Agroecology Operations Manager

Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change. 

As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)   

POSITION

The Agroecology Operations Manager will support the development, implementation and management of agroecological research, land stewardship and climate resiliency projects. The Manager will oversee all operational aspects of the field station, including cattle grazing operations, reseeding, haying, mowing and maintaining agricultural equipment, while also supporting research activities, grant proposal development and execution and outreach initiatives. 

By supporting the advancement of agroecological research and climate resiliency initiatives, the Agroecology Operations Manager will contribute to Duke Farms’ mission of applied conservation, with a focus on promoting biodiversity and sustainable land management.

As a condition of employment, the Agroecology Operations Manager may be required to live on-site at Duke Farms and remain on-call to ensure timely response to emergency situations related to the farm, and to facilitate the care and feeding of livestock.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Agroecology Operations Manager at Duke Farms, you will:

• Lead effective and sustainable field operations and animal management
  • Manage the day-to-day agricultural practices (grazing, reseeding, haying, mowing, and farm maintenance) with attention to ecological health and efficiency.
  • Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of agricultural and research equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

• Advance agroecological research, innovation and knowledge sharing
  • Support the design, planning, and execution of research initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate data collection, documentation, and preliminary analysis to uphold research quality and credibility.
  • Contribute to scientific publications, white papers and grant proposals.

• Strengthen and expand internal and external collaborations and partnerships
  • Work closely with staff, contractors, and partners to maintain high standards in animal care, operations, and research.
  • Build and sustain relationships with academic, government, industry, and NGO partners to expand research impact and available resources.
  • Represent Duke Farms at professional meetings and collaborative events to foster engagement and expand the reach of its agroecological initiatives.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in agroecology, ecology, soil science, environmental science or a closely related field, Master’s degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
• Extensive experience in farm operations required, including demonstrated practical experience in operating a farm, agroecological or ecological research, agricultural systems, livestock management or related fieldwork.
• Experience managing field trials, experimental research plots, agricultural operations, livestock grazing and farm equipment.
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture practices, land stewardship, soil health, sustainable livestock management and climate resiliency.
• Proven experience in developing and managing grant awards.
• Experience supervising staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Commitment to sustainable agriculture, ecological research, and conservation principles.
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property and travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds to a height of 12 inches.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• A valid driver’s license.

We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT WE OFFER

• An anticipated salary range of $70,400-$105,600. The final offer will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness, imagination and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.