Farm Education & Production Manager for Many Hands

Farm Education & Production Manager - Posting

Full-time Salary - $60,000 - Starting April 2026 - Dexter, MI

Many Hands Lifesharing Community is creating something rare: a first-of-its-kind Lifesharing community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, grounded in dignity, purpose, and belonging, and backed by a bold $35M capital initiative. It will be a place where land stewardship, education, and healing come together to shape a vibrant, inclusive future. Our values are holistic farming practices from no-till gardens to diverse crop fields. We cultivate meaningful relationships between people, animals and the land. Our educational and therapeutic programs are grounded in the belief that the farm and nature can be a powerful tool for learning, connection and healing. Many Hands is Camphill, https://camphillvillage.org/ inspired; non-sectarian, non-profit organization, promoting human services for the care of individuals with developmental disabilities through a cooperative life and social interaction. Many Hands supports adults with special needs on their path to greater independence by offering educational and life skills training programs in a nurturing, residential environment.  The Farm Education & Production Manager plays a key role in bringing this mission to life.

Job Description:

Many Hands is looking for a farmer to help form a community around agriculture and nature all from scratch.  We need someone confident in shaping our long term strategy, sequencing tasks, and recommending “next moves” for our future organic vegetable garden: 2 acres of vegetables with 4 hoop houses and therapeutic animal care.  Along with endless possibilities; U-pick flower farm, egg hens, or even a county demonstration farm. The ideal candidate would have at least three seasons of experience growing on a market scale, and who enjoys, embraces, and finds meaning in growing alongside people of all abilities.  They are eager to provide for our eventual community of 90+ people to participate fully in the many other aspects of community life. This position supports the training and education of people with and without disabilities. Approximately 50+/- depending on season hours per week.

It is important to note that the farm ground we are starting with has been in round-up corn/soybean production. Our goal is to grow organically so transitioning the fields will be necessary. As such, the duties and responsibilities will evolve greatly with time and over-all growth of the farm and the community’s expanding programs. We need someone who is energized by the idea of creating something from nothing.

See below for a detailed job description.

To Apply please email the following materials:

1. Cover letter (1–2 pages) that addresses:

○ Your experience with hands-on farming and crop production

○ Your interest in farm-based education, therapeutic programs, or community engagement

2. Resume outlining farming, education and leadership experience and communication expertise

To Many Hands, Kerry Kafafian

Founder & ED, Kerry@ManyHandsLC.org 

Questions call Kerry at 734-355-0991

www.ManyHandsLC.org

Farm Education & Production Manager - Job Description:

Needs to have a high level of technical knowledge, management and communication skills and the desire and personality to be the "public" figure of this program, able to manage a budget, develop, coordinate, and set expectations with Farm Coordinator, volunteers, caregivers (PALs). Manage the farm production aspect, while also providing educational enrichment experiences for the residents and those in the community through horticultural day programs. These programs would be in the field, hoop house, raised beds, and be part of the overall community experience. (Lots of traffic coming through)

The Farm Education & Production Manager oversees day-to-day garden and crop field operations, leads education programs and volunteers, helps facilitate therapeutic and farmer-training programs, and supports general farm and livestock (future) systems. We are seeking a candidate excited to grow with this position as our organization expands. This role blends hands-on farm work with program facilitation, leadership, and collaboration with the Farm Coordinators who are the ones working directly with individuals with disabilities.

Reports to the Executive Director

Goals:

• Within the first 30 days: Set a budget, determine what equipment is needed to purchase, construct the fence and prepare vegetable beds.

• Within the first 90 days: purchase needed equipment, plant crops, start healing the land using regenerative farming techniques.

• First 6 months: Work the land, develop a growing calendar, programs etc. while planning for future growing.

• First year: Work with a future Farm Coordinator (who reports to the farmer and the Behaviorist). This Coordinator position, who works with the caregivers (PALs), therapists etc, would not be assigned until Residents are moving in, so the farmer would need to assist in this role the first year more heavily and then pass-on responsibilities. 

• 5 years: Future management will include tending/caring for the farm animals. Current animal husbandry knowledge is a plus, but not required.  What is required is a desire to learn animal care.

• Long Term Strategic Plan: Many possibilities.

Note: A large amount of what is grown on the land will serve the community; Homes and Cottages along with the communal lunch at Community Center, with some being sold/donated to the community (CSA?)

Responsibilities:

1. Organic Garden & Field Crop Production (Approx. 40%)● Design garden and crop plan for seasons programming● Lead up planting, cultivation, and harvest of field crops● Manage Greenhouse propagation and seed starts● Manage all production of education gardens—medicinal herbs, vegetables, flowers, and perennials including soil health soil/fertility,planting schedules, and pest, weed, and diseases mgnt using organic and or biodynamic practices

• Manage and implement Garden and Crop field irrigation systems

• Design and implement garden and cropping systems and harvestpost harvest handling and storage of crops.

• Experience with or willingness to learn about biodynamics

2. Education, Farmer Training, Volunteer Facilitation (Approx. 35%)

• Co-facilitate farm/garden education curriculum in the early days.

• Lead and support farm tours, workshops, therapeutic farm programs

• Collaborate with educators and behavioral health practitioners to integrate meaningful farm tasks into therapeutic and educational experiences

• Uphold a safe, inclusive, supportive environment for healing, learning, and skill-building

• Enthusiasm to work and collaborate with others 

• Develop seasonal projects aligned with educational and therapeutic goals

• Lead and facilitate volunteer days, including task planning, instruction, supervision, and creating a positive, mission-aligned experience

3. General Farm Operations (Approx. 25%)● Supervise and mentor seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers● Manage pastured poultry operations, including daily maintenance and grazing systems

Experience:Required● 3+ years hands-on farming and gardening experience at a management level● Leading or facilitating farm education for adults.● Growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs all organically● Setting up, operating and maintaining irrigation systems● Must be interested and willing to learn livestock care● Strong communication and interpersonal skills● Ability to lead diverse groups on the farm, including volunteers● Ability to work outside in all types of weather and lift 50+ lbs regularly

● Reliability, organization, adaptability● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred● Outdoor education, therapeutic programs, or farm-based health services● Mentoring interns or apprentices● Background in regenerative, or Biodynamic agriculture● Leadership or supervisory experience● Coordinating or leading volunteers

Most Important● A desire to grow with this position and contribute to the farm’s expanding educational, therapeutic, and farmer-training mission. Enthusiasm to join in and support the cultural and spiritual activities of the community

Schedule & Compensation:Position Type: Full-time, year-roundStart Date: April 2026

Schedule-This is a salary position with a variable schedule that adjusts based on seasonal demands and programmatic needs.● Typically 5–6 days per week, including weekends● Average 30–60 hours per week, with peak season from May–October● Work hours may increase during planting, harvest, and special programs, and decrease during the off-season● Daily start and end times may varyCompensation-● $60,000 year salary 

Benefits-

• Full coverage health insurance including eye & dental 

• Access to farm vegetables, and eggs

• Paid Time Off 

• Workers’ compensation

www.ManyHandsLC.org