Wildcat Farm Manager

Central Washington University; Ellensburg (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Discounts across town

Wellness incentive program

Job summary

Central Washington University invites applications for the Wildcat Farm Manager to lead CWU's six-acre Wildcat Farm in Ellensburg, WA. The role focuses on production, education, and community partnerships, driving sustainable farming and hands-on learning across campus.

The position emphasizes student engagement, workforce development, and outreach, with opportunities to develop revenue, grants, and partnerships while promoting CWU's mission and values.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience managing commercial or not-for-profit farm production operations or large-scale community gardens and/or Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Experience or training in sustainable farming operations or sustainability programming.
• Experience training, leading and/or supervising staff.
• Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience with project and people management.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate vehicles.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and oversee all aspects of CWU's Wildcat Farm, including farm production fields, high tunnel production areas, community garden, livestock/chickens, apiary, irrigation, composting, sustainability initiatives, sustainable farming education, and community programs.
• Develop and implement high-volume, climate-smart farm production plans that support education objectives and revenue goals.
• Manage and strategically expand the existing Community Supported Agriculture program for the CWU and Ellensburg Community.
• Establish and manage a consistent Farm Stand on campus.
• Purchase tools, supplies, and operate farm equipment.
• Support students as they develop and implement CWU Student Green Fund projects located at the Wildcat Farm.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability Director and faculty to incorporate sustainable farm-based learning into academic programming.
• Support and coordinate student internships, applied educational activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Provide expertise that supports curriculum development focused on sustainable farming, agriculture, food systems, and circular economies.
• Provide Wildcat Farm tours and facilitate educational sustainable farming workshops.
• Partner with the CWU Wildcat Pantry to minimize student food insecurity.
• Work with community food pantries to address food insecurity in the broader Ellensburg community.
• May be required to operate company owned vehicle in congested areas.

Skills

Staff supervision

Communication

Teamwork

Project management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Farm equipment operation

Job description

Central Washington University is recruiting a Wildcat Farm manager to join our CWU Wildcat Farm team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The Wildcat Farm Manager provides strategic leadership and oversees the management, coordination, production, and continual development for Central Washington University's (CWU) six-acre Wildcat Farm. This position is responsible for managing day-to-day farm operations, production, and educational programming as well as student engagement, business development, community partnerships, marketing, and communications at the Wildcat Farm. This position will support CWU's efforts to transform the Wildcat Farm into a sustainable living laboratory, which will enhance opportunities for applied research, workforce development, new and existing community partnerships, and sustainable agricultural operations. The Farm Manager will help develop the Wildcat Farm into a financially viable, outdoor educational hub and bolster the student experience through education, employment, and volunteer initiatives. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Farm Operations, Production, and Education:

• Lead, manage, and oversee all aspects of CWU's Wildcat Farm, including farm production fields, high tunnel production areas, community garden, livestock/chickens, apiary, irrigation, composting, sustainability initiatives, sustainable farming education, and community programs.
• Develop and implement high-volume, climate-smart farm production plans that support education objectives and revenue goals.
• Manage and strategically expand the existing Community Supported Agriculture program for the CWU and Ellensburg Community.
• Establish and manage a consistent Farm Stand on campus.
• Purchase tools, supplies, and operate farm equipment.
• Support students as they develop and implement CWU Student Green Fund projects located at the Wildcat Farm.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability Director and faculty to incorporate sustainable farm-based learning into academic programming.
• Support and coordinate student internships, applied educational activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Provide expertise that supports curriculum development focused on sustainable farming, agriculture, food systems, and circular economies.
• Provide Wildcat Farm tours and facilitate educational sustainable farming workshops.
• Partner with the CWU Wildcat Pantry to minimize student food insecurity.
• Work with community food pantries to address food insecurity in the broader Ellensburg community.
• May be required to operate company owned vehicle in congested areas.

Business Development, Community Outreach, and Communications:

• Manage the Wildcat Farm operational budget; Develop revenue projections and annual reports.
• Identify, develop, and establish revenue-generating opportunities, including but not limited to produce sales and workshops.
• Pursue grant opportunities, sponsorships, donations, and other external funding opportunities.
• Build and maintain existing partnerships with campus entities, Ellensburg School District, tribal organizations, and community organizations.
• Develop and implement communications, marketing, and outreach strategies that promote events, educational programs, and farm produce.
• Represent and promote the Wildcat Farm at on- and off-campus meetings and events in a professional manner.
• Oversee and manage the CWU Wildcat Farm's website, social media channels, and quarterly e-newsletter.
• Institute a culture of safety, accountability, learning, professional development, and inclusion at the Wildcat Farm.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate student employees, full-time employees, and part time/temp staff.
• Recruit, train, and manage campus and community volunteers to work on the Wildcat Farm.
• Support the Farm Production Lead with developing and implementing work plans, schedules, and farm production objectives.
• Clearly defines performance expectations, ensures accountability, and provides ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conducts formal performance evaluations.
• Assess and implement risk management and safety protocols.
• Take corrective action in a timely manner, including disciplinary up to termination.
• Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
• Recognize the value of and promote a strong workforce. Value and encourage perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience managing commercial or not for profit farm production operations or large-scale community gardens and/or Bachelor's degree in related field
• Experience or training in sustainable farming operations or sustainability programming.
• Experience training, leading and/or supervising staff.
• Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience with project and people management.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate vehicles.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in field of study
• Experience working in a higher education institution or large commercial or not for profit operation
• Training and coursework in sustainability with an emphasis on sustainable growing practices.
• Experience or interest in mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Experience operating farm equipment and training others on safe use of tools and equipment.
• Experience working in operations of a university farm.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Salary: The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $54,772 - $67,000 annually. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the full annual salary range for this position is $54,772 to $79,419.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (1-hour lunch); may require some weekends and weeknights

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

Screening Begins: August 21, 2026

**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

CUW is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Veteran/Disability Employer.