NOW HIRING

Farm Manager

Franklin, TN

About Armistead Farm

Armistead Farm is a new nonprofit organization in Franklin, Tennessee, built on land that has been in the Short family since 1887 and recognized by the State as a Tennessee Century Farm in 2014. On approximately 48 acres within the city limits of Franklin, Armistead Farm is building a revitalized, productive farming operation integrated with educational programming to serve our local community. 

OUR MISSION

To honor and preserve the agricultural legacy of this land by nourishing the local community through access to farming, food, and educational experiences. 

Armistead Farm, Inc. recently received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. The Farm Manager will be among the organization’s first employees, joining the Executive Director to build this organization from the ground up. Over the past year, in addition to establishing the new organization and board of directors’ membership, a master plan was designed for Armistead Farm. The organization is now ready to launch a market garden with additional phased operations over the next five years. 

The Farm Manager Role

The Farm Manager is a founding leadership position responsible for farming operations at Armistead Farm. This person will serve as the primary on-site operational leader, working in close partnership with the Executive Director to launch a market garden farm to serve the local community. This is a rare opportunity to be part of building something meaningful with a working farm and future education center on historic land, in a growing community hungry for connection to where food comes from. 

Our Farming Model: Launch Strong, Grow Over Time

Armistead Farm has been designed as a multi-enterprise working farm, with a master plan that includes vegetable and flower production, pasture-raised egg production, an orchard, and an agroforestry system with sheep. We are building this vision in stages and starting with what matters most. 

At launch, the Farm’s primary focus is market gardening. The goal over the next five years is to establish a 3-acre year-round production operation encompassing 12 high tunnels and 6 outdoor garden beds, plus dedicated areas for asparagus, blueberries, strawberries, and cover crops. This market farm is the heart of the organization’s mission driven strategy, centered on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in 2027 and education programming planned to begin in 2028. The Farm Manager must bring deep, hands-on experience with market-scale gardening of vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and specialty crops, high tunnel management, and CSA operations.

As the Farm builds capacity through infrastructure investment, additional staff, and expanded programming, three additional farming enterprises will be developed over time that include egg production, orchard, and silvopasture with sheep. The Farm Manager will be a key member of the team involved in the phased development of these enterprises. 

What Year One Looks Like 

The focus of 2026 is building the foundation for production: procurement of farm equipment and supplies, soil conditioning, and infrastructure buildout, including establishing the first eight high tunnels and three outdoor garden beds, a new well, and a full irrigation system for the initial market farm. The Farm Manager will have a central role in shaping these decisions alongside the Executive Director. CSA launch is planned for summer 2027, with a farm store to follow in 2028. During this start-up phase, the Farm Manager will have access to planning and farm consultants. This is a building year, and we are looking for someone energized by the work of launching something new. 

Farm Manager Key Responsibilities 

Farm Operations

  • Oversee all crop planning, planting, cultivation, and harvest schedules for a 3-acre market garden 

  • Implement sustainable and regenerative practices including integrated pest management, soil stewardship, and pollinator habitat 

  • Manage irrigation systems, 12 high tunnels, 6 garden beds, and post-harvest wash and pack facilities 

  • Ensure food safety protocols, organic certification compliance, regulatory compliance, and maintain records necessary for future certifications or compliance programs 

  • Coordinate seasonal production schedules and manage purchasing and vendor relationships 

  • Hire, train, and supervise farming operations staff beginning in 2027 

Direct Sales & Community Programs

  • Launch and manage a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with educational components and first subscription deliveries in summer 2027 

  • Launch in 2028 a farm store including inventory, pricing, customer service, and marketing 

  • Coordinate harvest schedules to ensure consistent supply for both CSA distributions and retail sales

Administrative Management 

  • Develop and manage farming operations budget and direct sales 

  • Oversee equipment purchasing, maintenance schedules, and facility management 

What We’re Looking For

Required:

  • 4–8 years of hands-on experience in diversified, market-scale vegetable and specialty crop production 

  • Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in sustainable and regenerative farming practices 

  • Experience managing direct-to-consumer sales such as a CSA program, farm store, or farmers market 

  • Financial management skills developing budgets and tracking enterprise profitability 

  • Experience hiring, supervising, and developing farm staff, with a track record of building a culture of trust, clear expectations, and accountability 

  • Genuine commitment to community, education, and connecting people to how food is grown 

  • Clear communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to inspire others 

  • Willingness to relocate to Williamson County in the Middle Tennessee area 

Preferred:

  • Completion of the Market Gardener Masterclass Certificate (Market Gardener Institute) or equivalent formal training in bio-intensive market gardening 

  • Familiarity with Middle Tennessee growing conditions and climate 

  • Experience working within a nonprofit organization, particularly one with education programs serving local communities 

  • Comfort serving as a visible and confident ambassador for an organization’s mission and vision 

  • Experience collaborating with a board of directors and establishing community partners 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range $75,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience, plus a relocation stipend. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage are offered, as well as both short-term and long-term disability, and paid time off in addition to holidays. 

How to Apply

To express interest in this position, please send a resume and a cover letter describing your farming background, experience in market garden farming operations management and why this opportunity resonates with you. Please email your resume and cover letter to: 

Jim Short, Executive Director
Armistead Farm 
armisteadfarm@gmail.com

OUR VISION

To inspire and equip each generation to steward the land, promote healthy communities, and build connected food systems through farming practices and shared experiences. 

Armistead Farm is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.