College of the Atlantic (COA) seeks to hire an Interim Farm Manager for its Peggy Rockefeller Farms located in the Town of Bar Harbor, Maine. The 125-acre farms have 55 acres of open pasture and hay land, with the balance in forests and wetlands. Buildings include a lovely farmhouse, three barns, a large heated garage, and several out-buildings.
Our ideal candidate is familiar with Maine agriculture and Maine agricultural organizations, has several years of farming experience, is curious and eager to experiment with farming techniques to find better alternatives to conventional systems and use of fossil fuels in farming, enjoys working with young people as a teacher and mentor and cares deeply about sustainability. The college would like to use the farms for a variety of purposes: teaching students how to grow a significant proportion of the vegetables, fruit, meat and animal products that they eat in the college cafeteria; researching and demonstrating farming practices appropriate in a post-petroleum economy; and allowing students to design and implement new farm enterprises and farm-community partnerships, such as community gardens. 
This interim position will be for approximately two years. The exact length of time is negotiable, and may lead to a permanent position based on mutual satisfaction with the working arrangement between the Interim Farm Manager and the college. The position could be part-time or full time depending on the applicant’s interest, although a part-time arrangement would have to accommodate the need to provide a full-time presence and public “face” at PRFs.
Responsibilities will include managing cropping, permaculture or fruit production and animal husbandry as they evolve; coordinating with students and faculty who want to conduct research; working with COA Dining Services to plan crop/animal production and negotiate prices; ensuring on-time deliveries of high-quality products; developing annual business plans and a budget; monitoring expenses and overseeing budget. Applicants should have the ability to operate a tractor; lift at least 50 pounds; and do routine repairs on equipment, fences and buildings.
COA is a small liberal-arts college in Bar Harbor, Maine, with about 325 students and offering one major in Human Ecology. Most students are undergraduates; they come from 42 states and 35 countries. COA has a self-directed curriculum and emphasizes experiential education that integrates theory and practice.
Salary:  Will depend on education and experience and whether applicant works part-time or full-time. COA offers generous benefits which can be prorated for a part-time position. Housing consists of an attractive farmhouse on the property, built in the 1930s.
Start date:  no later than June of 2012
For more information and a full job description with required and preferred qualifications, contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
To Apply:  Send an email with attachments to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . The application should include a cover letter describing your interest in the position; how your vision for the farms can help COA fulfill its educational, food production and community service goals; and how your own interests could be met by crafting a unique working relationship with the college. Also, please include a resume and a list of references who can attest to your abilities to meet the requirements and responsibilities of this position.  This position will remain open until filled.
College of the Atlantic is committed to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and multicultural education. COA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applications are especially encouraged from persons who would enhance the ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity of the College.