Director of Agriculture

Ambler Farm, a town owned historic farm located in Wilton CT and run by a nonprofit board of directors, is seeking a year-round full-time salaried Director of Agriculture who will serve as our on-site farming manager overseeing all agricultural operations.  Our production field is approximately one acre with potential for more cultivated areas.

Position Overview:

The Director of Agriculture will be responsible for planning and managing all aspects of agricultural production for the production field using organic practices (preparing vegetable and cut flower beds, seeding, transplanting, weeding, pest control, harvesting produce; soil fertility management, crop rotation, and cover crops); providing guidance and support for our educational gardens, assisting in the development and implementation of farm-related educational programming and teaching and/or sharing in the teaching of farm-related program.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage all areas of field production, including: preparing beds, seeding, transplanting, planting, irrigation, weed and pest control, and harvesting produce using organic practices; familiarity with rotations, cover crops and organic fertility.
• Plan and manage on-site greenhouse, including flat preparation, seedling maintenance, etc
• Identify needed resources - staff/volunteers and equipment - for agricultural production.
• Coordinating weekly farm product sales and distribution (farm stand and restaurants).
• Assist FOAF in the development and implementation of farm-related educational programming.
• Manage and continue to develop volunteers and seasonal intern(s) as needed to meet Farm goals.
• Maintain agricultural facilities in neat and orderly condition and keep equipment in good and safe operating condition.
• Assist FOAF in the development and management of the farming budget.
• Maintain detailed records for continuity of all farm production practices.
• Work closely with the Program Manager to maintain, strengthen or develop programs that engage the community in our agricultural activities.
• Represent the Farm and its mission within the local community.
• Communicate regularly with the FOAF Board and the local community on the progress of agricultural enterprises at the Farm; report to Board at meetings.
• Foster relationships with other farming operations and entities.
• Teach farm-related programs, as time permits.
• Serve as member of the Agriculture Committee.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Understanding and hands-on experience with organic production techniques relating to horticulture and principles of sustainability
• A degree in Horticulture, Agriculture or a related field, or significant experience in these areas
• Desire and ability to contribute to our educational mission with prior experience teaching children, youth and/or adults
• Proven ability to work with volunteers and seasonal interns, other farm employees as well as the community at large
• Strong sensitivity to aesthetics
• Strong team player and leader, role model
• Ability to operate and maintain farm machinery
• Integrity, energy, enthusiasm and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Written and oral communication skills required to record and convey information
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic
• Must be comfortable reporting to a board of directors (and will be directly supervised by board of director's agriculture chair)
• Valid driver's license
• Own transportation

Compensation: $20,000 - $30,000 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus local housing. Local housing provided as condition of employment. Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF) provides an employee benefit package including health insurance and 2-week paid vacation (during the off-season).

Location: 257 Hurlbutt Street, Wilton CT (approx. 50 miles north of New York City)

To Apply:            

Interested candidates should send resumes by December 10th, 2011.