Job Opening: Farm Manager Location: Piney Woods, Mississippi Department: Agriculture and Farm Operations Position Type: Full-Time Reports To: Chief Operating Officer or Designee FLSA Classification: Exempt Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience About The Piney Woods School The Piney Woods School is a historic, independent, college-preparatory boarding school dedicated to educating and empowering young people through academic excellence, character development, and practical life experiences. Founded in 1909 by Laurence C. Jones, the School embraces a holistic educational philosophy centered on developing the Head, Heart, and Hands of every student. Our agricultural operations are an important part of this mission, providing opportunities for experiential learning, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and responsible management of our natural resources. Position Summary The Piney Woods School seeks an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Farm Manager to oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and continued development of the School's agricultural and farming programs. The Farm Manager will be responsible for managing agricultural production, livestock operations, farm equipment, land maintenance, and related agricultural projects while ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of institutional resources. An essential component of this position is working collaboratively with academic and student life personnel to engage students in meaningful agricultural work experiences, vocational training, and hands-on learning opportunities. The ideal candidate will combine practical agricultural expertise, strong organizational and supervisory skills, and a passion for mentoring young people. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Farm Operations and Agricultural Management
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily farm operations, including crop cultivation, livestock care, pasture management, and general agricultural activities.
- Develop seasonal planting, harvesting, and production schedules.
- Oversee soil preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and crop maintenance.
- Maintain agricultural land, pastures, fencing, barns, storage facilities, and related infrastructure.
- Identify opportunities to improve agricultural productivity, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
- Implement appropriate conservation and environmental stewardship practices.
- Livestock Management
- Oversee the feeding, watering, health, safety, and general care of farm animals.
- Develop and maintain livestock feeding schedules, health records, and inventory.
- Coordinate veterinary services and animal health programs.
- Ensure proper maintenance of livestock facilities, fencing, and equipment.
- Implement appropriate animal welfare, sanitation, and biosecurity practices.
- Student Engagement and Vocational Development
- Collaborate with academic leadership to incorporate agricultural activities into the School's educational and vocational programs.
- Supervise and mentor students participating in farm work assignments and experiential learning activities.
- Teach students practical skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, equipment maintenance, horticulture, and environmental stewardship.
- Develop structured, age-appropriate student work assignments emphasizing safety, responsibility, teamwork, and accountability.
- Support opportunities for students to explore agricultural careers, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all participating students.
- Equipment, Facilities, and Grounds Management
- Oversee the proper operation, maintenance, and storage of tractors, agricultural machinery, tools, and equipment.
- Establish preventive maintenance schedules to minimize equipment downtime and repair costs.
- Coordinate repairs and maintenance of farm-related buildings and infrastructure.
- Maintain farm roads, drainage systems, fencing, and agricultural work areas.
- Ensure equipment is operated safely and only by appropriately trained and authorized personnel.
- Budgeting, Inventory, and Resource Management
- Assist in developing and managing the annual farm operating budget.
- Monitor agricultural expenditures, supplies, equipment, and operational costs.
- Maintain accurate inventories of livestock, feed, seeds, fertilizers, tools, and farm equipment.
- Identify opportunities to generate agricultural revenue, reduce expenses, and improve operational sustainability.
- Prepare requisitions, coordinate purchases, and maintain appropriate financial and operational records.
- Agricultural Grants and Program Development
- Support implementation of agricultural grants and externally funded initiatives.
- Collaborate with institutional leadership and the Grants Department to identify opportunities for agricultural program expansion.
- Maintain records of grant-funded activities, equipment, supplies, and project deliverables.
- Assist with agricultural demonstration projects, conservation programs, and community partnerships.
- Support development of sustainable farming initiatives that align with the School's educational mission.
- Safety, Compliance, and Reporting
- Implement and enforce farm safety procedures and appropriate equipment operating practices.
- Ensure compliance with applicable agricultural, environmental, workplace safety, and animal welfare requirements.
- Maintain accurate operational records, activity logs, maintenance reports, and production data.
- Provide periodic reports on farm operations, livestock, student participation, expenditures, and program accomplishments.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by institutional leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Animal Science, Horticulture, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum of three years of practical experience in farming, agricultural operations, livestock management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining agricultural equipment, including tractors and farm machinery.
- Working knowledge of crop production, livestock care, land management, and agricultural safety.
- Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and supervisory skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and prioritize operational needs.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet institutional driving requirements.
- Ability to successfully complete required background checks and satisfy institutional requirements for working with students.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Agribusiness, Animal Science, or a related field.
- Five or more years of progressive agricultural management experience.
- Experience supervising farm employees, volunteers, or student workers.
- Experience working in an educational, nonprofit, or youth development environment.
- Familiarity with USDA, NRCS, agricultural conservation, or grant-funded programs.
- Experience with sustainable agriculture, forestry, horticulture, or agricultural demonstration projects.
- Experience developing agricultural training programs or mentoring young people.
Physical and Work Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in an outdoor agricultural environment.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical aids as appropriate.
- Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment safely.
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Availability for occasional weekends, holidays, and emergency farm operations, particularly when required for livestock care.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. What We Offer The Piney Woods School offers an opportunity to contribute to a historic educational institution while helping shape the next generation of leaders through agricultural education, practical workforce development, and service. The selected candidate will play an important role in strengthening the School's agricultural operations and developing a farm program that supports education, sustainability, and institutional growth. Benefits for eligible employees may include health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, and other institutionally approved benefits. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit an application through The Piney Woods School's employment portal, including a résumé outlining relevant agricultural experience, supervisory responsibilities, and qualifications. The Piney Woods School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics, consistent with applicable law.