide first-level supervision of the Livestock Coordinator and collaborate closely with the OCPRC Park Supervisor and Facilities and Operations Manager to align farm operations, facilities, and programming. You will guide daily operations through cross-functional coordination to ensure efficiency across production, infrastructure, and programming. As Farm Manager, you will bring strong agricultural expertise, hands-on management experience, and a commitment to public engagement in a community-centered environment. Based at Discovery Oaks, you will also partner with MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center and contribute to the Oakland County Farmers Market, supporting broader Food, Farm, and Managed Landscapes initiatives across southeast Michigan.

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science or Crop, Soil Science, Agriculture, Facilities Management, Natural Resources, or related field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $61,253.00 - $76,566.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

July 28, 2026