LEAF IS HIRING A FARM MANAGER
Location: Landisburg, PA | Start Date: Early 2026
Schedule: Full-time, on-site (average 5 days/week, seasonal flexibility)
Salary: $40,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience, plus health, retirement, and PTO benefits.
Housing: LEAF has some on-site housing options and is happy to support you in finding a housing situation that works for you.
Relocation Stipend available for people moving for this job!
ABOUT LEAF:
Since 2013, LEAF Project has been cultivating youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system. On our 7-acre home farm (1.5 acres in production), we run a sustainable vegetable operation and youth-led food ventures that feed our community through farm shares, restaurants, public health partnerships, and donations. Through seasonal internships, youth gain leadership experience, workforce readiness skills, and increasing levels of responsibility in LEAF’s ventures.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Farm Manager brings both farming skill and steady leadership to a small farm that feeds our community and supports youth in meaningful work. They focus on all aspects of production management—from crop planning and soil health to leading seasonal crews and coordinating with staff—to ensure the farm meets its production goals and supports LEAF’s food ventures. The Farm Manager will work independently at times and also supervise youth, volunteers, and seasonal farm staff.
This position is ideal for someone who loves the art and science of farming, from nurturing soil and plants to building spreadsheets that keep the season running smoothly. The right person balances craft and systems: they can manage a crop plan, lead a crew with clarity and patience, and keep an eye on production goals. They’re also able to hustle and work independently when the farm needs a steady hand. They enjoy working alongside youth and adults from diverse backgrounds, communicate clearly, and take pride in helping a small team meet shared goals. This person is excited to grow within a mission-driven organization where the farm is both a production space and a place for young people to learn and lead.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Farm Systems & Production
- Manage the 1.5-acre diversified vegetable operation, including high tunnels and propagation house, serving farm share members, farmers markets, restaurant partners, and LEAF’s kitchen program.
- Lead annual crop planning, goal-setting, planting schedules, cultivation, harvest, and post-harvest handling.
- Oversee soil and plant health (cover cropping, fertility planning, IPM, minimal tillage).
- Maintain and repair farm tools, small equipment (including BCS), irrigation, tunnels, and trellising.
- Manage farm records, invoicing, customer communication, and weekly production planning.
People Leadership & Youth Mentorship
- Create weekly farm priorities, task lists, and clear workflows; supervise youth, staff, and volunteers.
- Support youth weekend farm watch and mentor youth in core farm skills alongside the DVP team.
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and efficient work environment aligned with LEAF’s mission.
Coordination & Partnerships
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Farm Advisor on annual goals and farm growth opportunities.
- Coordinate with partner farms for produce add-ons, pickups, deliveries, and donation logistics.
Staff Engagement & Special Events
- Participate in weekly staff meetings and monthly feedback process
- Work with the LEAF team to staff special events (occasional evenings, weekends, etc)
- Support team in “all hands on deck” events like Savor, LEAF’s annual signature event
WHO YOU ARE:
You are a capable grower and thoughtful leader who brings:
- Commitment to sustainable vegetable production and continuous learning.
- Skill in managing people, tasks, and timelines with clarity and care.
- The ability to balance detail-oriented work with the big picture.
- Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team.
- A positive attitude, strong communication, and willingness to give and receive feedback.
- Appreciation for working alongside youth and adults of diverse identities and backgrounds.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3+ years management experience on a sustainable vegetable production farm
- Experience in administrative farm management (Crop planning, budget management, etc)
- Capacity to work alongside youth in a management capacity plus relevant youth protection clearances
- Able to work outside in all weather conditions (heat, rain, cold), lift up to 50 lbs. safely, and navigate uneven terrain
- Able to operate and maintain small farm equipment including two-wheel tractor + implements, hand tools, etc
- Ability to craft, manage, and maintain farm records, invoices, etc
LEAF’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
LEAF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion at every level. We believe that a strong farm team reflects the diverse identities of the youth and communities we serve, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life experiences to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
If you are interested in this position, please send an email to Heidi Witmer at [email protected] and complete this google form application. LEAF will reach out to promising candidates to schedule a virtual interview. Final round candidates will be invited to the LEAF Farm to work alongside youth and staff and will be compensated for their time.
