POSITION SUMMARY

The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), based in Hardwick, VT, seeks a Just Cut Program Manager for our Just Cut Team! Just Cut is CAE’s prepared-produce program which aggregates local and regional produce into ready-to-use products for institutional and bulk buyers- schools, hospitals, colleges, and community food-access partners. The Program Manager owns day-to-day operation of the program - production planning and scheduling, food safety and quality compliance, team supervision, procurement and inventory, and the record-keeping that keeps the program audit-ready and on budget. This is a hands-on role split between the office and the production floor.

JOB DETAILS

Position: Just Cut Program Manager

Reports to:  Food Hub Operations Manager

Schedule: Hardwick, VT, 40hrs/ week--Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 or 9:00-5:00

Compensation: $64,000-$68,000.00 annually

Benefits: Health insurance, Health savings account, Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance, Generous Paid Time Off, SIMPLE IRA, phone stipend, professional development

Minimum Required Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• 3+ years of supervisory or managerial experience in food processing, food manufacturing, or commercial food service
• Working knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, GMPs, sanitation SOPs)
• Experience  maintaining and executing a food safety plan
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to train and support a team in maintaining program standards
• Willingness and ability to work on the production floor in an industrial kitchen
• Comfort with automated food safe production equipment 
   

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Operations  (40% of time )

• Plan and schedule weekly production and staffing around customer orders, time-off requests, appointments, and institutional customer breaks and academic calendars; publish the schedule and communicate changes.
• Oversee aggregation, preparation, packaging, palletizing, and shipment of weekly fresh and frozen orders (beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, etc)
• Manage customer orders and communications in conjunction with the production schedules
• Build production efficiencies to meet pricing benchmarks; monitor yields, cost of goods, and production reporting.
• Lead research and development of new products. 
   

Food Safety, Quality and Compliance (20% of time)

• Maintain the Just Cut Food Safety Plan to FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food (21 CFR 117) and third-party audit standards; lead corrective actions after audits and inspections.
• Keep documentation of SOPs, monitoring and verification logs, temperature and sanitation records, and corrective actions.
• Supervise cleaning, sanitizing, verification swabbing consistent with FDA guidance 
• Protect the cold chain and traceability with temperature and storage standards, maintain lot and date codes and shelf-life records.
• Keep one-up/one-down traceability and recall readiness, and prepare for the FDA Food Traceability Rule 
• Serve as a point of contact for third-party auditors, and state and local health inspectors, Investigate and document quality or safety irregularities 
   

Team Leadership and Supervision (10% of time)

• Supervise 3-4 production team members: schedule, train, monitor performance, approve timesheets each pay period, and hold regular check-ins and quarterly conversations.
• Maintain a safe, respectful kitchen culture and support sound work ergonomics injury prevention, and prompt incident/injury reporting.
• Support ongoing professional development of Just Cut staff. 
   

Procurement, Inventory and Logistics (20% of time)

• Track and manage raw produce and materials inventory; order produce and schedule bills of lading for produce; reach out to the farm network during shortages.
• Receive raw product, problem-solve crop deliveries, and manage quality control on product specifications, quantities, storage, and packaging.
• Partner with the Food Hub Account Manager on sales goals, R&D products, and institutional relationships
• Coordinate with the VFVC Production Advisor and the Farm Connex Logistics Manager on shipping space and pallets.
   

Budget, Facility and Equipment  (10% of time)

• Assist CAE finance team with creating and managing the annual program budget
• Follow finance and administrative processes for receipts, invoices, payments, and approvals.
• With the Facility Manager and VFVC Production Advisor, schedule facility sanitation and equipment maintenance (including contractors)
• Monitor equipment health, plan preventative maintenance, manage sanitation protocols, and make recommendations for new equipment. 
   

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in check-ins and quarterly conversations with a supervisor
• Contribute to a positive team culture that is welcoming, affirming, and connected 
• Attend staff meetings when required
• Follow the CAE Google Standard Practices 
   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Physical Demands/lifting requirements:

• Lift up to 50 lbs frequently and repeatedly, occasionally up to 80 lbs; 
• Stand and walk up to 8 hours a day; bend, twist, and reach; repetitive use of hands; 
• Fine motor skills for cutting, mixing, stacking, and food prep; ability to handle all products used in the kitchen, including produce, flour, and peanuts.
• Push and pull carts up to 600 lbs
• Operate manual and electric pallet jacks (loads up to 2,500 lbs) after training

Mental demands:

• Take direction quickly and efficiently
• Follow established procedures
• Stay detail-oriented through task completion 
• Learn new tasks, and work independently
   

HIRING PROCESS

A hiring team of CAE staff will lead the process. Selected candidates will have an initial phone interview, which may be followed by an interview and tour of CAE spaces. Interview questions will be shared ahead of time. CAE is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide support in any way to assure everyone's best experience in the hiring process. CAE will take the steps necessary to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the interview process and, if hired, subsequent employment. For accommodation inquiries, please contact our Admin Operations Manager at [email protected]

TO APPLY

Email [email protected] with your resume, cover letter or letter of interest, and include ‘Just Cut Program Manager’ in your email subject line. We’re interested to hear your thoughts on any life or work experience as it relates to this position. Applicants who go on to interview with us will also be asked to provide references.

Our application deadline is November 19, 2026. Let us know if you have any questions!

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.

Responsibilities include developing training plans, coordinating instruction and skill assessments, mentoring participants, and building partnerships with farms, educational institutions, and agricultural organizations to support continued learning and employment opportunities.

The ideal candidate has experience in diversified organic vegetable production and a strong interest in teaching and mentoring young adults and aspiring farmers. They bring a practical, supportive approach to skill-building, relationship development, and helping participants grow as farmers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Farmer Training & Curriculum

• 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.

Participant Supervision, Mentorship & Support

• 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 employers, creating opportunities for program graduates to gain 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.

Farm-Based Training & Team Collaboration

• 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 production needs.
• Coordinate participant schedules and training activities with seasonal farm priorities.
• Provide or coordinate training in safe operation of farm tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Model and reinforce high standards for farm safety, food safety, organic production, work quality, and professionalism.
• Participate directly in farm work and work alongside participants, particularly during high-need seasonal periods.
• Collaborate with Food & Farm, education, and youth development staff to integrate VYCC’s service-learning and leadership model into agricultural training.

Program Administration & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate records of participant attendance, training hours, competencies, evaluations, and progress.
• Coordinate documentation required for apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, grants, and other program requirements.
• Contribute to program budgets, grant reporting, work plans, and funding proposals.
• Track participant outcomes, including completion, employment, continued education, and advancement in agriculture.
• Participate in program evaluation, continuous improvement, and organizational planning.
• Monitor program outcomes, including participant retention, competency attainment, program completion, and transitions into agricultural employment or further training, and use findings to improve program design and delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

• Three or more years of professional farming experience, preferably in diversified vegetable production and/or organic farming.
• Experience teaching, training, mentoring, or supervising emerging farmers, young adults, apprentices, interns, or employees.
• Experience developing or implementing training programs, curriculum, competency-based learning, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, or other workforce development programs preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to set clear expectations and provide mentorship and support.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with farmers, educational institutions, and community partners.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible learning environment for participants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles.
• Degree or formal training in agriculture, agricultural education, education, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet VYCC’s driving requirements.
• Ability to work outdoors and perform physical farm work in varying weather conditions.

ABOUT VERMONT YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS

VYCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: young people working together, guided by highly trained leaders, and completing priority projects in conservation and agriculture.

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 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.

OUR WORKPLACE

This position is based at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps campus in Richmond, VT. Our open office offers staff opportunities to interact and collaborate. Successful staff are able to maintain focus and productivity, balance personal initiative and independence, and plug into our team in ways that help us do our best work as an organization. Staff enjoy the perks of the VYCC farm and forest campus year-round, as well as the happenings of nearby downtown Richmond.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Starting salary of $51,000, commensurate with experience.
• Medical and dental insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) with matching contribution; disability and group life insurance.
• Simple IRA with matching contribution once eligibility criteria are met.
• Annual paid time off (PTO) and paid sick time.
• One-week paid closure in November for all staff, in addition to PTO.
• Ongoing professional development.

• Access to produce from the VYCC farm stand.

   

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the VYCC General Application at https://vycc.wufoo.com/forms/x1n0i6c31ofjxyy/. You will be prompted to upload a cover letter and resume and provide contact information for three professional references.

Questions regarding this position can be emailed to the Food & Farm Director at [email protected]. No calls, please.

Ideal start date: January 2027.

Position is open until filled.

Carversville Farm Foundation

Position: Seasonal Livestock Farmer

Reports to: Livestock Manager

Compensation: $20 per hour

Benefits: Housing available (no pets), PTO

Schedule: March 1 - November 24, 5 days per week, 40 - 50 hours per week

Carversville Farm Foundation (CFF) is a non-profit that runs a philanthropic, diversified, regenerative, certified organic farm. We grow produce, eggs and meat to the highest standards and donate 100% of our harvests to Philadelphia-area soup kitchens, year-round. Want to join a talented, committed crew in beautiful Bucks County, PA and improve your farming skills while raising chef-quality harvests to give away to communities in need ? Join us!

About the position:

Our livestock team cares for grass fed beef cattle and pastured poultry (laying hens, turkeys, broiler chickens). Duties include collecting eggs, moving fences for rotational grazing, feeding and watering animals + weekly poultry harvest in high season.

Requirements

• 1 year livestock experience preferred
• Experience operating equipment
• Demonstrate record keeping ability
• Poultry processing

Responsibilities

Working with our team to execute daily tasks including:

• Daily chores
• Collecting and washing eggs
• Moving fencing and infrastructure for beef and poultry
• Support record keeping
• Repair, maintenance and cleaning of animal infrastructure
• Hatching and brooding young poultry stock
• Contribute to a safe and orderly working environment

Skills

We are looking for people committed to our mission and procedures with these abilities:

• Work independently and on a team
• Dependable and observant 
• Strong work ethic
• Positive and proactive problem solving skills
• Readiness to work outside in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50 lbs repetitively
• Detail oriented
• Knowledge and experience in good food handling and processing
• Desire to learn
• Flexible in schedule and tasks

This job description covers key responsibilities but does not capture all job duties. We work as a team and there are times we need all hands on deck to accomplish a task. Flexibility is key to joining our dynamic team.

Carversville Farm Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

To apply: 

Send a resume and cover letter with three references to [email protected]

Carversville Farm Foundation

Position: Seasonal Vegetable Farmer

Reports to: Vegetable Production Manager

Compensation: $19 per hour

Benefits: Housing available (no pets), PTO

Schedule: May 3 - November 24, 5 days per week, 40 - 50 hours per week

Carversville Farm Foundation (CFF) is a non-profit that runs a philanthropic, diversified, regenerative, certified organic farm. We grow produce, eggs and meat to the highest standards and donate 100% of our harvests to Philadelphia-area soup kitchens, year-round. Want to join a talented, committed crew in beautiful Bucks County, PA and improve your farming skills while raising chef-quality harvests to give away to communities in need! Join us!

About the position:

Our vegetable team raises top-quality organic produce from seed to harvest and seedlings for urban farms. We have 26 acres in production, two high tunnels for year-round production, a new wash-and-pack facility, and a log-grown shiitake operation. We use cultivating tractors, water wheel transplanters, root harvesters and other equipment that help maximize efficiency. Cover cropping, soil tests and a fertility program helps keep our soils healthy and balanced. 

Requirements

• 1 year vegetable production experience preferred
• Demonstrate record keeping ability
• Proficient at harvesting, weeding and planting
• Ability to handle product from harvest to packaging while maintaining food safety (FSMA) standards

Responsibilities

Working with our team to execute daily tasks including:

• Greenhouse watering and seeding, transplanting, crop maintenance
• Pest and disease management
• Implement and maintain irrigation
• Harvest vegetables according to farm’s standards
• Contribute to a safe and orderly working environment
• Support record keeping

Skills

We are looking for people committed to our mission and procedures with these abilities:

• Work independently and on a team
• Dependable and organized
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Readiness to work outside in all weather conditions
• Detail oriented and able to multitask
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Desire to learn
• Flexible in schedule and tasks

This job description covers key responsibilities but does not capture all job duties. We work as a team and there are times we need all hands on deck to accomplish a task. Flexibility is key to joining our dynamic team.

Carversville Farm Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. 

To apply: 

Send a resume and cover letter with three references to [email protected]