Hiring: Assistant Field Crop Manager – Appleton Farm

The Opportunity.

Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continually operating farms in the country and is managed by the Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit land conservation organization. We grow vegetables using organic practices on 35 acres for a 650-member summer CSA and 200-member winter CSA. We are a team-oriented farm focused on soil health, efficient systems, and high-quality production. The property totals 1000 acres and features a grass-fed beef operation, education and public programs, and beautiful grassland and forest trails.  

The Assistant Field Crop Manager (AFCM) is a salaried, year-round position with a seasonally variable work schedule. This AFCM supports the CSA Manager in aspects of organic vegetable production for summer and winter CSAs and wholesale accounts. The AFCM has a specific role in managing the greenhouse, vegetable wash and pack, food safety compliance, and recordkeeping, in addition to normal field operations. There is a significant role in leading the farm crew. The AFCM reports to the CSA Manager but also works with other farm staff, including education, stewardship, and livestock.

In This Role You Will:

• Assist the CSA Manager in aspects of organic vegetable production, including crop planning, greenhouse production, field operations, harvest, and vegetable wash and pack
• Assist CSA manager in supervising the farm crew in daily operations
• Manage the greenhouses for organic seedling production
• Oversee vegetable wash and pack operations
• Lead compliance efforts for produce safety in the Food Safety Modernization Act
• Maintain all field and harvest records
• Equipment operation
• Help manage and maintain CSA equipment, infrastructure and facilities, including tractors and implements, trucks, greenhouse and high tunnels, barn, cooler, fencing, and irrigation systems.
• Work with the CSA Manager to monitor, evaluate, and improve farm systems and develop annual crop plans
• With the CSA Manager, assist with hiring and training seasonal CSA staff
• Help to create a positive and friendly work atmosphere

• At least 3 years of direct, hands-on experience on a production–oriented organic vegetable farm

• Ability to work independently with little supervision and as a member of a team

• Excellent communication skills

• Experience supervising other staff and volunteers

• Ability to work long hours and perform physically strenuous farm tasks including repeatedly lifting up-to 50lbs

• Strong work ethic, willingness to be flexible and a positive attitude

• Well organized and detail oriented

• Experience operating tractors and farm equipment 

• Driver’s license and clean driving record   

• Must be willing to work weekends

Salary and benefits: 

Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position provides excellent benefits, including:

• Employer sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 5% employer match after one year of employment
• Employer-paid life and disability plans
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal time
• Housing on the property
• Vegetables for personal consumption

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, The Trustees of Reservations requires that all successful applicants show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted. Applicants who believe they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.

About The Trustees 

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 70,000 member households. 

The Trustees’ commitment to Diversity, Belonging Inclusion and Equity is to create inclusive spaces of belonging for Trustees staff, members, volunteers, and communities across our organization and 120 plus properties. Read more here

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Trustees of Reservations aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application. Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.