Farm Manager (7234)

Craigardan, a growing arts and agriculture nonprofit located in Elizabethtown, NY, seeks a dynamic new farm + property manager to develop, grow, and maintain the organization’s small-scale diversified mountain farm. Located on 320 acres of field and forest adjacent to the Adirondack Park’s Hurricane Mountain Wilderness area, the farm is non-traditional and extremely rural. We are looking for someone with a diverse skillset, a positive and creative mindset, and a desire to help imagine and grow the community farm.

We grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers and produce eggs, wool, and meat to feed participants in our residency program, to fill the kitchen pantry for our culinary artists-in-residence, to sell in the farm store, and to give away to local families in need through our community farm programs and Free Food Fridge.  This is a year-round, full-time position that allows for creative problem-solving, innovation, and exploration in a supportive, inclusive environment. This position provides a rich and rewarding farming career while maintaining a positive work-life balance. The Adirondack region is known for its work hard / play hard ethos, and Craigardan is located at the center of this incredible playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

The farm and our farmers are the heart and soul of this place-based organization.  Learn more about our people and programs at www.craigardan.org.

Craigardan is a nonprofit arts organization and educational working farm that leverages collective creativity for social good. We bring people together for place-based and interdisciplinary learning, providing creative residencies, courses, and events that span diverse artistic and knowledge disciplines in order to foster curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration.

Craigardan supports ceramic, literary, visual, and performance artists, as well as farmers, chefs, activists, scholars, and researchers from the Adirondack region and around the world. We cultivate a dynamic that amplifies each individual’s work and activates collective creativity within the community. We believe that fostering the interaction between artists and the local public is as important as providing sheltered time to artists to further their creative practices.

As an organization deeply rooted in this region’s unique history, Craigardan exists at the nexus of processes (re)making this region’s present and future:  environmental conservation, the resurgence of small farms, rural economic revitalization, and cultural/social activism.

By developing interdependent connections  within our local Adirondack community, we nurture a deep sense of place through people, culture, food, stories, and the exchange of ideas and skills. With a built-in focus on equitable exchange across a wide range of disciplines, Craigardan offers an  experience that ties the creative process to larger contexts. This experience leads to new questions and new initiatives; and it generates positive social change through collective creativity.

As an integral member of Craigardan’s team, the farm manager must work closely with staff to provide leadership and delivery in all areas of the farm and property.  With the direction and collaboration of the Executive Director, the farm manager will:

• • • Help design and implement planned phases of the innovative, small-scale, diversified farm and trail network throughout our 320 acres of field and forest
    • Manage all farm operations including: livestock (chickens, sheep, and pigs), vegetable and flower gardens, small orchard, and food storage and preservation
    • Manage staff, interns, volunteers, and/or contractors to carry out tasks where necessary throughout the property
    • Assist with budgetary planning and help to create income producing activities and products
    • Work with professionals to plan, build, and install infrastructure
    • Work with staff and interns to create and implement operational systems and structures
    • Assist with the planning and execution of relevant classes, events, and workshops
    • Welcome regional experts and lead discussions on the farm
    • Represent Craigardan as an integral member of the regional farming community while working together with other farmers and organizations to strengthen and promote the Adirondack region’s food system.

You have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge and you have a strong desire to continue learning:

• • • Livestock management for laying hens, broilers, sheep, and pigs
    • Pasture management and rotational grazing
    • Small-scale fruit and vegetable production from seed through harvest
    • Soil improvement tactics including rotational grazing, composting, cover cropping, and living mulches
    • Regenerative practices that test and integrate knowledge and techniques from permaculture, agroforestry, silvopasture, and agroecological methods
    • Food storage and preservation including cold storage, freezing and canning. Butcher skills are a plus.
    • The use of hand tools, light carpentry, and general maintenance
    • The importance of craft and craftsmanship; and fostering the connections between agriculture, food, and the arts

You are hardworking, capable, curious, and positive; and you are comfortable in your ability to:

• • • Be a leader, but also to ask questions and take direction
    • Be highly dependable, observant, and flexible
    • Work alone for long hours and work side-by-side in a team. Work outdoors in all conditions year-round
    • Talk to community members and help foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
    • Safely operate equipment including mowers, tractors, and chain saws
    • Handle animals with your safety and their welfare as first priority
    • Produce vegetables, small fruits, eggs, and meat for 30+ people each week
    • Think in terms of systems, organization, and efficiency
    • Maintain a beautiful property with an eye for design and upkeep
    • Organize documents and spreadsheets as well as tools and equipment
    • Teach and manage interns and work-exchange residents on the farm
    • Work quickly and efficiently, without missing details 
    • Lift 50 pounds safely and repetitively, and accomplish physically demanding work 5 days per week.
    • Navigate rural, remote, and wilderness spaces with a deep desire to live in the Adirondacks

Required Education and Experience:

• • • At least 3 years of farming experience
    • farm management experience preferred
    • Valid US drivers license

Applicants must also have a strong affinity for Craigardan’s mission and work.

High School diploma or GED

Salaried, full-time, 40-50 hours per week, year-round position starting as early as March 1, 2025. This position provides training and offers room for growth for the right candidate.

Starting salary $45,000-$55,000 commensurate with experience.

The employment package includes:

• Generous PTO: 30 paid holiday, personal, and wellness days per year
• Monthly health care stipend
• Staff shares of farm food produced at Craigardan and 15% off in the Farm Store
• Free access to programs and educational classes
• Continuing education, training, and professional development support

This position requires working occasional nights, weekends, and some holidays. This job description covers key responsibilities but does not outline all duties. We are searching for a long-term employee to grow with Craigardan and shape the farm. All applicants must be willing to commit to at least two years in the position, but hopefully many more. 

Craigardan is an equal opportunity employer. We highly encourage applications from women, farmers of color, and LGBTQIA+ farmers.