POSITION Description

Title: Great Lakes Incubator Farm Assistant Manager
Status: Full-time; 40 hours per week
FLSA: Exempt
Salary: $22/hr, dependent upon continued grant funding

POSITION SUMMARY

The Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) Assistant Farm Manager works directly with the GLIF Farm Manager & Agricultural Program Coordinator, to support the day-to-day operation of the Great Lakes Incubator Farm, an experiential agricultural training and incubator program operated by the Grand Traverse Conservation District in partnership with Grand Traverse County.

This position assists with field and greenhouse production, farm planning and management, curriculum delivery, student training and supervision, and management of incubator farmers and program participants. The Assistant Farm Manager will help create and maintain an organized, productive, educational, and safe farm environment while supporting GLIF's goals of developing the next generation of farmers, improving soil health, conserving natural resources, increasing local food access, and expanding opportunities for beginning and aspiring farmers.

The position is highly hands-on and requires a combination of agricultural knowledge, practical farm skills, communication, organization, teaching, and the ability to work effectively with students, beginning farmers, volunteers, staff, and community partners.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Agricultural Program Coordinator / GLIF Farm Manager

Supervises: May provide day-to-day direction, training, and oversight to GLIF students, interns, volunteers, and program participants as assigned

Works with: Grand Traverse Conservation District staff, GLIF students, incubator farmers, volunteers, partner organizations, agricultural service providers, and community members

External Stakeholders: Farmers, aspiring and beginning farmers, agricultural educators, partner organizations, funders, volunteers, and members of the public

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Farm Production and Operations

• Assists the GLIF Farm Manager with planning, implementing, and managing annual field and greenhouse production.
• Participates in all phases of crop production, including soil preparation, bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, irrigation, fertility management, crop cultivation, weed management, pest and disease monitoring, harvesting, washing, packing, storage, and distribution.
• Assists with maintenance and organization of farm tools, equipment, irrigation systems, greenhouse infrastructure, wash-pack areas, storage areas, and other farm facilities.
• Helps maintain accurate farm production records, including planting, harvest, input, irrigation, pest management, and crop performance information.
• Supports preparation of the farm for workshops, tours, educational events, and public programming.
• Operates farm equipment and vehicles as appropriate and in accordance with District policies and safety procedures.

Student Training and Curriculum Support

• Assists the GLIF Farm Manager in delivering the hands-on agricultural training curriculum
• Helps students develop practical farm-management skills through daily work, demonstrations, assigned responsibilities, and experiential learning.
• Provides regular guidance, feedback, and coaching to GLIF students as they develop agricultural skills and professional competencies.

Incubator Farm Management

• Assists with management and support of GLIF incubator farmers and agricultural program participants.
• Helps coordinate farm access, shared infrastructure, equipment, irrigation, production areas, and other common resources.
• Provides practical technical assistance and guidance to beginning and aspiring farmers within the scope of the position.
• Helps maintain clear communication, scheduling, records, expectations, and operational procedures for incubator farmers.
• Supports the development of farm business and production skills among incubator participants through hands-on learning and problem-solving.

Education, Outreach, and Program Support

• Assists with GLIF workshops, farm tours, field days, demonstrations, and community education programs.
• Works cooperatively with GTCD staff and external agricultural partners to support GLIF programming.
• Helps document farm production, student accomplishments, educational activities, and other program outcomes.
• Attends and participates in regular staff meetings and GLIF planning meetings.

General Duties

• Communicates regularly with the GLIF Farm Manager regarding production, equipment, facility, and program needs.
• Works cooperatively with other GTCD staff and supports District initiatives and activities as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The primary workplace is the Great Lakes Incubator Farm located at the historic Meyer Farm in Grand Traverse County, with regular work occurring outdoors in agricultural fields, greenhouses, equipment areas, wash-pack facilities, and other farm environments.

Work requires extended periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and performing repetitive agricultural tasks. The position requires working in a variety of weather conditions and may involve early mornings, occasional evenings, weekends, and extended workdays during planting, harvesting, educational events, and other critical periods of the growing season.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCERelated Work Experience

• Two or more years of practical experience in diversified vegetable production, organic agriculture, farm management, horticulture, agronomy, soil health, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Experience working on a production farm and familiarity with vegetable crop systems is strongly desired.

Formal Education

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, environmental science, natural resources, biology, or a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant practical farm experience may be considered.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong practical knowledge of diversified vegetable production and day-to-day farm operations.
• Ability to teach agricultural concepts through hands-on instruction and demonstration.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced farm environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, beginning farmers, volunteers, staff, and members of the public.
• Comfortable providing instruction and speaking to groups.
• Ability to identify agricultural production problems and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the GLIF Farm Manager.
• Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and other common digital tools.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete program documentation.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

COMPENSATION

The Great Lakes Incubator Farm Assistant Manager is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with a starting salary of $22/hr, contingent upon continued grant funding.

Benefits include paid holidays, 18 paid days off per year, retirement benefits, and participation in the Grand Traverse Conservation District's group health insurance package, including dental and vision coverage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry agricultural materials, tools, harvest containers, and other items weighing up to approximately 50 pounds; work outdoors for extended periods; and perform repetitive physical tasks associated with vegetable production, harvesting, and farm maintenance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Grand Traverse Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in employment, promotions, or compensation on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.