Job description: Our Farm Manager leads and participates in the Farm Department of the therapeutic Work Program providing year-round meaningful work for people with mental health and substance abuse challenges. This role is best suited for an empathetic and collaborative leader who approaches farm operations through a therapeutic lens, integrating agricultural responsibilities with the mission at the forefront on diversified 65-acre working farm that supports recovery and community engagement. Farm manager roles in Vermont often require a “self-starter” with high energy and the ability to work independently in a physically demanding environment.

About Spring Lake Ranch

Spring Lake Ranch (SLR) is a unique therapeutic community and working farm, providing a supportive environment for adults with mental health challenges and co-occurring addiction issues. Located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, SLR has been in operation since 1932 and is entering a dynamic period of growth supported by donors, alumni families, and passionate staff.

Responsibilities

• Leads, plans, coordinates and participates in the Farm Department of the therapeutic Work Program, including livestock care and pasture management
• Ensures the health and wellbeing of Ranch livestock, communicating with veterinarian and other outside resources as applicable.
• Serves as a member of the treatment team for Farm crew residents and collaborates with the team on treatment planning and facilitation of residents achieving their goals
• Supervises crew staff, including program coordinators (pc) and specialist pc
• Supervises and builds relationships with residents to accomplish Farm and Work Program goals, involving them in all aspects of farming and supporting in participating productively in the Farm
• Works with the Work Program Manager to create and monitor Farm-related budgets.
• Works collaboratively with Food Services Manager regarding kitchen needs and coordination of livestock processing.
• Works with the Work Program Manager to design and implement Farm improvements.
• Maintains regular communication and collaborates with Clinician, Program Director, and other Work Program Managers, regarding farm and Work Program needs.
• Assists other areas of the Work Program in special and seasonal projects (e.g. sugaring, cider-pressing, ice-cutting, etc.)
• Oversees weekly group notes documenting resident progress.
• Produces annual hay crop (approximately 4000 bales), involving the Work Program.
• Maintains 65 acres of pastures, fields, and associated fencing.
• Shared responsibility with facilities team for maintenance and repairs to farm buildings, tractors, and farm equipment
• Responds/responsible for livestock and farm related emergencies on “on-call” basis.
• Organizes/ensures an on-call rotation for livestock care and farm emergencies.
• Attends daily morning meeting.
• Attends weekly Work Program meetings and staff meetings.
• Attends trainings and other meetings as requested.
• Participates in Holiday Committee (planning & coverage) rotation requiring 1 holiday commitment per year.
• Serve as a mentor for up to 1 resident at any given time
• Other responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications

• Effective collaborative, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills. Supervision experience.
• Knowledge and experience in farm management with emphasis on livestock care.
• Experience in operation and maintenance of tractors and other farm equipment.
• Proven awareness and commitment to safety for self and others in a farm setting.
• Experience in farming as a therapeutic tool preferred.
• Commitment to working in a therapeutic community working side by side with residents creating meaningful work on the farm..
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility is a must; especially willingness to shift projects, time, focus, methods, or priorities as requested.
• Ability to complete physical work consisting of moderate (40 lbs.) lifting, carrying, etc. This position consists of a combination of sitting, bending, standing, kneeling, and walking. Work is both indoor and outdoor during all seasons.
• Willingness to live on Spring Lake Ranch property or within a 30 minute drive of Cuttingsville, VT general area for after-hour farm urgencies.
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record.

Key Physical Demands

• Weight Handling:Regular lifting and carrying of 50 lb grain bags, hay bales, and farming equipment.
• Stamina & Mobility:Sustained, full-body activity such as walking, bending, stooping, and climbing over the course of long, sometimes 10-12 hour days, especially during lambing, calving, or harvest seasons.
• Adverse Weather Tolerance:Ability to work outdoors in all seasons, including cold, snow, and ice, as well as high-temperature environments.
• Machinery Operation:Physical capacity to operate and maintain tractors, trucks, and specialized equipment.
• Livestock Care:Physical capability to handle animals (cattle, sheep) and perform barn chores like mucking (cleaning manure).

Common Job-Specific Requirements

• Animal Management:Handling of sheep, cattle, or horses, including lifting equipment, administering vaccinations, and providing care in varied, sometimes high-stress environments.
• Field Production:For crop farms, duties include planting, hand-weeding, and harvesting while standing or kneeling for long durations.
• Maintenance:Fixing fences, cleaning stalls, and maintaining water systems.
• Driving:Often requires a valid driver’s license for transporting products or driving equipment between sites.

Additional Expectations

• Ability and willingness to negotiate scope and expectations in good faith as program needs evolve.
• Commitment to SLR’s therapeutic community model and collaborative approach.
• Strong professional boundaries and a recovery-oriented treatment philosophy.

Benefits

• Housing options available (On-site shared housing or On-site private housing)
• Monday-Friday regular schedule (with afterhours and weekend on-call responsibilities).
• Medical (80% of premium paid by employer)
• Dental (100% of premium paid by employer)
• Vision (100% of premium paid by employer)
• Income Protection (Life, STD, LTD) at one year (100% of premium paid by employer)
• 403b with employer match
• PTO (paid time off) based on position, immediately available
• FREE farm-to-table meals
• Use of 700-acre land for hiking and outdoor activities
• 401k
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance