Farm Manager

Position: Farm Manager

Start Date: November/December 2025

Reports to: Executive Director

Overview

Sylvester Manor is seeking a dedicated and experienced Farm Manager to lead operations on our 10-acre farm, with 7 acres currently in vegetable and small fruit production. The Farm Manager will bring strong experience in ecological, year-round vegetable and fruit production, along with the leadership skills needed to effectively supervise, train, educate and motivate farm staff. This position will oversee a team of apprentice farmers and other seasonal farm staff and work closely with other farm, farmstand and buildings/grounds positions that contribute to the overall mission and stewardship of Sylvester Manor.

This role requires someone who is passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, has excellent people management skills, and thrives in a collaborative, growth-minded work environment. A self‑motivated work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build and maintain community relationships are essential.

The primary market for the produce will be Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares (100+), food pantries and the Sylvester Manor Farmstand. This person will work closely with our Farmstand Manager, Buildings & Grounds staff, future Livestock Manager and Director of Operations and report to the Executive Director. This is a full‑time, salaried position.

Essential Functions

Oversee Farm Production and Infrastructure

• Lead all aspects of crop production across open fields and greenhouses.
• Develop and implement systems for CSA program, crop planning, rotations, pest and nutrient management, irrigation, and overall farm maintenance.
• Create and manage weekly task lists to guide day‑to‑day operations.
• Set, monitor and adhere to farm‑related budgets, production records, cost control systems and resource and waste management systems.
• Ensure growing spaces are safe, well‑organized, and accessible.
• Work with Buildings & Grounds staff, local mechanics and other vendors to ensure maintenance and repair of farm infrastructure, equipment, tools, walk‑in coolers, and wash/pack areas.
• Work closely with Executive Director and others on staff to develop Farm & Crop Plan, strategically and effectively execute Plan and improve ecological sustainability/financial viability of Farm.
• Collaborate with potential future Livestock Manager and others on staff to provide support to implement livestock enterprise.
• Oversee management of compost production and food waste diversion program.

Manage Distribution Across Outlets

• Oversee and direct distribution for CSA, Food Access Program (food pantry donations), and Farmstand.
• Oversee harvesting, washing, packing, storage, and distribution of produce, with a focus on food safety and product quality.
• Coordinate produce sales and donations with partner organizations and outlets.
• Maintain detailed and accurate harvest, yield, and distribution records.

Recruit, Train, Manage and Educate Farm Staff

• Work closely with Executive Director to recruit and hire full season apprentices and other Farm staff, including Assistant Farm Manager and/or Crew Leader.
• Train, schedule, supervise and educate full season apprentices and seasonal Farm staff.
• Lead small groups in daily farm tasks, providing clear instructions, safety protocols, and on‑the‑job support.

Collaborate with Program and Community Partners

• Work closely with all staff to align farm operations with broader organizational goals.
• Foster and maintain relationships with diverse partners, including schools, local businesses, farmer networks, and other nonprofit educational farm organizations.
• Help with various other activities of the nonprofit as needed, including education.
• Attend staff and organizational meetings as needed.

Core Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 3+ years experience in full season vegetable and small fruit production, preferably in the Northeast.
• Experience with CSA programs and retail markets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability.
• Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, including soil biology, low‑till methods, permaculture, cover crops, composting, soil testing, and weed management.
• Proven ability to work with people of all ages, including youth.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, able to manage multiple projects, budgets, and deadlines.
• Strong critical thinker and problem solver, able to anticipate challenges and contribute to strategic planning and program innovation.
• Skilled in recruiting, training, motivating, and leading others in a dynamic work environment, including physically demanding and adverse outdoor conditions.
• Effective communicator, skilled at tailoring messaging to diverse audiences and learning styles.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Collaborative team player with a strong commitment to the mission and values of Sylvester Manor.
• Proficient in Google Workspace applications supporting collaboration and productivity.
• English fluency; Spanish fluency a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a farm operation of similar size, scale and production.
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating farm‑based education programs.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.

Other Requirements

• Because we are located in an area without access to reliable public transportation, we recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply. In addition, a valid driver’s license is required to fulfill job duties as is a clean driving record, for insurance purposes.
• Because we routinely work with children, a background check is required for final applicants.
• References required for final candidates.
• Cell phone communication.
• CPR / First Aid training (will be paid for by Sylvester Manor).
• During the height of the season we work up to 50+ hours/week, depending on the needs of the farm. Weekend duties are shared. Due to the nature of our work, we work most major holidays.

What We Offer

• Annual Salary: $80,000 to $100,000, more commensurate with experience.
• Housing potentially available.
• Health Insurance: Sylvester Manor offers 2 different health care plans from Oxford/United; organization pays 82.5% of plan ($700-$1,000 monthly depending on plan), employee pays 17.5% of plan ($125-$186 monthly depending on plan).
• 15 Paid Days off (Vacation/Sick Days), summer months excluded.
• Enrollment in Sylvester Manor’s 403b retirement program. Sylvester Manor does not offer match contributions at this time.
• Professional development/education stipend up to $1,000.
• Professional workwear stipend up to $250.
• Cell phone stipend available.
• Free vegetables and fruit from the Farm (when available).
• 20% off all Farmstand products.

80 North Ferry Road | Shelter Island, NY | 11964

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