Farm Manager for Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center’s Farm Manager oversees all day-to-day operational aspects of the Merry Lea Teaching Farm (MLTF), a small but diverse educational farm located on the Merry Lea property just south of Wolf Lake, IN. MLTF contributes to the center’s mission by serving as a place where environmental education programs related to sustainable food production are delivered to people of all ages. The farm also produces food used by other Merry Lea program areas. MLTF facilities include vegetable plots, fruit and nut orchards, an animal barn and pastures, a passive solar greenhouse, and a small hoop house.

The Farm Manager regularly draws upon specialized skills and technical knowledge in the fields of agroecology and food production, such as designing planting spaces, selecting site-appropriate crops, overseeing planting and harvesting activities, monitoring crop condition and modifying management approaches accordingly, and farm animal husbandry, all aimed at maintaining MLTF as a setting for teaching about food systems and increasing food literacy. In doing so, they play a critical role in the success of Merry Lea’s educational programs and have a high level of impact on the experience of participants in these programs. Primary responsibilities include managing all aspects of crop production, coordinating distribution of harvested crops, hiring/supervising farm staff, seasonal student works/interns, and volunteers, creating/managing financial budgets, and record keeping. The Farm Manager also regularly supports and delivers farm-related education and outreach programs for children, young adults, collegiate students, adults, and families. This position requires significant coordination with other Merry Lea staff members.

Essential Functions:

1. Farm Management (~80%)

a. Maintain agricultural spaces in a state that directly supports educational activities,
including Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs and
undergraduate/graduate classes.

b. Food production management

c. Manage and supervise paid farm workers (short-term and long-term), student
interns, and volunteers

d. Financial management and record keeping

e. Other

2. Teaching and Outreach (20%)

a. Demonstrate practical skills in gardening and animal husbandry to undergraduate
and graduate students.
b. Mentor undergraduate and graduate students participating in the residential
sustainability semester program, the M.A. in Environmental Education (MAEE)
program, and internships.
c. Interact with children and young adults (PreK-12) as part of Merry Lea’s EEO
programming, especially Conservation Leadership School and Indiana Junior
Master Naturalists.
d. Collaborate with faculty to plan and facilitate on-farm experiences/lesson plans
for Goshen College collegiate courses that demonstrate environmental education
through agriculture for MAEE and undergraduate students.
e. Plan and facilitate farm-related workshops for families and adults.
f. Available for other on-farm, on-campus (Goshen College), or community-based
public programs as needed and as schedule allows.
g. Serve as primary organizational resource person for farm- and food-related
inquiries from the general public.

Supervisory Responsibility:
● Supervises paid and unpaid farm staff (i.e., seasonal employees, interns, students, and
volunteers)

Education and Experience:
● Bachelor’s degree in agroecology, environmental science, horticulture, or a related field
● 1-2 years of related experience

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
● Driver’s license

● First Aid/CPR

Skills & Competencies:
● Passion for agroecology and sharing this approach to food production with others
● Specialized farm-related experience, such as gardening, crop production, livestock
management, and equipment usage/maintenance
● Ability to operate light and heavy equipment and machinery (e.g., mowers, weed whips,
tillers, tractors) necessary to complete the responsibilities of this position
● Ability to problem solve, take initiative, collaborate, and make sound decisions necessary
to fulfill job duties and meet organizational objectives
● Strong commitment to working as part of a collaborative team
● Exceptional project and time management skills
● Demonstrated commitment to working with individuals and groups from diverse
backgrounds and experiences
● Strong commitment to Merry Lea’s mission and Goshen College’s values
● Desire for lifelong learning
● Self-motivation
● Excellent communication skills
● Competency in Microsoft Office applications and/or Google Office suite

Special Requirements:
● Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting heavy objects
● Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions
● Ability to operate power equipment

Work Environment/Environmental Conditions:

This position is located at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, 28 miles southeast of Goshen, IN. Merry Lea is comprised of 1,189 acres of diverse ecosystems and is managed as a preserve and environmental education center. There are multiple program sites and facilities including classroom and office space. Inside environmental conditions can be expected for a portion of the time, but this position does require a significant amount of work outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather, pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, biting insects and other elements that are a part of an intentionally natural environment.

All essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform this job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description may change at the option of the supervisor and/or Merry Lea Executive Director. Any significant change will result in the position being reviewed by Goshen College Human Resources for reclassification.

Goshen College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.