Assistant Garden Manager

The Berkshire Edge, LLC.; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized on-site housing

Three daily meals

Medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Gould Farm in the Berkshires seeks an Assistant Garden Manager to support sustainable agricultural operations and create meaningful work opportunities for adults living with mental health challenges. This residential therapeutic community emphasizes healing through hands-on leadership and collaborative work.

You will supervise guests, volunteers, and staff, oversee greenhouse and garden activities, coordinate seasonal production, and help plan workforce needs.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of vegetable farming experience preferred.
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Commitment to Gould Farm's mission and community-based approach to mental health recovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support guests through meaningful work assignments and skill development.
• Collaborate with clinical and program staff to support recovery goals.
• Assist in managing the greenhouse, gardens, and agricultural operations with sustainable practices.
• Plan seasonal production and workforce scheduling.
• Maintain safe, clean workspaces and train participants in tool use.

Skills

Farming experience

Greenhouse operations

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Job description

Assistant Garden Manager

Join a dynamic team dedicated to healing, recovery, and reimagining mental health treatment at Gould Farm, a residential therapeutic community in the Berkshires.

The Assistant Garden Manager works alongside the Garden Manager to support sustainable agricultural and horticultural operations while creating meaningful work opportunities for adults living with mental health challenges. As part of a multidisciplinary team, this position helps guests develop skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose through productive, collaborative work. The role provides hands-on leadership, instruction, and support to guests, volunteers, and staff while contributing to daily community life.

Primary Responsibilities

Work Program & Guest Support

• Create an inclusive, empowering work environment that recognizes the strengths and contributions of guests, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Teach, coach, and support guests through meaningful work assignments, skill development, and recognition of accomplishments.
• Collaborate with clinical and program staff to support guest participation, progress, and recovery goals.
• Assist other work teams as seasonal needs and community priorities shift.

Garden Operations

• Assist in managing the greenhouse, gardens, and related agricultural operations, emphasizing sustainable practices.
• Coordinate seasonal production for the Kitchen, Roadside Store & Café, Harvest Barn, CSA and other outlets.
• Help plan and oversee soil management, crop rotation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, composting, and grounds maintenance.
• Support seasonal workforce planning, scheduling, and equipment and infrastructure maintenance.
• Maintain safe, clean, organized workspaces and train participants in proper use of tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Build relationships with local agricultural organizations and support related Campus Crew activities as needed.

Administration & Community Life

• Meet regularly with the Garden Manager for supervision, planning, and professional development.
• Help supervise volunteers and assist with the Garden Team annual budget.
• Participate in staff and community meetings, committees, training, and community activities.
• Participate in the on-call rotation after six months of employment.

On-Farm Living

This is a residential position that includes subsidized on-site housing. Living in community is central to Gould Farm's therapeutic model, and resident staff help create a welcoming, supportive environment. On-Farm residency is a condition of employment, with flexibility to relocate when suitable housing becomes available.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of relevant experience in vegetable farming preferred.
• Practical knowledge of gardening, greenhouse operations, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Commitment to Gould Farm's mission and community-based approach to mental health recovery.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly wage: $19-$24, depending on experience.

Benefits include medical and dental insurance (employer pays 85% of premiums and up to 100% of deductibles), life insurance, a 401(k), generous sick time, and paid time off (five weeks of vacation and holidays during the first two years; six weeks thereafter). Subsidized on-campus housing includes utilities. Food benefits include three prepared meals daily, basic pantry items, and Farm-produced foods.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gould Farm is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse community. We provide employment, advancement opportunities, and benefits without discrimination based on any characteristic protected by applicable law. Candidates who contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion are encouraged to apply.