Thoreau College Farm and Labor Program Coordinator

Position Overview

Thoreau College Farm and Labor Program Coordinator

October 2025

Thoreau College seeks a qualified and enthusiastic new staff member to lead the development and management of our agricultural projects and facilities, as well as to develop and lead curriculum connected with agriculture, manual labor, and holistic land management.

This full‑time, in‑person role is based in Viroqua, Wisconsin and calls for a “Farmer Professor” – a jack‑of‑all‑trades who is passionate about teaching, regenerative agriculture, practical problem solving, and active participation in day‑to‑day community life.

• Lead and coordinate the management and development of Thoreau College agricultural operations on our several properties, including planning and cultivation of garden plots, fruit trees, and vineyard, and care of livestock (sheep, chickens, pigs).
• Coordinate these agricultural efforts with our landlords, local partners, and other members of the Thoreau College staff, faculty, and students.
• Work with the bookkeeper and administrative staff to develop, track, and report on budgets for farming and labor program activities.
• Develop and offer a comprehensive and holistic curricular cycle related to agriculture, manual labor skills, animal husbandry, and seasonal rhythms.
• Participate as a member of the faculty in mentoring, advising, and supporting students and fellows individually and as a group.
• Serve as designated mentor for the Farm & Garden Fellow, a year‑long internship with responsibilities parallel to this position.
• Develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols, equipment, and training for all farm and labor activities.
• Coordinate and oversee the care and maintenance of college facilities and grounds, including lawns, snow removal, eaves troughs, landscaping, and interior and exterior repairs.
• Assemble, organize, and ensure maintenance of an appropriate set of tools, equipment, and materials for farming and labor program activities.

• Successful prior experience in farming, commercial gardening, facilities maintenance, or other activities requiring diverse applied manual skills and practical problem solving with a limited budget.
• Excellent personal organizational skills and habits, with a capacity for self‑management.
• Strong attention to safety and risk management in contexts of physical activity and manual labor.
• Practical knowledge and experience with biodynamic agriculture and other holistic agricultural paradigms.
• Successful prior experience teaching manual skills and practical activities to young people, especially college‑age adults or high school students.
• A love for interacting with people of all kinds, especially young people, and an aptitude for supporting deep personal growth through long‑term mentoring relationships characterized by care, insight, honesty, and openness.
• Confidence, initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm for their work.
• A strong understanding of and passion for the mission and ideals of Thoreau College, and openness to learning about key philosophical inspirations – Deep Springs College, Henry David Thoreau, the Scandinavian folk‑high‑school movement, and Waldorf education.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

This is a full‑time position. Initial compensation is $45,000 per year. Staff members receive weekday lunches when programs are in session and can participate in up to 5 Driftless Folk School classes annually.

Health, retirement, or other benefits are not currently offered but may be considered in the future.

Thoreau College cultivates a work environment that is meaning‑centered, collaborative, and humane. Staff participate actively in decision‑making and peer mentorship, and are provided paid time off for illness, family, or vacation as needed.

Thoreau College/Driftless Folk School is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. Thoreau College/Driftless Folk School is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume, a letter of interest, and at least two professional references to:
apply

We hope to fill this position before January 1, 2026, with work starting as soon as possible thereafter. Please note that a background check will be required before hiring is complete.