Hiring: Operations & Special Projects Manager – Big River Chestnuts

Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture Inc; Deerfield (MA); Hybrid; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

A local agroforestry farm in Massachusetts is seeking an Operations & Special Projects Manager to oversee farm operations and maintenance. The ideal candidate will have experience with farm systems and equipment, possess strong communication skills, and be self-motivated. This seasonal role offers flexible hours, ideally 24-32 hours per week, with the potential for year-round work as the position develops. The position coordinates directly with the owner-general manager and involves hands-on field work.

Qualifications

• Motivated to set-up and improve operations.
• Passionate about farming and food systems.
• Able to self-direct and coordinate work.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain facilities and farm systems.
• Coordinate directly with the owner-general manager.
• Conduct field work including tree care and irrigation setup.

Skills

Experience in equipment and farm systems

Self-direction and coordination skills

Good communication skills

Tools

Tractors

Irrigation systems

Processing equipment

Job description

Hiring: Operations & Special Projects Manager – Big River Chestnuts

We are an eight year old chestnut agroforestry farm in the Connecticut river valley of Western MA. The farm now has 80 acres in three distinct fields/towns with a focus on chestnuts and other tree crops and berries. There is a staff of 3-5 people through the season, a fall pop-up market, festival, and a developing processing hub. Our growing operation is beginning to yield and we have expanded our systems and facilities to meet growing demand.

Overview

The Operations Manager helps manage and maintain facilities, farm systems, and equipment. In addition the person helps with all aspects of farm operation and management including field work, staff coordination, and oversight and ongoing work prioritization. This seasonal position coordinates directly with the owner-general manager.

Areas of Work:

• Equipment maintenance and operation; irrigation, tractors, mowers, pumps, pv array, etc.
• Processing hub; equipment and processing line setup, operation
• K-Line Irrigation system setup
• Field Work: tree care, soil mgmt, mowing/vegetation mgmt, set up and operation of irrigation
• systems, operating and improving other aspects of the farm operation.

Description

We are looking for someone with experience in equipment and farm systems, and willingness and capacity to learn. This person should be motivated to set-up and improve operations, passionate about farming and food systems, and able to self-direct and coordinate their work within a large-complex project. Good communicator and able to manage staff.

Flexible hours, 24-32 hours per week with potential of additional hours seasonally and as position develops

Season: April through October with potential future year round work

Locations: Primarily in Sunderland and South Deerfield, MA with some work in Easthampton

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