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Join our team: Farm Manager
- Mint NMore
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Mint ‘N More Foundation is seeking a dynamic new farm manager to develop, grow, and main
tain our new community garden, demonstration farm and farm incubator guided by permaculture principles. Located near Knoxville, Iowa on 16 acres with a satellite community garden space in Knoxville, the farm will be a destination for learning and inspiration. We are looking for a manager with a diverse skill set, a positive and creative mindset, ability to put in the hard work of farming, and a desire to help grow the farm community in unique ways. As an integral member of our team, the Farm Manager must work closely with the Executive Director and Board to provide leadership and delivery in all areas of the operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This position will assist with start up of the farms and transition into an ongoing operations manager responsible for:
Community Garden
Build out of community garden spaces for first season in 2026
Plant and maintain common areas of food forest and walkways
Manage soil, amendments, tools shed, seed share and water
Ensure garden member adherence to program rules
Farm Management
Help design and implement future planned phases of the innovative, small-scale, diversified demonstration and incubator farm throughout our 16 acres
Following regenerative organic practices and with adherence to permaculture principles, oversees all day-to-day operations of farm production including cultivation, transplant production, soil/pest/disease management, harvest and post-harvest handling, cover cropping, and composting.
Source and order seeds, supplies, and equipment
Conduct research and explore new production methods and crops
Farm Incubator
Maintain common areas and incubator plots with a focus on soil health
Serve as the primary point of contact for incubator farmers including orientation and ongoing training. Maintains communication between incubator farmers and ensures all have adequate access to shared equipment and infrastructure
Assist incubator farmers in their planning and preparation of fields
Community/Misc
Represent MNM as an integral member of the regional farming community while working together with other farmers and organizations to strengthen and promote the region’s food system
Maintain the ground’s physical appearance so that it is presentable to the public at all times
Record data accurately and provide reports as needed to board and stakeholders
Develop annual farm plan and budget to include crop plan, staffing, equipment, and facilities
Manage staff, interns, volunteers, and/or contractors to carry out tasks where necessary throughout the property
Assist with the planning and execution of relevant tours, classes, events, and workshops for community garden, demonstration and incubator farm
Manage equipment and facilities from procurement to ongoing maintenance
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required skills and experience
Ideal candidate is hardworking, capable, curious, and positive; and comfortable in their ability to:
Be a leader, but also to ask questions and take direction
Highly self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
Be highly dependable, observant, and flexible
Problem-solve and adapt to new situations
Work alone for long hours and work side-by-side in a team.
Talk to community members and help foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
Safely operate equipment including mowers, tractors, and chain saws
Handle animals with your safety and their welfare as first priority
Organize documents and spreadsheets as well as tools and equipment
Work quickly and efficiently, without missing details
Lift 50 pounds safely and repetitively, and accomplish physically demanding work 5 days per week.
Additional Requirements:
Permaculture Design Course Certificate or willing to obtain
Five years of organic or sustainable vegetable farming experience with commercial farm or greenhouse management experience required
Experience teaching, training and working with new farmers
Demonstrated ability to raise crops from seed to table
Commitment to and experience in sustainable practices including weed, pest, disease and water management
Experience with surface water irrigation systems preferred
Demonstrated understanding of and experience with the business side of farming
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Basic carpentry, equipment maintenance, and small engine repairs skills preferred
Proficient in Google suite software
Valid driver’s license and good driving record
Personal vehicle or access to independent transportation required
Proof of motor vehicle insurance (for use of personal vehicle)
Salary and Benefits
As our first employee these are open for discussion based on individual needs
Salary of $40,000 plus based on skills and experience
Health benefit or stipend
Paid Time Off
Observed Holidays
Professional development assistance
Farm Produce Share
Relationships and Work Environment
Works directly with Executive Director and BoardSupervises: Farm staff, Volunteers, Garden members, incubator participants and interns
Full Time, year round position
Hours: Generally 40 hours per week, flexible schedule based on farm needsEvening and weekend hours may be required
Work outdoors in all conditions year-round
Adaptable to temporary office space as we build out infrastructure
Mint ‘N More Foundation is a non profit based in Knoxville, Iowa focused on Cultivating Health by Nourishing Agriculture and abides by the values of Pragmatic Innovation, Abundance Mindset and Collaborative Synergy. The organization is structured into two parts:
Mint ‘N More Farm which will focus on a demonstration farm and incubate new farmers with a focus on soil health guided by permaculture principles.
Mindful Nourishment Matters which performs outreach to consumers on healthy eating and growing their own food to foster connection between eaters and growers with the goal of increasing demand markets for locally grown healthy foods. More info about Mint 'N More Foundation at www.mnmfarms.org
To apply send a resume and cover letter to director@mnmfarms.org.
We will start interviews in mid September.
