Farm Manager

Founded in 2016, Pitney Meadows Community Farm is a 166-acre preserved working farm in the heart of Saratoga Springs, dedicated to agricultural education, healthy food production, and recreation. With programs like our Community Gardens, CSA, and Food Sovereignty, we strengthen community connections, improve food security, and promote health through sustainable farming. Our accessible trails, farm stand, and volunteer and community engagement opportunities make the farm a vibrant, inclusive space for all to engage, learn, and grow together.

The Farm strengthens the community through our Food Sovereignty Program. We donate roughly 100,000 servings of nutrient-dense produce annually to hunger relief agencies in the region. In addition, the Farm partners with local healthcare providers to give patients struggling with chronic diseases the nutrient-dense produce and culinary education they need to improve their health.

Our farm is alive with creativity and dedicated community engagement, offering a productive and joyful place for volunteers, employees, and visitors. As we continue to grow and develop new programs, we aim to create a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient community that thrives on a shared commitment to the well-being of our environment and each other. Together, we seek innovative ways to not only sustain our agricultural endeavors but also to sow the seeds of a more vibrant, compassionate, and interconnected community.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Pitney Meadows Community Farm, we're committed to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in all aspects of our organization. We recognize the negative impact of systemic inequities and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all facets of our organization. Through intentional actions and accountability, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered. We actively work to address disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes, ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to participate and thrive.

Position Description

Reporting to the Executive Director and working collaboratively with all members of the organization’s tem, the Farm Manager exemplifies a commitment to establishing an open, welcoming, and educational space for the public, reflecting the values of Pitney Meadows as a community-centered, public, and educational farm.

Together with the Farm Team, our Farm Manager supports program development to successfully coordinate and execute 15 acres of organic vegetable, herb, and flower production for the CSA, Farm Stand, and food sovereignty initiatives. This includes managing greenhouses, soil fertility and health, tractor operation, and overseeing the equipment and infrastructure that support farm production. In collaboration with staff, the Farm Manager develops clear operational policies, ensures smooth workflows, and promotes a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment for all who engage with Pitney Meadows—whether as employees, volunteers, educators, or visitors.

The Farm Team plays a critical role in engaging with supporters. As members of a nonprofit reliant on charitable contributions, our team is committed to identifying, cultivating, and building relationships with donors, funders, and community stakeholders to sustain and grow the farm’s impact.

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional team-building skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment. They should demonstrate excellent communication and listening skills, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to handle challenges with creativity and composure. A positive and approachable demeanor, coupled with self-direction and sound judgment, is essential.

This position requires flexibility, with increased hours during the production season balanced by reduced hours and time off during the winter to ensure a healthy work-life balance. The Farm Manager will work collaboratively to ensure that Pitney Meadows remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring space for the community.

Responsibilities Include:

• In collaboration with our Farm Team, the Farm Manager will:
  • Create a seasonal work schedule that includes organizing tasks for equipment maintenance, setting up production infrastructure in the spring, and winterizing the farm at the end of the season.
  • Create guidelines and strategies for disease and pest management utilizing regenerative methods.
  • Develop and execute a plan to monitor and improve soil health through regular soil testing, spreading compost and amendments, minimal tillage practices, cover crops, crop rotation, and soil biology.
  • Create guidelines and document field production to maintain quality standards.
  • Design and implement irrigation and fertigation systems including both installation and maintenance.
  • Provide a setting for educational opportunities within the farm fields for both children and adults in collaboration with the Food Sovereignty & Farm Engagement Coordinator.
  • Conduct day-to-day farm operations, which include but are not limited to; field preparation, greenhouse operations, planting, harvesting, cultivating, pest management, maintaining equipment, tractor operation, managing team, etc.
  • Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner and effectively teach equipment operation and maintenance to staff.
  • Ensure the overall appearance of the farm operation, including barn complex, common areas, and farm fields reflect a well-maintained, organized, aesthetic, working landscape.
  • Work collaboratively with the Board, the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and the Stewardship Committee for land management initiatives.
  • In collaboration with staff and key stakeholders, develop a multi-year plan to build ecosystem functions, including improving soil health, incorporating animal and fungal capacities, and expanding perennial plantings.

Administrative and Communications

• Prepare and deliver an annual work plan in consultation with fellow Farm Team members and the Executive Director, reflecting the organization’s goals for the coming year.
• Track expenses against the current year’s approved budget and develop an annual area budget proposal for the upcoming year, including projected income.
• Maintain financial records with support of the organizational Bookkeeper.
• Work collaboratively and creatively with our Marketing & Communications Coordinator to share regenerative agriculture practices and trials.
• Attend staff, committee, community meetings as needed, and board meetings if requested by the Executive Director.

Education and Engagement

• Offer agricultural-related, educational opportunities in consultation and conjunction with the Executive Director, Food Sovereignty & Farm Engagement Coordinator, and/or Environmental Educator.
• Exemplify our ethos of the farm as a thriving ecosystem by showcasing sustainable and innovative farming practices that inspire and engage visitors, the farming community, local neighbors, and partner organizations.

Staff/Volunteers/Interns

• Provides meaningful mentorship for Farm Team members and interns.
• Joyfully receives mentorship from colleagues and embraces learning opportunities.
• Works with the Farm Team to develop annual/seasonal work plans for the Farm Team and interns, ensuring a balance of work projects and educational opportunities.
• Offers consistent 1:1 support and performance feedback to Farm Team members and completes annual performance review cycle with each team member.
• Supports all volunteer efforts within the farm fields.

Qualifications:

• Experience (5+ yrs) in vegetable production, harvesting, processing, and storage.
• Proven ability to collaborate with a team in accomplishing vegetable production, field harvest, and wash-pack activities accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Focused time management skills, efficiency, and consistent attention to detail.
• Good written and interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic with a positive and motivated attitude in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform moderately strenuous labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for long periods of time.
• Knowledge and experience with farming and sustainable, organic, regenerative growing practices.
• Experience in orcharding, berry production, perennial crops, or animal husbandry preferred, but not required.
• Understanding and commitment to the mission of Pitney Meadows Community Farm and willingness to share that with visitors to the farm.

Benefits:

At Pitney Meadows Community Farm, we value the well-being and engagement of our team members. As part of our commitment to supporting a healthy and thriving workforce, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage for year-round team members:
  • Access to individual health, dental, and vision coverage at a reduced rate, ensuring that our team members have the support they need to maintain their well-being.
• Summer CSA Share:
  • Enjoy the harvest of your hard work with a complimentary summer CSA share.
• Participation in Farm Events:
  • Embrace the spirit of community and camaraderie by participating in farm events at no cost on your time-off. Whether it's educational workshops, community gatherings, or seasonal celebrations, we encourage our team members to be an integral part of the farm's vibrant activities.
• Flexible Work Environment:
  • Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, we offer a flexible work environment that accommodates the needs of our team members.
• Housing:
  • An on-site tiny house is available for rent at a below-market rate of $400 per month.