Assistant Farm Manager in Illinois

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Assistant Farm Manager in Illinois at The Smart Farm – 2021

The Smart Farm in Barrington, Illinois, is seeking an Assistant Farm Manager to work in close cooperation with the Farm Manager. This position will assist in all food production areas and help operate the farm efficiently and in line with sustainable farming practices outlined by the Farm Coordinator. 

Smart Farm of Barrington is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization whose mission is two-fold: to grow fresh produce for our neighbors in need and to be an educational resource on sustainable gardening practices and healthy eating. Although our work focuses on a small geographic area, its cause is universal and essential: bright food for a healthy, sharing community.

Assistant Farm Manager Duties include: 

Food Production

• Participate in and be accountable for growing high-quality products
• Work alongside crew members to achieve efficient and successful crop production
• Stay informed of crop production schedules and participate in farm record-keeping (farm layout, planning, and procedure) as needed.
• Regularly work with drip irrigation systems.
• Assist with pest and disease scouting; implement IPM tactics.
• Assist in seeding and transplanting for the farm 
• Maintain watering schedules
• Assist in the hoop house growing

Communication

• Attend bi-monthly farm meetings and provide updates 
• Update farm notes and spreadsheet if needed

Experience needed

• 1-2 years of experience in vegetable production
• Fruit tree experience including pruning and trellising 
• Demonstrated flexibility to work with shifting timelines and schedules
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions and maintain a positive attitude
• Availability to work 2 Saturdays a month May-September 
• Able to lift 50+lbs
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to safely operate tractors and other farm equipment preferred, but not required

Pay: Based on experience 

Example time requirements

• April 1 – May 7 (roughly 25-30 hrs/wk) MWF: 8am – 4pm
• May 8 – September 30 (30 hrs/week) MWF: 8am – 3:30pm; Sat: 9am-12pm
• October 1 – 30 (25-30 hrs/wk) M-F: 8am-3pm

To Apply for the Job as Assistant Farm Manager in Illinois

Submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Farm Coordinator, Stacy Cushenbery at stacycushenbery@gmail.com. Open until filled. 

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org here.