Assistant Farm Manager

The Assistant Farm Manager is primarily responsible for helping to execute the day-to-day operations on the farm. This role will work closely with the Farm Manager to prioritize and coordinate necessary work across all production systems—including orchards, silvopasture, livestock, market gardens (produce, flowers and herbs) and perennial garden systems—and work closely with the farm crew to ensure a high quality of execution.

This role combines hands‑on farming with crew leadership, planning and coordination.

We are open to shaping this role to fit the skillset of the right candidate. The primary goal is to support and complement the existing Farm Manager to build a stronger and more resilient management team to better meet the needs of all production areas on the farm.

Starting rate: $26-32 hourly

Paid vacation days (number of days increases with length of service)

10 paid federal holidays

Employee-sponsored health insurance with $250/month AOOA contribution

Non-matching 401(k)

Open season (April–November): 5 day/week schedule including minimum one weekend day, with extended hours as needed based on weather and workload

Off-season (November–March):
Highly flexible schedule

Hours:

Winter ~ hours/week 35-40, Spring–Fall ~45-50 hours/week

Farm Leadership & Operations

Lead farm team in day-to-day activities

Support farm crew in ongoing training and maintain high quality of work

Work with the Farm Manager to effectively prioritize work lists across all production areas

Work with all members of the farm team to work towards increased efficiency and process improvement

Work with the farm manager to develop farm plans including crop planning, grazing rotations, orchard plantings and garden maintenance

Oversee planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertility, pruning, trellising, holistic pest and disease management, harvesting, and propagation

Assist in managing rotational grazing, general care and health monitoring for sheep and poultry

Assist in maintaining accurate records

Infrastructure, Equipment & Land Stewardship

Maintain farm facilities, grounds, and equipment (tractors, tillage tools, irrigation, greenhouses, tunnels…)

Identify infrastructure needs and collaborate with staff on implementation

Ensure farm safety, functionality, and welcoming appearance for team and the public

Education, Community & Outreach

Assist in managing interns and volunteers; create clear tasks and safe workflows

Opportunities to lead workshops and volunteer programs based on interest and skill set

Support educational programming and community events

Strengthen our management team to better steward and develop regenerative and sustainable growing practices across the farm

Support the farm team in meeting production goals for high quality farm products

Foster a culture of safety, learning, empowerment, and continuous improvement

Additional Notes

Housing is not provided

Farm is not easily accessible by public transit

Required Experience & Skills

Minimum 5 years of sustainable/holistic production farming experience

Strong background in market gardening and/or rotational livestock grazing

Proven 2+ years management and leadership experience

Experience balancing physical farm work with planning and crew management

Community-building and educational programming experience a plus

Strong understanding of soil health, silvopasture principles and organic, low-till growing practices

Comfortable troubleshooting irrigation, equipment, and farm infrastructure

Experience and comfort operating farm machinery including as tractor, walk-behind tractor, weed wacker and mowers

Personal Qualities

Skilled farmer

Skilled and experienced leader guided by fairness and integrity

Excellent communicator and team builder

Highly organized with strong record-keeping and computer skills

Positive, solutions-oriented, and dependable

Passionate about regenerative agriculture, education, and community

Comfortable working early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Intention to work a minimum of three full seasons, looking for a long-term career with us

AOOA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees.