Join the team at McDowell Farm School full time as the Farm Manager. Manage the teaching farm to uphold and embody the program goals and mission of the Farm School. This person is not only a farmer, but also an educator and leader.

General Responsibility: Manage the teaching farm to uphold and embody the program goals and mission of the McDowell Farm School. The McDowell Farm School Farm Manager is not only a farmer, but also an educator and leader.

Qualifications: 

• Extensive farm management experience, including sustainable livestock/pasture management, vegetable production - at least 2 years
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Knowledgeable about regenerative agricultural, environmental, and educational issues
• Demonstrate superb communication and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Demonstrate maturity, initiative, leadership, enthusiasm, sense of humor, flexibility, and a team spirit 
• Demonstrate professionalism in appearance and behavior
• Outdoor education experience preferred 
• Valid driver's license 

Specific Responsibilities: 

Works with the Farm School Director to Manage and Implement Animal Systems

• Manage all livestock systems, including health, husbandry, rotations, processing, purchasing and sales (Chickens / Pigs / Dairy Goats)
• Provide for animal welfare in alignment with the Farm School program
• Manage record keeping and operational systems related to livestock 
• Collaborate with the leadership team to determine educational programs/curriculum development and production needs related to livestock systems
• Responsible for compliance with all city, county and state agricultural, food and safety policies
• Work with the Director to budget and maintain financial records 

Works with the Farm School Director to Manage and Implement Garden Systems

• Plan, execute, and oversee two acres of vegetable and flower production, as well as perennial fruit (2 acres in production)
• Responsible for greenhouse management and high tunnel production throughout the year
• Maintain accurate records related to seasonal crop rotation / harvest / soil testing / and soil amending
• Prepare staff for seasonally available crops for use with students and the techniques and  tools needed for harvest, processing and cooking. 

Train and Manage Staff 

• With the leadership team, support the training and management of seasonal employees related to all aspects of the farm school program
• Train and mentor seasonal staff in proper planting methods and plant management and day-to-day animal chores/responsibilities, and ensure staff are up to date on farm protocols
• Manage and lead seasonal staff projects
• Support seasonal staff’s professional development through long-term farm projects, ideas, and goal setting
• Participate as an advisor/mentor to develop staff personal goals and projects 

Support Farm School Program Development

• With the leadership team, help update curriculum, lesson plans and class materials 
• Organize, attend and actively participate in staff meetings 
• Manage pre-season set-up and end of season clean-up of farm area
• Assist in facilitating additional workshops such as: TAB (Teacher Advisory Board),  teacher workshops, weekend workshops, and summer programming  
• Teach farm school classes throughout staff training and during season, as necessary

Manage Sustainable Systems, New Projects and Maintenance

• Systems include, but are not limited to, rainwater collection, solar power, carpentry projects, and new projects determined by the leadership team
• Upkeep and maintain farm supplies and tools related to livestock and garden systems
• Maintain, care for and operate any machinery related to crop and livestock systems (BCS tractor / Massey Ferguson diesel /Weedeater /Chainsaw)

Camp McDowell Employee Expectations 

• Act as a positive role model to visitors and fellow staff members 
• Work and live respectfully with others 
• Help out wherever and whenever needed 
• Provide a positive experience for all clients of the McDowell Farm School and Camp McDowell  (students, parents, chaperones, teachers, and guests)