Colchester Neighborhood Farm, an 8-acre Baystate Certified Organic Farm is also a National Bicentennial Farm as sanctioned by the state of Massachusetts. This designation means that Colchester Neighborhood Farm has been owned by the same family (the Barrow family) for the past 200 years. In January 2012, New England Village signed a lease to assume operation of Colchester Neighborhood Farm. This partnership will provide many exciting opportunities to New England Village, Colchester Neighborhood Farm and supporters of both programs.

It is the mission of New England Village to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their potential and pursue their dreams through innovative programs and community living.

New England Village decided to pursue a venture into the farming industry in response to the decline in statewide manufacturing jobs that had previously provided work for its employment program. The Village also operates a cleaning and landscaping business

Our Neighborhood Farm, an 8-acre Baystate Certified Organic Farm is also a National Bicentennial Farm as sanctioned by the state of Massachusetts. As Farm Manager you will perform a variety of development and managerial duties including growing organic vegetables, fruits and herbs; identifying and selling in local markets and on-site; planning, coordinating, implementing and supervising the work of farm interns and volunteers.

 Prepare annual field plans; coordinate with staff to schedule work, offerings, events and projects.  Order seeds and materials; plan weekly planting scheduled; plan and implement irrigation needs.

Plan and implement cultivation requirements to ensure the production of highest quality. Coordinate insect and weed control, within organic guidelines, fertility monitoring and general field observations.

Plan harvest schedule, harvest, market and deliver to CSA members and other outlets as required and agreed to.

Maintain farm infrastructure and landscape with assistance of staff, crew, volunteers and Facilities department.  Install and/or maintain and monitor animal lodging.  Responsible for the soil building and composting program.

Cooperate with community partners and present professionally on behalf of NEV/CNF.

Participate in planning for longer term farm development; integration of farm with other NEV programs; coordinate produce needs with culinary, market and educational programs.

Supervise farm crew members, interns and volunteers.

 Required:

Minimum of five years’ experience in agriculture/farming science, preferably in an organic farming environment

Minimum of three years’ supervisor experience