Farm and Garden Manager - Part Time, Seasonal

SUMMARY

The Farm and Garden Manager position is a seasonal, part‑time (16–19 hours per week) role focused on field management and vegetable produce for Tres Hermanas Refugee Farming Program through Lutheran Family Services Refugee & Asylee Programs and small‑scale community garden sites. The manager creates a crop plan that integrates cash crops for market production, including culturally appropriate crops from Iraq, Afghanistan, and DRC.

They coordinate with the program coordinator to ensure quality products are sold to restaurants and farmers markets and support expanding markets in future years. This position requires working with diverse cultures and managing labor from refugee clients with limited English skills. The candidate must be knowledgeable about agricultural practices in New Mexico, and be willing and able to teach and inspire New Americans to improve English and job development skills.

• Work with clients and coordinator to create crop plans: main farm plot, plot expansion, and long‑term plan for a self‑sustaining farm program, including expansion of community garden plots and writing seasonal plans for field and hoop house.
• Use sustainable/organic farm practices such as crop rotation, seed saving, cover crops, and composting.
• Maintain cleanliness in the field and communal areas.
• Maintain and operate tractor and small farm equipment (as per MOU) and organize all farm tools & equipment, including keeping the farm shed organized.
• Propagate, harvest and wash vegetables, flowers, and fruits for the property, including irrigation of the field at Tres Hermanas plot housed within Rio Grande Community Farm.
• Occasionally deliver goods and attend farmers markets, community presentations, staff meetings, and other required events, managing volunteer groups.
• Purchase off‑site materials for the farm, including but not limited to seed, tools & equipment, and fuel.
• Communicate with the coordinator regularly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate must possess experience in organic and sustainable agriculture in a dry New Mexico climate. Must have experience operating and maintaining tractors and small farm equipment (such as a BCS tiller). Must know how to use basic farm tools and have experience with power tools and building materials. Experience with flood irrigation is required. Must be friendly, cross‑cultural sensitive, goal‑oriented, and able to integrate a mix of farming methods to achieve the best results.

Organized, detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and able to work alone as well as in a team environment. Must have reliable transportation and an unrestricted New Mexico driving license.

High school diploma and 2 years of farming experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Farming experience in the New Mexico climate is preferred.

Ability to work long hours outdoors in extreme heat and cold; lift up to 100 lbs.; stand, kneel, crouch, and bend for long periods; have a flexible schedule, be available to work early mornings, and exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills. Basic computer skills such as Word, Excel, and email are ideal.

Works in a general office environment, in the community, and outdoors, including garden sites, working farms, and farmers' markets.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.