Director of Agriculture (Farm Operations)

Full-time, Year-round

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center seeks a mission-driven and experienced Director of Agriculture to provide leadership and strategic direction for our organic farming operations. This full-time, year-round role requires a systems thinker with deep knowledge of organic production, facility and resource management, and a passion for regenerative agriculture.

The Director oversees a team of three managers and ensures that departmental goals are clearly defined, aligned with the farm’s mission, and effectively executed. Key responsibilities include guiding production strategy and budgets, fostering collaboration across departments, and maintaining partnerships with research institutions and external stakeholders. The Director also plays a central role in communicating Cedar Circle’s agricultural practices and advancing innovative, climate-resilient approaches to farming.

About Us

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is a 30-acre certified organic vegetable, berry, and flower farm, and a nonprofit organization based in East Thetford, Vermont. Our work centers on growing healthy food, building community, and educating people of all ages about sustainable agriculture.

Our team of nearly 70 seasonal and year-round staff members collaborates across all departments—from education and production to the kitchen and farmstand—to fulfill our mission. We value curiosity, collaboration, and kindness, and we believe that every role on the farm contributes to our shared success and the health of our local food system.

Primary Responsibilities

Agricultural Programs Oversight

Oversee all aspects of agricultural production on the farm. This includes supervision of the vegetable production, annuals and perennials, native plant nursery, and collaboration with our on-farm research team.

• Provide strategic leadership for all agricultural production, including vegetables, flowers, perennials, and the native plant nursery.
• Collaborate with department managers on production planning, budgeting, staff development, and long-term goals.
• Facilitate communication among production, education, marketing, and research staff
• Ensure compliance with relevant certifications and memberships, and integrate CCFEC’s mission and values into all production activities.
• Support the pursuit of funding and research partnerships that advance sustainable and innovative growing practices.
• Mentor and develop production team leaders to strengthen organizational capacity and performance.

Research & Development

• Partner with the Research Director to guide and implement on-farm research that enhances soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with academic and research partners to support collaborative trials and projects.

Operations

• Ensure effective management and maintenance of the farm’s physical assets and infrastructure through oversight of the Operations Team (2 employees).
• Coordinate with staff and contractors on infrastructure and maintenance projects, providing guidance and support as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Foster clear communication and collaboration among departments to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Support educational and community engagement activities as appropriate.
• Oversee agricultural land partnerships and shared land use, including lease renewals.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required:

• 5–7 years of experience in agricultural management, with expertise in organic vegetable and/or berry production.
• Proven leadership in farm operations, including budgeting, financial oversight, and infrastructure management.
• Strong team management and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and a positive organizational culture.
• Deep understanding of organic certification, soil health, and sustainable production practices (e.g., minimum tillage, nutrient and pest management).
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects and priorities with flexibility, creativity, and strategic focus.
• Experience building partnerships and representing an organization to external stakeholders and collaborators.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with native plant propagation, nursery operations, or greenhouse production.
• Experience with research collaborations, educational programming, or market development initiatives.

Benefits include: health insurance (premium 100% employer paid, 50% paid for minor dependents); paid personal, sick, and parental leave; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match; short-term disability insurance (100% employer paid), 20% discount at our farmstand; 50% off summer camps for dependents; and access to an employee assistance program.

2-Bedroom housing is potentially available.