FARM MANAGER

Farm Manager

This position directs the daily operations and infrastructure at the Farm Campus. This position drives the site's mission as a functional regenerative demonstration farm by implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation, composting, and integrated pest management while fostering community agricultural education.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Designs, maintains, and upgrades farm infrastructure, including greenhouses, high tunnels, fencing, irrigation, and fields in accordance with strategic plans.
• Manages, operates, and services tractors, irrigation systems, hand tools, and small machinery ensuring proper maintenance, safety, and functionality
• Coordinates with contractors for construction, installation, and repair work.
• Supports the farm's role as a demonstration site through implementation of regenerative agricultural practices such as irrigation management, cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, integrated pest management (IPM), and promoting overall soil health.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners supporting the overall viability, long term development, and responsible stewardship of the Farm Campus site.
• Facilitates on-site educational programs, including hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and agricultural classes.
• Develops and manages digital content across websites, e-newsletters, and social media platforms to promote program updates.
• Orchestrates farm tours and public events, driving community engagement and visitor participation on the Farm Campus.
• Tracks expenses, maintain precise budget documentation, and ensure rigorous compliance with grant reporting standards.
• Maintains accurate operational records and oversee date collection for ongoing program evaluations, ensuring results are communicated effectively to internal and external partners.
• Represent Durham County Farm Campus and Cooperative Extension at agricultural boards, programs, and events to support community visibility and engagement.
• Coordinate routine administrative tasks, ensuring seamless internal communication and organized record-keeping.
• Participate in professional development related to sustainable agriculture, safety, and educational practices.

Knowledge of regenerative agricultural practices, with experience managing a production farm. Ability to design, improve, and maintain farm infrastructure and operate diverse farm equipment. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative team and integrate multiple viewpoints together toward a common goal. Proven ability to work independently and effectively prioritize tasks. Ability to operate mechanical equipment and use various hand tools safely. Proficiency in budgeting, recordkeeping, and data collection for evaluation and reporting. Strong communication skills for program delivery, public engagement, and technical guidance. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, fostering productive relationships. Demonstrated strategic planning and organizational skills for farm operations and site development. Expertise in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including farm-related data systems and outreach software. Ability to handle and coordinate responses to unexpected operational disruptions (e.g., weather events, mechanical failures). Ability to ensure accuracy in agricultural information and guidance provided to farmers and program participants.

Requires an associate's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Business, Animal Science, or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in farm management and agricultural operations or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina with an acceptable driving record.