The primary responsibility of the Farm Manager will be to support the Research Department and manage day-to-day field operations at Rodale Institute’s main campus in Kutztown, PA. The Farm Manager will play a role in experimental design and execution. The Farm Manager will also support other departments when necessary to help accomplish their goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct day-to-day farm operations in relationship to crop production. Field responsibilities include, but are not limited to soil preparation, planting, harvesting, weed, pest and disease management, equipment maintenance and repair, etc.
• Manage farm operations staff and work closely with other Rodale Institute staff
• Document field operations on Rodale Institute forms to satisfy organic certification requirements, research data collection needs, financial accounting and maintain production records on a daily basis
• Work closely with the mechanic(s) to coordinate maintenance schedules for tractors, vehicles, and other equipment to ensure success in research, field operations, and property maintenance
• Coordinate landscaping and property maintenance
• Assist with facility maintenance when needed
• Operate equipment (tractors, tractor implements, small engine equipment, and hand tools) in a safe and efficient manner
• Support the research team in creating field experiments and completing field activities; some field data collection will be required
• Educate and train temporary staff and interns to carry out day-to-day activities of the farm
• Provide field tours and presentations for outreach and education when necessary
• Coordinate with Rodale Institute staff for travel needs and purchasing supplies
• Assist the Communication Department with preparing outreach materials
• Assist with preparing a yearly budget and quarterly reports
• Collaborate and coordinate all activities with Assistant Farm Manager(s) and the Senior Farm Director
• Coordinate with Master Trainer for RIFT student training
• Conduct and oversee grain and vegetable operations in production fields
• Interview and select staff during hiring process
• Manage staff schedules and timesheets
• Help prepare and manage the annual budget for areas under departmental management
• Approve purchases and invoices in accordance with the overall yearly budget
• Other duties may/will be assigned on a case by case and as needed basis

Qualifications:

• Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather individually or within a team
• Able to lift in excess of 50 pounds
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to be flexible in hours as farm work can be unpredictable
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint and Adobe Acrobat
   

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Five years of experience in agronomic crop production
• Previous management experience is preferred
• Ability to drive farm equipment, tractors, combines, etc. is required

Other Expectations:

• Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s success.
• To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors
   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.