Job Summary

The Farm Manager plays a key role in supporting the Regenerative Organic Agriculture (ROA) Department at Maharishi International University (MIU). This full-time, on-site position involves overseeing the cultivation and maintenance of crops, implementing regenerative practices, managing student farm workers, collaborating with faculty on hands-on learning labs, and engaging with the local Fairfield community to promote sustainable agriculture.

The position also supports academic research through farm plot management and contributes to the educational mission of MIU.

Key Responsibilities

Farm and Grounds Maintenace

• Oversee daily farm maintenance, ensuring adherence to organic and regenerative practices.
• Manage planting, irrigation, weeding, and harvesting schedules for crops.
• Work to implement and maintain regenerative practices such as perennial edible windbreaks, soil restoration practices, rain catchment, on-farm composting, cover crop rotations, and seed saving.
• Manage student farm workers.
• Maintain farm tools and equipment.
• Maintain and manage compost operation in collaboration with MIU dining hall.

In-Person Lab Coordination

• Work with faculty to design and implement hands-on field labs for students.
• Organize logistics, resources, and equipment for field-based learning activities.
• Supervise students in lab sessions, ensuring safety and effective learning.
• Teach land and crop management skills, emphasizing regenerative agriculture principles.

Research Plot Management

• Organize and oversee faculty research plots, ensuring effective land use.
• Assist faculty and research teams in conducting agricultural experiments.
• 4. Administrative & Community Engagement
• Assist in organizing farm-related outreach events, including community tours and educational initiatives.

Administrative & Community Engagement

• Assist in organizing farm-related outreach events, including community tours and educational initiatives.

Skill Requirements Necessary Qualifications

• A collaborative management style that permits effective coordination and administration of activities that are not under one’s direct control
• Creation and administration of a budget
• Organization and presentation of data using spreadsheet software
• Advanced study, teaching, or application of Maharishi Vedic Science is particularly valued.

Education and Experience

• Strong understanding of regenerative organic agricultural principles.
• Experience with farm equipment, irrigation systems, and soil health management.
• Knowledge of crop management, pest control, composting, and sustainable land use.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills to manage multiple projects.
• Experience in data collection and record-keeping (preferred).
• Comfortable working outdoors and leading hands-on educational activities.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with students and faculty.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, dig, plant, and harvest in an outdoor farm environment.
• Comfortable working in varying weather conditions and adjusting schedules based on seasonal needs.