Hiring: Farm & Forest Manager – Amherst Mushroom Company

Amherst Mushroom Company is a conservation-minded farm and forest enterprise located on a protected 52-acre property in South Amherst. Operating from our solar and geothermal-powered barn, we cultivate specialty mushrooms while stewarding forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and agricultural land for future generations.

We are expanding a conservation-minded farm and forest that integrates specialty mushroom production, habitat restoration, education, and community engagement. We are seeking someone who wants to help steward this property and grow alongside the enterprise for years to come.

Position Overview

This is a leadership-track position for someone who views farming as both a profession and a way of life. The ideal candidate is organized, mechanically capable, ecologically minded, and comfortable balancing daily farm operations with long-term planning.

This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing agricultural enterprise that integrates food production, conservation, education, and community engagement.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage and execute specialty mushroom production systems
• Participate in diversified farm planning and ecological land stewardship
• Maintain production records, SOPs, and operational documentation
• Coordinate harvest schedules, deliveries, and labor needs
• Train, supervise, and delegate tasks to staff and volunteers
• Maintain farm equipment and troubleshoot operational issues
• Represent the farm at markets, community events, and educational programs
• Assist with habitat restoration, soil health initiatives, and conservation projects
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term farm development

Desired Characteristics

Personal & Professional

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with excellent planning and time-management abilities
• Able to advocate for themselves, seek assistance when needed, and communicate openly
• Comfortable living and working within a collaborative farm environment
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing conditions
• Self-motivated, dependable, and accountable
• Community-oriented and eager to build relationships
• Natural educator who enjoys sharing knowledge with customers, students, interns, and visitors
• Interested in building a long-term career in agriculture and land stewardship

Technical & Agricultural

• Experience in farming, horticulture, mushroom cultivation, forestry, or related fields
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools and small equipment
• Understanding of ecological, regenerative, or conservation-based farming principles
• Ability to maintain clean, organized, and efficient workspaces
• Experience planning and managing recurring agricultural tasks
• Experience with grant writing, research, or project development is highly valued

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with specialty mushroom cultivation
• Familiarity with the Pioneer Valley agricultural community
• Background in ecology, environmental science, forestry, soil health, or conservation
• Experience supervising staff, interns, volunteers, or apprentices
• Interest in research, education, or community-based agricultural programming

Who This Position Is For:

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Sees farming as a long-term vocation rather than a seasonal job
• Wants to help build a conservation-focused agricultural enterprise
• Is excited by the intersection of food production, habitat restoration, and education
• Thrives in a collaborative environment while taking ownership of their responsibilities
• Values stewardship, community, and meaningful work

Compensation

Compensation, housing opportunities, and future leadership responsibilities are negotiable based on experience and fit.

We are seeking someone interested in growing with the farm and helping shape its next chapter.

For more information contact Sean Lopez at sean@amherstmushroom.com