Farm Manager

MEVO; Mahwah (NJ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(K) match up to 3.5%

Health Insurance stipend

Paid time off

Job summary

MEVO seeks a Farm Manager to lead our Fresh Roots Farming Program and expand our operations in Mahwah, NJ. You will manage field activities, oversee staff and volunteers, and drive CSA and weekly market activities to support MEVO’s mission.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least two seasons of farming with prior leadership experience. A valid driver’s license, physical stamina, and ability to work in varied weather are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Two seasons of farming experience.
• Experience in a management/supervisory role.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and work in all weather.
• Impeccable time management and punctuality.
• Willingness to engage with interns, volunteers, and trainees.
• Interest in MEVO’s Market Gardener Masterclass and Lean Farm materials.

Responsibilities

• Field production management for Fresh Roots Farm and Lottie’s Farm.
• Develop and implement crop plans and fertility programs.
• Oversee nursery, harvesting, washing, packing, and storage for CSA and market channels.
• Manage infrastructure projects and equipment maintenance.
• Lead CSA planning, market participation, and weekly stand setup.
• Supervise paid staff, interns, and volunteers; ensure safety and productivity.
• Collaborate with Executive Director on field design and expansion.

Skills

Farm management

Team leadership

Driver's license

Time management

Physical stamina

Botany knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

MEVO is looking for a new Farm Manager to lead our Fresh Roots Farming Program into its

next season of growth. The role of the Farm Manager at MEVO is to ensure a successful farm

season by managing the farm and team well to ensure a revenue stream that supports MEVO’s

work and by providing experiential education through volunteer events, internship programs,

and workshops that connect people to the earth and each other. The Farm Manager embodies

MEVO’s mission on the farms by inspiring change in the way we relate to our food system and

environment. MEVO currently manages one 2-acre site (Fresh Roots Farm) within the

Campgaw Mountain Reservation and is looking to further expand and build out additional beds

at Lottie’s Farm down the road in Mahwah, NJ. Our distribution channels include a CSA and

weekly market stand at the Ramsey Farmer’s Market (June through November).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Production Management

• Adhering to a low-till, market garden growing system
• Creating and implementing a crop plan for each farm (Fresh Roots Farm and Lottie’s Farm)
• Creating weekly/daily worklists and schedules based on long-term and short-term goals
• Directing field management including planting, crop maintenance, and maintaining the integrity of our raised bed systems
• Overseeing nursery management including seeding, watering, and up-potting
• Leading harvest day responsibilities, including washing, packing, and curing/storing crops for our distribution channels (farmer’s market, CSA)
• Ordering/buying seeds, materials, and tools as needed for the farm
• Developing and implementing a fertility program to enhance soil health
• Managing our compost system
• Winterizing fields (tarping/cover cropping, etc.) and infrastructure
• Ensuring the collection and recording of all field data, including harvest data and crop plan performance

Infrastructure

• Building new infrastructure when needed such as hoophouses, fences, and tool storage
• Implementing “Lean Principles”: keeping all areas on the farm neat and orderly
• Operating, transporting, and getting repair MEVO machinery including pick-up truck, trailer, and skid steer
• Working with the Executive Director to help design and implement field blocks, greenhouses, hoop houses, and any infrastructure that is needed at a new farm

Marketing and Sales

Managing the CSA:

• Conceptualizing CSA offerings and structure
• Managing and ordering any add‑on items we offer (grains, mushrooms, eggs, ferments, etc.)
• Communicating with CSA members, including creating a weekly CSA Harvest Sheet for email communication
• Running the CSA pick-up
• Creating a weekly harvest list that reflects the trends and demands of the market
• Registering for market participation and communicating with the market manager regarding market attendance
• Running weekly market stand and set‑up along with a rotation of MEVO staff and interns
• Keeping track of earnings and payment methods, including using Square mobile payment device

Internship Program & Staff, Intern and Volunteer Management

• Creating a cohesive, supportive, and professional work environment for staff, interns and volunteers

Managing Paid Farm Staff

• Leading by example to establish an efficient, punctual, and friendly work culture
• Leading paid farm staff in the accomplishment of the daily worklist with ease and efficiency by: Empowering paid staff to take ownership of the farm and worklist and Delegating tasks clearly to paid staff
• Letting the Executive Director know about issues with staff including poor work performance, chronic absenteeism or lateness, or conflict with other staff

Sharing responsibility for the Spring, Summer, and Fall College Interns with the

Executive Director and Trail Crew Leader.

(We work with around 15-20 interns yearly.)

• Co-planning internship content and structure
• Interviewing prospective Farm Crew interns and conducting mid-internship and exit interviews
• Managing and training interns to accomplish daily tasks consistent with schedule and quality of work expected

Managing Volunteer Events

(1-3 times per week on average)

• Leading or delegating the management of volunteer events, ensuring staff have a comprehensive understanding of the work for the day
• Creating a work list and schedule for volunteer events based on the number of volunteers
• Ensuring volunteers get a quality experience through a farm tour for new volunteers, friendly interactions, and sending them home with veggies when possible

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least two seasons of prior farming experience
• Prior experience in a management/supervisory role
• Valid driver’s license and reliable and consistent personal transportation vehicle (MEVO is not accessible by public transit)
• Ability to work physically hard (lift up to 50 lbs. regularly) and in all weather conditions
• Impeccable time management (punctuality and arriving to work on time)
• Intermediate knowledge of food, cooking, and botany
• Willingness to work with groups of all ages and backgrounds
• Willingness to read and view the following materials before or at the start of the position (MEVO will provide): The Market Gardener Masterclass and The Lean Farm
• Ideally: Intention to work with MEVO for 2+ full seasons

SCHEDULE

• Weekly schedule: Sunday through Thursday (subject to change) with approximately 2 hours of weekend chores (watering the greenhouse) during the growing season (performed in a rotation with other MEVO staff)
• Typical hours are 9AM to 5PM
• Anticipated hours March 1st through December 15th: 40-60+ hours per week
• Anticipated hours December 19th through late February: 20-30 hours per week

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annualized salary of $45,760-$52,000 DOE
• 401(K) after 3 months of employment with a match of up to 3.5% (match can be taken with the employee after three years of employment)
• Health Insurance stipend of $250 per month
• 1 hour of sick leave accrued for every 30 hours worked
• PTO: 10 days and holidays (Thanksgiving weekend, from Christmas Eve-New Years Day and 4th of July)
• Please note: There is NO housing option available.

START DATE

• This position will begin full-time in January 2027.
• There will be a part‑time training period that takes place during the Fall 2026, with the scheduled to be discussed and determined with the successful candidate.

TO APPLY

Please fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/9XxKbSKL3phNo6ys9, including your resume and cover letter.

If you have questions before applying, you can reach out to our current Farm Manager Jacob Morenberg, [e-mail], and our Executive Director, Violet Reed, [e-mail].