The Farm Manager is responsible for the overall management, development, and long-term vision of AOOA’s agricultural operations. This role combines hands-on farming with leadership, planning, reporting, and collaboration across teams.

The Farm Manager oversees all production systems—including orchards, silvopasture, livestock, market gardens (produce, flowers and herbs) and perennial garden —while building and managing an agricultural team, coordinating with the farm stand kitchen and distillery, and advancing AOOA’s educational and community programming.

Farm Leadership & Operations

• Build, develop, and manage the agricultural team (Assistant Manager, 2-4 full-time seasonal staff, and 1-3 interns)

• Work with the Director to establish annual farm goals, budgets, and long-term vision

Market Garden

• Create and execute a crop plan that reflects the needs of the kitchen, farmstand, distillery, CSA and donation program

• Manage availability, ordering and weekly harvests for all outlets

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

• Manage seed and supply orders

• Keep accurate records for harvest yields, sales, planting dates and field maps

Orchard

• Manage seasonal work lists and timelines

• Work with the Farm Director on annual transplant plans and plant purchases

• Oversee planting, ground prep, mulching, pruning, trellising, pest and disease management and harvests

• Keep accurate records for important metrics such as harvest yields and pest/disease interventions

• Review orchard tracking spreadsheet and record sets annually for accuracy

Livestock

• Manage sheep and laying hens in a rotational grazing system that prioritizes both animal and orchard/pasture health

• Maintain accurate grazing map, animal care and harvest yield records

• Manage all livestock related supply orders such as feed, bedding, minerals, medical supplies, etc.

• Maintain and work to improve livestock related infrastructure such as fencing, chicken trailers, stables, electric fencing and feed storage

Flowers and Perennial Gardens

• Plan, execute and manage u-pick and cut flower programs

• Maintain perennial gardens as spaces of beauty, productivity and habitat

• Manage planting, maintenance and harvests of perennial herb blocks

Infrastructure, Equipment & Land Stewardship

• Maintain farm facilities, grounds, and equipment (tractors, utv, mowers, irrigation, wash pack, prop house, stables, fences, walk-in cooler, high tunnels…)

• Identify infrastructure needs and collaborate with staff on implementation

• Maintain wildflower meadows, beneficial habitat, and conservation biocontrol strategies

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

Education, Community & Outreach

• Manage interns and volunteers; create clear tasks and safe workflows for a range of abilities

• Lead farm tours, workshops, and regular volunteer programs

• Support and expand educational programming and community events

• Support the development and management of partnerships with local organizations, schools, SUNY programs, BOCES, food access groups, and neighbors

• Participate in pursuing and executing relevant grants and research opportunities

Big Picture

• Steward and develop regenerative and sustainable growing practices across the farm

• Set and meet production goals for high quality farm products

• Track data and provide reports to the Director and AOOA team

• Analyze operations, crops, and budgets to improve efficiency and resilience

• Propose and help develop new initiatives that advance AOOA’s mission

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