Company description

Green River Preserve is an overnight summer camp kids grades 1–12 connecting children with nature. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewards through a joyful connection to nature.

Located on a 3,400 acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, this extraordinary natural setting inspires campers to have a greater understanding of themselves, their environment, and each other. Designed for bright, curious, and creative children, our program nurtures individuals and community.

We offer 1,2, and 3-week overnight summer camp sessions for campers in the rising 1st through 9th grades. Our expedition programs offer immersive wilderness adventures for campers in rising 7th through 12th grade in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the spring and fall, our School of Environmental Education (SEE) is a 3 to 5-day residential outdoor education programs for school groups.

Our Farm supports our kitchen and KALE, Kids’ Agricultural Learning Experience. KALE is a two-part, agriculture-based education program for students in grades 5K – 12. Consisting of an in-class lesson and a field trip to the GRP farm, KALE invites students to get their hands dirty and discover the wonders of where our food comes from.

Job description

The mission of Green River Preserve is to inspire environmental stewards through a joyful connection to nature.

Job Description: As the Green River Preserve Farm Manager, you hold a position of great responsibility and importance. Professionalism, a strong work ethic, organizational skills, and demonstrated leadership skills are essential to the success of this role. Your warmth, enthusiasm, willingness to share knowledge, and sensitivity to the needs of each camper and staff contribute profoundly to the success of our program.

The purpose of the GRP Farm is to provide educational opportunities for our school groups and summer programs. Around1,000 campers and students visit the farm each year. You will be responsible for everyday activities on the farm, including but not limited to planting, harvesting, teaching, weeding, watering, and maintaining the farm. During the summer, you will supervise counselors, mentors, interns, and campers during their visits to the farm in addition to maintaining the facilities, property, and farm. During the off-season, October-March, you will prioritize projects to develop the farm and prepare for the next season.

Farm Program

• Maintain the farm to provide an educational learning experience for campers and staff from spring through fall for our KALE (Kids Agriculture Learning Experience) program.
• Manage and lead all farm maintenance and upkeep of the Heatherly property, back field garden, and orchard. Including but not limited to seeding, planting, and growing vegetables and maintaining farm animals.
• Care of tools and equipment used to grow, maintain, and care for the garden
• Management and feeding of camp animals: chickens, goats, pigs, etc
• Plant to provide produce for our Farm Feast each fall and Kitchen Salad Bar during programs
• Management of compost program
• Management of counselor & camper workers
• Lead farm mentor hikes & Group Learning Project Days
• Assist with grant applications and funding requirements
• Manage and maintain a diligent budget

KALE Program

• Plan and coordinate all KALE trips to the farm and classroom visits, serving as the main point of contact for teachers.
• Serve as primary instructor/facilitator for KALE program
• Recruit and coordinate KALE programming staff

Essential Functions & Qualifications

• Work in a team environment supporting outdoor environmental education.
• Function well in a community living environment with little personal space
• Able to work non-traditional hours befitting a residential summer camp
• Hike approximately five miles each day on varied terrain and steep inclines
• Work several days in a row, sometimes with little rest
• Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
• Demonstrate mature judgment in high-stress situations
• Maintain confidentiality when faced with sensitive issues
• Effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
• Maintain good personal hygiene, health, and well-being without the assistance of others
• Be comfortable operating hand tools, chainsaws, tractors, and other equipment
• Skilled in general property maintenance and repair
• Minimum of 21+ years of age

Benefits

This is a salaried position ($40,000- $45,000+ DOE) that includes semi-private housing on camp, a generous benefits package, a flexible schedule during the non-programming season, and meals when guests are on camp.

The farm manager will be an active part of our summer camp community, participating in group programs such as activities, evening programs, and more, and will have the freedom to explore the beautiful 3,400-acre wildlife preserve the camp is located on. We are looking for motivated individuals who take initiative, have a strong work ethic, and are willing to grow in a tight camp community.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $35,568* - $50,000

Application instructions

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Deadline

December 01, 2026