Research And Development Food Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Full-time, Year-round

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center seeks a mission-driven and experienced Director of Agriculture to lead our nonprofit organic vegetable, berry, and flower farming operations with purpose and vision. This role requires a systems thinker with deep knowledge of organic production, facility and resource management, and a passion for regenerative agriculture.

The Director provides strategic direction to a team of three dedicated departmental managers, ensuring that goals are clearly defined, aligned with the farm's mission, and effectively executed. Key responsibilities include guiding production strategy and budgets, setting priorities, fostering collaboration, and maintaining partnerships with external stakeholders. The Director also plays a central role in communicating Cedar Circle's agricultural practices and advancing innovative, climate-resilient approaches to farming.

Responsibilities

Agricultural Programs Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of agricultural production on the farm. This includes supervision of production and facilities management teams and collaboration with our on-farm research team.
• Support production department managers with production planning, budgeting, staff development, external communications, and long-term goals.
• Facilitate communication among production, education, marketing, and research staff.
• Mentor production team leaders to strengthen organizational capacity and performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant certifications and memberships, and integrate CCFEC's mission and values into all production activities.

Research & Development

• Partner with the Research Director to guide and implement on-farm research that enhances soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
• Support the pursuit of funding and research collaborations that advance sustainable and innovative growing practices.

Partnerships & Outreach

• Foster inter-departmental communication and cooperation to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
• Support educational programming, farm events and festivals, and other community engagement activities.
• Oversee agricultural land partnerships and shared land use, including lease renewals.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• 5–7 years of experience in agricultural management, with expertise in organic vegetable and/or berry production
• Proven leadership in farm operations, including budgeting and infrastructure management
• Deep understanding of organic certification, soil health, and sustainable production practices (e.g., minimum tillage, nutrient and pest management)
• Strong team management and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and a positive organizational culture
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects and priorities with flexibility, creativity, and strategic focus
• Experience building partnerships and representing an organization to external stakeholders and collaborators

Preferred

• Familiarity with native plant propagation, nursery operations, or greenhouse production
• Experience with research collaborations, educational programming, or market development initiatives

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, year-round position with a salary range of $75K-$85K. Benefits include: health insurance (premium 100% employer paid, 50% paid for minor dependents); paid personal, sick, and parental leave; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match; short-term disability insurance (100% employer paid), 20% discount at our farmstand and café; 50% off summer and vacation camps for dependents; and access to an employee assistance program.

2-Bedroom onsite housing may be available.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through our online employment application.

About Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center

Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center is a nonprofit, certified organic farm located on over 50 acres of conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont. Our organization has a deep commitment to developing organic regenerative agriculture systems for our annual vegetable and flower production and to offering educational programming that builds connections between our food, ecosystems, and community.

Our farm is a community hub with a farmstand, retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a cut flower garden, education programs, and unique CSA options. It's a place where folks can learn about and deepen their appreciation for organic regenerative agriculture.

Our staff is a reflection of our community and is the most essential aspect of our farm. When you join our dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make valuable contributions to our greater mission of promoting organic, regenerative farming and the transition to a localized food economy!

Cedar Circle Farm is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.