FARM MANAGER - 40011550

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position directs the daily operations and infrastructure at the Farm Campus. This position drives the site’s mission as a functional regenerative demonstration farm by implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation, composting, and integrated pest management while fostering community agricultural education.

This class works independently, reporting major activities through regular meetings in consultation with the Cooperative Extension Director and the Agriculture Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Designs, maintains, and upgrades farm infrastructure, including greenhouses, high tunnels, fencing, irrigation, and fields in accordance with strategic plans.
• Manages, operates, and services tractors, irrigation systems, hand tools, and small machinery ensuring proper maintenance, safety, and functionality
• Coordinates with contractors for construction, installation, and repair work.
• Supports the farm’s role as a demonstration site through implementation of regenerative agricultural practices such as irrigation management, cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, integrated pest management (IPM), and promoting overall soil health
• Collaborates with internal and external partners supporting the overall viability, long term development, and responsible stewardship of the Farm Campus site. Collaborates with Durham County Open Space for land stewardship.
• Facilitates on-site educational programs, including hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and agricultural classes.
• Develops and manages digital content across websites, e-newsletters, and social media platforms to promote program updates.
• Orchestrates farm tours and public events, driving community engagement and visitor participation on the Farm Campus.
• Tracks expenses, maintain precise budget documentation, and ensure rigorous compliance with grant reporting standards.
• Maintains accurate operational records and oversee date collection for ongoing program evaluations, ensuring results are communicated effectively to internal and external partners.
• Represent Durham County Farm Campus and Cooperative Extension at agricultural boards, programs, and events to support community visibility and engagement.
• Coordinate routine administrative tasks, ensuring seamless internal communication and organized record-keeping.
• Participate in professional development related to sustainable agriculture, safety, and educational practices.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of regenerative agricultural practices, with experience managing a production farm.
• Ability to design, improve, and maintain farm infrastructure and operate diverse farm equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative team and integrate multiple viewpoints together toward a common goal.
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively prioritize tasks.
• Ability to operate mechanical equipment and use various hand tools safely.
• Proficiency in budgeting, recordkeeping, and data collection for evaluation and reporting.
• Strong communication skills for program delivery, public engagement, and technical guidance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, fostering productive relationships.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and organizational skills for farm operations and site development.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including farm-related data systems and outreach software.
• Ability to handle and coordinate responses to unexpected operational disruptions (e.g., weather events, mechanical failures).
• Ability to ensure accuracy in agricultural information and guidance provided to farmers and program participants.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• • Requires an associate's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Business, Animal Science, or a closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in farm management and agricultural operations or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Business, Animal Science, or a closely related field and a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in farm management and agricultural operations is preferred.
• Experience managing a demonstration farm.
• Experience in program/project coordination and community engagement.
• Experience delivering agricultural education, training, or outreach programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain.
  • Frequent engagement in strenuous farm labor, including occasional heavy lifting.
  • Extended periods of standing and walking.
  • Tolerance for exposure to typical agricultural environmental factors such as odors, dust, insects, and noise.
  • Occasional heavy lifting, extended periods of standing or walking, and other forms of strenuous farm labor occur regularly.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• • Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
    • • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen
      • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions
      • Exposure to odors, dust, insects, noise and other conditions commonly associated with agricultural environments.
      • Exposure to hazards associated with operating mechanical equipment, using sharp tools, and working around moving machinery.

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.