Employment & Apprenticeship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phillies Bridge Farm Project Assistant Farm Manager (FILLED)

Phillies Bridge Farm Project is hiring an assistant farm manager to begin part-time this fall for training and part time for the Winter CSA operations then transitioning to full-time in March of 2026. See full description below.

 

Phillies Bridge Farm Project (PBFP) is a non-profit educational working farm on 65 acres in New Paltz, NY. Mixed vegetables are produced from 5 acres for a ~300 member CSA, local stores and restaurants, and low-income families through our food justice programs. The educational programs at PBFP offer school children, local youth, CSA members, and the general public opportunities to learn about and participate in sustainable and local food production. PBFP is committed to agriculture that is ecologically sound, community oriented and economically viable. While not certified organic, PBFP uses organic methods to grow high quality produce.

 

Job description:

The primary role of the Assistant Farm Manager at Phillies Bridge Farm Project is to assist the Farm Manager in running the day-to-day operations of the farm. This includes independently managing and teaching apprentices, managing workflow, completing fieldwork, harvesting, washing/packing, operating tractors, keeping records, interacting with CSA members, facilitating volunteer groups etc. This position requires strong team leading skills and the ability to work independently. 

 

The Farm Director and the Assistant Farm Manager will split up vegetable production and CSA responsibilities based on interest and expertise. The Assistant Farm Manager must aid in balancing the dual focus of Phillies Bridge Farm Project, maximizing both production and education on the farm. This means demonstrating the pace and efficiency needed for production farming, as well as prioritizing education of the apprentices.

 

Phillies Bridge has a main season CSA that runs from June – November and a winter CSA that runs from December to May. During winter operations the Farm Director and Assistant Farm manager work together to grow greens in the high tunnel for the winter CSA share, plan the upcoming season, hire apprentices, and do off-season maintenance tasks on equipment and infrastructure. Weekends are split in a rotation between two or three people and the Assistant Farm Manager works an average of 28 hours per week during the winter season. 

 

Example Timeline:

Fall Training Hours (October): 

• ~20 hours a week

Winter hours (November to March)

• Average 28 hours a week
• Somewhat flexible scheduling
• Required to work every 3rd weekend on rotation with Farm Director and Winter Farmhand

 

Main Season (April through November): average 45 hours per week

• Monday through Friday, 7am-4:30pm
  • 1 hour unpaid lunch, 20 minute unpaid morning break
• Rotating CSA staffing on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. 
• Rotating weekend approximately every 4th weekend and week night chores approximately 1 evening per week every week. 

 

Requirements of job:

The ideal candidate is someone who is looking for a longer-term position with space to learn and grow. We hope to hire someone who can draw on their past experience to make meaningful contributions to the functioning and improvement of PBFP. Ideally the Assistant Farm Manager will have multiple seasons of farming experience, including a leadership experience.

 

Responsibilities:  

• Help ensure safety for workers on the farm. 
• Lead harvest about 2 days per week.
• Maintain a positive team dynamic that encompasses the physical and mental health of the farm crew.
• Help plan, lead, and supervise Community Farm Work Days throughout the year. 
• Become proficient in farm systems and practices (propagation, bed preparation, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, processing, washing, packing, planning, record-keeping) in order to direct and work alongside staff, volunteers, and interns. 
• Independent problem solving, taking initiative, and critical thinking in the field. 
• Tractor operation on Ford, Kubota, and Tuff-Built tractors.
• Farm maintenance work including weed whacking and maintaining fence lines.
• Work with farm tools and vehicles (hoes, walk-behind tractors, flame weeder, tractors, zero-turn lawn mower). 
• Animal chores including feeding and watering of goats and chickens for the education program. 
• Quality and efficiency control of vegetables and farm systems. 
• Identify conflicts and issues, and work with management to solve problems with a continuous improvement mindset. 
• Provide training and feedback to the apprentice crew when needed, and individual team members as necessary.

 

Qualifications:

• Two years of previous experience farming 
• One year of management experience, preferably in agricultural setting
• Responsible and reliable with attention to detail in work processes and record keeping
• Passion for farming as a career and desire to grow
• Creative problem solver
• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with other team members both individually and in group settings, from positions of both leadership and support
• Fast learner with ability to learn on the fly 
• Well-organized
• Knowledge of organic practices for maintaining  soil health, and pest & diseases control measures
• Committed to sustainable agriculture, food justice, and farmer education. 
• Interfaces well with the public
• Experience managing and task setting for teams of 3 to 5 people on a small scale diversified vegetable farm
• Ability to comfortably and repeatedly lift 50 lbs
• Willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions including winter
• Valid drivers license 

 

Preferred qualities include:

• Two years of tractor operation experience
• Small engine maintenance experience
• Basic carpentry and repair skills
• Winter farming experience

 

Compensation: 

• Starting at $18-20 per hour depending on experience.
  • Overtime is paid over 40 hours per week at time and a half. 
  • This is a full time, year round position. Over the year the role averages close to 42 hours per week.
• Private housing on site in a small cottage included.
• Access to free farm produce during the growing season.
• 7 days of paid vacation (56 hours).
• 8 days (64 hours) of paid sick time.

To apply:

Please send a resume, a cover letter, and contact information for three references to Ellen Conti at farm@philliesbridge.org

 

Phillies Bridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.