Farm Manager

Waldorf School of Princeton; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 56,160 - 68,640; Full time

Job summary

The Waldorf School of Princeton is seeking a full-time Farm Manager for Orchard Farm to oversee day-to-day land-based operations. This role focuses on hands-on management and aligning farm practices with regenerative principles.

Located in Princeton, NJ, the Farm Manager will manage care of the organic farm, coordinate with volunteers, and ensure operational needs align with safety standards. Compensation starts at $30/hour, with flexible arrangements based on experience.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with organic or biodynamic farming practices.
• Comfortable managing land-based work independently and collaboratively.
• Able to lift 50 pounds and work outside in various climates.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day care of hazelnut orchard and active plots.
• Coordinate volunteer work days and tasks.
• Manage irrigation and soil amendment needs.

Skills

Organic farming experience

Knowledge of regenerative practices

Ability to use small farm machinery

Interpersonal and communication skills

Job description

Orchard Farm Manager - Full Time

Location: Waldorf School of Princeton – Orchard Farm

Reports To: Administrator

Position Summary

The Waldorf School of Princeton (WSP) seeks a full‑time Farm Manager to oversee the care, stewardship, and day‑to‑day land‑based operations of Orchard Farm. This role focuses on hands‑on farm management, coordination of land use, and alignment of farm practices with regenerative and biodynamic principles.

Orchard Farm is a 60‑acre organic farm that has recently become a part of WSP. We are seeking someone with passion for community‑facing farm operations and that is interested in the possibilities ahead for this innovative transition from a family‑run farm to an education‑based non‑profit. Caroline and Bob Phinney, the former operators of this legacy organic farm in the Princeton area, are also the founders of the school. The right candidate will appreciate the rich history they continue to bring to operations combined with the school’s enthusiasm for further integration and community‑impact initiatives.

While this position reports to WSP’s Administrator, the day‑to‑day operations will be overseen and supported by the Board of Trustees’ Farm Committee. This is a one‑year, 12‑month contract.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day care of the hazelnut orchard, active plots, chicken flocks, and, as needed, pastured animals.
• Coordinate any efforts for hazelnut orchard care, cover cropping, pasture management, produce or product sales, and seasonal field work.
• Develop and oversee basic yearly work plans, benchmarks, and calendars for planting, maintenance, and land care.
• Oversee management and upkeep of Farm Store and Kitchen with support of Administration, Farm Committee, and volunteers.
• Take care of equipment and tools and create maintenance plans for them.
• Manage irrigation and soil amendment needs for active plots.
• Keep appropriate records for all plantings, compost, harvests, and other relevant activities.

Volunteer Work Leadership

• Provide leadership for volunteer work days related to planting, harvesting, and maintenance, including working with the Farm Committee, School Administration, and Faculty to plan out volunteer day calendars and activities and be on‑site for them.
• Identify appropriate tasks for all abilities of volunteers and ensure safe, productive engagement for both current school families and community volunteers.

Coordination with Existing Farm Operators

• Serve as the primary point of contact with the Phinneys and their staff regarding land use and shared spaces.
• Coordinate schedules, access, and responsibilities in a respectful, collaborative manner.
• Communicate any identified land‑based needs and constraints to the Farm Committee.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate logistical needs with the Phinneys or Farm Committee such as mowing schedules, equipment uses, and repairs.
• Identify when outside contractors or skilled support are needed and coordinate accordingly.
• Ensure farm operations align with safety standards, school expectations, and budget.
• With support from the school, assist with preparation and submission of applications (e.g., Farm Assessment, grants) and fundraising initiatives.

Vision & Practice Alignment

• Hold and apply the School’s vision and design principles in land‑based decisions.
• Advise the Farm Committee on feasibility, sequencing, and capacity related to new initiatives.
• Contribute practical insights to evaluation of potential farm‑based pilots or micro‑enterprises.
• Attend workshops and training relevant to core farming practices.

Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with leading organic, regenerative, or biodynamic farming and orchard practices, including experience creating and maintaining necessary GAPs, farm plans, rotation schedules, and soil amendments.
• Comfortable managing land‑based work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to use small farm machinery such as tractors, mowers, and backhoes, and have knowledge about use and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in shared‑use or slow‑moving transition environments.
• Able to lift 50 pounds and safely work outside in a variety of climates.

Details

• Schedule: Full‑time, 35–50 hours/week (seasonally variable). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Compensation: $30/hour, $62,400. Flexible based on experience.
• Location: Primarily on‑site at Orchard Farm.