Website Craigardan
Craigardan, a growing arts and agriculture nonprofit located in Elizabethtown, NY, seeks a dynamic new farm + property manager to develop, grow, and maintain the organization’s small-scale diversified mountain farm. Located on 320 acres of field and forest adjacent to the Adirondack Park’s Hurricane Mountain Wilderness area, the farm is non-traditional and extremely rural. We are looking for someone with a diverse skillset, a positive and creative mindset, and a desire to help imagine and grow the community farm.
We grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers and produce eggs, wool, and meat to feed participants in our residency program, to fill the kitchen pantry for our culinary artists-in-residence, to sell in the farm store, and to give away to local families in need through our community farm programs and Free Food Fridge. This is a year-round, full-time position that allows for creative problem-solving, innovation, and exploration in a supportive, inclusive environment. This position provides a rich and rewarding farming career while maintaining a positive work-life balance. The Adirondack region is known for its work hard / play hard ethos, and Craigardan is located at the center of this incredible playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The farm and our farmers are the heart and soul of this place-based organization. Learn more about our people and programs at www.craigardan.org.
THE POSITION
As an integral member of Craigardan’s team, the farm manager must work closely with staff to provide leadership and delivery in all areas of the farm and property. With the direction and collaboration of the Executive Director, the farm manager will:
- Help design and implement planned phases of the innovative, small-scale, diversified farm and trail network throughout our 320 acres of field and forest
- Manage all farm operations including: livestock (chickens, sheep, and pigs), vegetable and flower gardens, small orchard, and food storage and preservation
- Manage staff, interns, volunteers, and/or contractors to carry out tasks where necessary throughout the property
- Assist with budgetary planning and help to create income producing activities and products
- Work with professionals to plan, build, and install infrastructure
- Work with staff and interns to create and implement operational systems and structures
- Assist with the planning and execution of relevant classes, events, and workshops
- Welcome regional experts and lead discussions on the farm
- Represent Craigardan as an integral member of the regional farming community while working together with other farmers and organizations to strengthen and promote the Adirondack region’s food system.
WHAT YOU DO
You have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge and you have a strong desire to continue learning:
- Livestock management for laying hens, broilers, sheep, and pigs
- Pasture management and rotational grazing
- Small-scale fruit and vegetable production from seed through harvest
- Soil improvement tactics including rotational grazing, composting, cover cropping, and living mulches
- Regenerative practices that test and integrate knowledge and techniques from permaculture, agroforestry, silvopasture, and agroecological methods
- Food storage and preservation including cold storage, freezing and canning. Butcher skills are a plus.
- The use of hand tools, light carpentry, and general maintenance
- The importance of craft and craftsmanship; and fostering the connections between agriculture, food, and the arts
You are hardworking, capable, curious, and positive; and you are comfortable in your ability to:
- Be a leader, but also to ask questions and take direction
- Be highly dependable, observant, and flexible
- Work alone for long hours and work side-by-side in a team. Work outdoors in all conditions year-round
- Talk to community members and help foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
- Safely operate equipment including mowers, tractors, and chain saws
- Handle animals with your safety and their welfare as first priority
- Produce vegetables, small fruits, eggs, and meat for 30+ people each week
- Think in terms of systems, organization, and efficiency
- Maintain a beautiful property with an eye for design and upkeep
- Organize documents and spreadsheets as well as tools and equipment
- Teach and manage interns and work-exchange residents on the farm
- Work quickly and efficiently, without missing details
- Lift 50 pounds safely and repetitively, and accomplish physically demanding work 5 days per week.
- Navigate rural, remote, and wilderness spaces with a deep desire to live in the Adirondacks
ELIGIBILITY
Required Education and Experience:
- High School diploma or GED
- At least 3 years of farming experience
- farm management experience preferred
- Valid US drivers license
Applicants must also have a strong affinity for Craigardan’s mission and work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 – $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Rotating weekends
- Year round work
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Relocate:
- Elizabethtown, NY 12932: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
To apply for this job please visit www.indeed.com.