Farm Production Manager

Branch Hill Farm / Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust

Milton Mills, NH 03852

www.branchhillfarm.org   

Farm Overview

Branch Hill Farm / Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust is a non-profit, 4,500+ acre tree and agricultural farm producing sustainably harvested timber, Certified Naturally Grown hay, no-till ecologically grown vegetables and seedlings, as well as heirloom and cider apples. Our overarching mission is conservation, education, and stewardship. We offer a variety of educational opportunities in the form of public workshops, a spring paddle on the Branch River, our annual Woods, Water, and Wildlife Festival, and our no-till, Certified Naturally Grown ½ acre Educational Gardens. Our products are available through our self-service farm store as well as 12-week vegetable CSA to 30+ households annually. Located in beautiful Milton Mills, NH, Branch Hill Farm is situated in the Moose Mountains Region of New Hampshire, just 35 minutes from Seacoast NH, and 1 hour from the White Mountains.  Applicants are encouraged to visit www.branchillfarm.org to learn more about our Private Operating Foundation.

Position Overview

The Farm Production Manager is responsible for overseeing and stewardship of daily agricultural operations, including vegetable Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), orchards, and fields. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of organic and/or regenerative agricultural best practices. The Farm Production Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and staff to achieve production goals, maintain organic/regenerative practices, assist with the Garden Apprenticeship program, and  fulfill the purposes of the Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust from Article II of Trust’s Organizational Document.:

• to provide educational programs to the public concerning the preservation of fields, forests and wildlife;
• to preserve, protect, and maintain the fields and forests located on the Real Property;
• to preserve, protect and enhance the variety of native wildlife located on the Real Property;
• to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of other natural resources and features of the Real Property including but not limited to air and water;
• to provide multiple public use of the Real Property provided that such use is not detrimental to the purposes set forth above.

Classification: Full time. Average 40 hours per week with 45-50 hours per week April to October and an extended break from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Occasional weekends for farm chores and educational events (1-2 times per month in May through October)

Location:  307 Applebee Rd. Milton Mills, New Hampshire 03852

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee vegetable production and CSA management (sign-ups, communications, payments)
• Maintain & manage relationships with wholesale customers (communications, invoicing, payment tracking)
• Crop planning and seed ordering
• Collaborate with Educational Programs Coordinator on Farm-based educational events and programs, including volunteer days, teen programs, etc.
• Embody Educational Gardens Vision and Values as a highly productive, visually inviting, welcoming, safe community place for people of all ages to grow and learn. 
• Teach, train, and work alongside garden workers, youth, and volunteers; develop standard operating procedures and learning materials
• Prepare daily farm task lists and weekly chore scheduling
• Manage greenhouse operations and spring seedling production
• Steward ⅓ acre no-till gardens (planting, weed/pest management, harvest, fertility, winterization)
• Maintain equipment and tool inventory; source as needed
• Manage SNAP/Granite State Market Match relationship with Seacoast Eat Local
• Manage and maintain apple orchards, and other perennial / fruit-crops.
• Lead educational broiler chicken production project
• Collaborate on annual farm production budget and recordkeeping with ED
• Work with Lease Holders to improve sheep pasture and monitor health
• Assist with haying and firewood production
• Maintain compost piles and monitor soil health
• Implement regenerative practices
• Envision future field stewardship/production opportunities
• Seek and apply for relevant grant opportunities
• Act as an ambassador for CSFCT, demonstrating organizational values of Conservation, Education, and Stewardship
• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Participate in our annual Woods, Water, and Wildlife Festival, always the second Saturday of August.

Qualifications

Note: If you are interested in the position, but do not meet all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

• BA/BS in Agriculture, Food Systems, Horticulture, or related field; equivalent education/experience will be considered.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in farm management or production agriculture.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, soil science, and sustainable agriculture practices.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience teaching, training, mentoring, or leading diverse groups in hands-on farm work, including youth and/or volunteers.
• Excellent organizational, budgeting, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with standard office applications. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and experience troubleshooting independently, but not afraid to ask for help.
• Passionate about local food and natural/organic methods.
• A self-starter who understands the end goal, and works both independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives and key results
• Able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in fast-paced, sometimes ambiguous situations
• Willing to contribute to tasks and activities outside of a prescribed job description to achieve business objectives
• Experience in taking projects through to completion
• Able to lift 40 lbs. and enjoys the physical nature of farming and working outdoors.  
• Strong verbal and written communicator
• Valid driver’s license and means of transportation
• CPR/1st Aid Certified (will provide if needed)
• Ability to pass a NH State Police basic criminal background check.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily outdoors during the growing season, with exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Physical demands include lifting, bending, and operating machinery.
• Some weekend and holiday work may be required depending on production schedule, workshops, and special events.
• May require occasional travel for training, meetings, or purchasing supplies.

Salary Range

$45,000 to $55,000 per year (commensurate with experience).  

Note: This is a Full-Time, salaried position

Benefits

• Paid Health Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Paid time off (vacation and sick leave)
• Retirement plan (Simple IRA with 3% match)
• 20% discount on farm products and farm store
• Work with like-minded individuals passionate about sustainable agriculture, community engagement and youth education

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references outlining their experience and qualifications for the Farm Production Manager position to Branchhillfarm@gmail.com and brianna.bhf@gmail.com.