Farmer Training Manager

DATE POSTED: 10/28/26

Reports To:

Food & Farm Director,

Position Status:
Full-time, Year Round

Department:
Food & Farm Team Exemption Status/Reason:
Exempt

ABOUT VYCCVermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) is a nonprofit organization that takes action and builds community by working and learning together with the land. VYCC’s Food & Farm Program combines youth leadership and workforce development with hands‑on farming, food distribution, and culinary education. A core part of VYCC’s work is providing hands‑on training in diversified vegetable production for young people exploring careers in agriculture and aspiring beginning farmers.

VYCC’s certified organic farm provides hands‑on training in diversified vegetable production across a full production season. Participants develop practical farming skills alongside the leadership and teamwork skills needed to succeed in agriculture. VYCC is expanding this work through the creation of a farm pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship program. Through a combination of hands‑on production experience, farm visits, classroom‑based instruction, competency‑based learning, mentorship, and networking, participants build the technical skills, practical experience, and connections needed to pursue their goals in farming.

POSITION SUMMARY The Farmer Training Manager will lead VYCC’s farm pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, helping young adults develop the skills, knowledge, and experience to pursue their goals in farming. Working closely with the Food & Farm team, this position integrates structured learning and mentorship into the day‑to‑day work of running VYCC’s certified organic vegetable farm.

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of VYCC’s farm pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship program.
• Develop structured training and assessment plans that combine on‑the‑job production experience with related technical instruction.
• Develop and maintain training materials, lesson plans, skill checklists, and other instructional resources.
• Coordinate classroom‑based sessions, farm visits, and other on‑farm learning opportunities with VYCC staff and external partners.
• Support training sessions in diversified vegetable production, including crop planning, soil health, propagation, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest management, harvest and post‑harvest handling, equipment operation, organic production, food safety, and recordkeeping.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and mentorship to farm pre‑apprentices and apprentices.
• Conduct regular check‑ins to assess progress, address challenges, and support individual learning and professional goals.
• Help participants build confidence, leadership, communication, and workplace skills.
• Connect participants with supportive services when barriers to successful participation arise.
• Support participants in transitioning to employment, further education, farm apprenticeships, or other opportunities.
• Work with Rural Vermont and other agricultural partners to develop a network of host farms and local femployers, creating opportunities for program graduates to get further employment and training.
• Maintain awareness of agricultural employment and training opportunities across Vermont.
• In collaboration with the Senior Community Engagement Manager, track participant outcomes and maintain relationships with program alumni.

• Collaborate with the Production Managers and farm team to integrate structured learning into daily farm operations, balancing production priorities with participants’ training goals and skill development.
• Ensure farm work assignments provide meaningful opportunities for skill development while meeting…