We’re Hiring! Farm Manager
Gaining Ground seeks an experienced, mission-aligned Farm Manager to join our team. The Farm Manager brings deep knowledge of organic, no-till vegetable production; demonstrated skill leading and supervising a farm team; and the ability to engage meaningfully with thousands of volunteers each year.
This full-time, year-round position reports to and collaborates closely with the Director of Agriculture. Together, they share responsibility for planning, coordinating, and implementing all farm activities in support of Gaining Ground’s mission and strategic goals.
About Gaining Ground
Gaining Ground is a nonprofit, no-till, organic farm in Concord, Massachusetts. Our mission is to provide free, sustainably grown food to people who are experiencing food insecurity. We do this with the helping hands of a diverse community of volunteers who work and learn on the farm with us.
We envision a future where everyone has equitable access to healthy, sustainably grown produce.
Our Farm
Across our flagship site and satellite fields, we actively cultivate eight acres, growing more than 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers among vibrant perennial hedgerows. In 2024, we harvested over 130,000 pounds of produce, providing nutrient-dense food to more than 2,100 households each week through 18 hunger-relief partners.
Our farming practices center ecological health. We work with, rather than against, natural systems—using broadforking, heavy composting, organic mulching, cover cropping, and intercropping to foster soil vitality and biodiversity. We believe a just and equitable food system grows from sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture.
Our culture is grounded in humility, curiosity, teamwork, and good humor. Farmers and office staff collaborate closely while advancing our hunger-relief mission.
Gaining Ground is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment of belonging for all employees. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Primary Responsibilities
Farm Operations
- Execute the current 2026 annual crop plan and contribute to projections, field assessments, and recordkeeping.
- Co-develop future crop plans with the Director of Agriculture.
- Create weekly cultivation, harvest, and distribution plans; order seeds; oversee weekly planting; maintain accurate crop records.
- Manage production of vegetables, herbs, and flowers (150,000+ lbs annually) across heated greenhouses, hoop houses, caterpillar tunnels, and fields.
- Oversee perennial systems including hedgerows, orchard, pollinator habitat, and beehives.
- Assist with management of licensed fields at Minute Man National Historical Park and seasonal maple syrup production.
- Maintain farm infrastructure, tools, machinery, irrigation, and systems; identify and communicate emerging needs.
- Design and implement watering schedules across all growing spaces.
- Support continued refinement of soil-health strategies, no-till systems, and efficient farm practices.
Staff Leadership
- Support hiring, training, and supervision of a team of 7+ employees, including Assistant Growers, Senior Field Crew, Apprentices/Interns, and contractors.
- Assist with drafting job descriptions, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and recommending hires.
- Collaborate with the Director of Agriculture to create daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules.
- Work alongside the team in all aspects of daily farm operations.
- Assist with payroll approvals, scheduling needs, and time-off coordination.
Organizational Leadership
- Collaborate with the Director of Agriculture on the annual operating budget and capital needs.
- Maintain strong relationships with staff and board members; attend relevant board and committee meetings.
Volunteer, Donor & Community Engagement
- Support a volunteer program that welcomes more than 4,000 volunteers annually.
- Integrate volunteer sessions into weekly operations and model safe, engaging, educational experiences.
- Lead farm tours for donors, partners, and community members.
- Support occasional workshops and public-facing events.
- Represent Gaining Ground in meetings with partners and supporters.
Qualifications
Experience & Skills
- Minimum 3 years of farm or greenhouse management or 5 years of farm work experience.
- Minimum 2 years supervising staff.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Experience training new farmers and engaging volunteers.
- Proficiency with tractors, BCS, machinery, and power equipment, including basic repair and maintenance.
- Knowledge of soil biology, no-till systems, cover cropping, soil testing, and other ecological/organic practices.
- Knowledge of maple syrup production (or interest in learning).
- Building or construction experience is a plus.
- Proficiency with Google Drive.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and work in all weather conditions.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and cell phone access.
- Satisfactory background and reference checks.
Personal Attributes
- Deep alignment with Gaining Ground’s hunger-relief mission and values.
- Understanding that Gaining Ground is not just a farm—it is a nonprofit organization with many stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and community relationships; enthusiasm for working within this structure is essential.
- Ability to collaborate in a shared leadership model.
- Comfort working with diverse community members.
- Detail-oriented approach to order, cleanliness, and continuous improvement.
- Commitment to personal and professional growth.
- Calm, grounded presence.
- Humility, warmth, and a good sense of humor.
Time Requirements
This is a full-time, year-round job. Some evenings and weekends are required for meetings or special events.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: $75,000 annually
- 10 days of vacation, 11 Federal Holidays, and up to 5 sick days/year. Vacation time increases after the second year.
- Additional paid time off during office closures: the Wednesday before and Friday after Thanksgiving, as well as the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Health care stipend
- Professional development opportunities
Application Instructions:
To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to hiring@gainingground.org.