Dining Farm Manager

Job Summary

The Division of University Housing is looking for an experienced Farm Manager to lead the planning and daily operations of our sustainability‑driven, educational farm. Responsibilities include farm design and yield planning; coordinating sustainable purchasing; supervising field and greenhouse operations; and ensuring compliance with food safety and GAP standards. The role emphasizes regenerative farming practices, student and volunteer leadership, collaborative research, and strategic planning to support long‑term environmental, educational, and operational growth of the farm.

Work Schedule

• The primary schedule for this position is:
  • 8:00am - 4:30pm Mondays and Thursdays
  • 8:00am – 12:00pm Fridays
  • For a total of 20 hrs/week.
• Some flexibility is possible for scheduled days, work hours, and shift lengths based on operational need. Some weekend or evening work required for special events.
• Work schedule will be set with selected finalist(s) at time of offer. Schedule alterations as operations and position expectations demand.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of various lawn and landscape projects and staff
• Assists with organizing the layout of planting sites, plant and material selection, research and evaluate new materials and equipment
• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
• Schedules and monitors staff and assists with basic training
• Provides outreach to students and staff in learning communities and dining facilities
• May supervise and lead the work of student workers

Department

Division of University Housing, Dining & Culinary Services

University Housing Dining and Culinary Services provides affordable meals made from locally sourced ingredients and innovative dining options to residents, guests, and staff. We have market-place style locations in six buildings throughout campus. These marketplaces offer a new variety of selections each day, as well as made-to-order stations. Additionally, there are convenience stores, coffeehouses, and two franchises throughout campus, as well as a Catering, and Central Production and Bakery operation.

Dining and Culinary Services operates a 3-acre campus farm split between two locations: on campus within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and nearby at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station. The Farm produces vegetables that are used on menus in marketplaces as well as in Grab & Go items, Catering, and the Electric Eats Food Truck.

Compensation

The starting hourly wage is $18.36 or higher based on qualifications with a competitive retirement and benefits package, including vacation, holidays, and paid time off. Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/

Required Qualifications

• 2–4 years of hands on farm management or sustainable agriculture experience, including crop planning, planting, harvesting, and post harvest handling

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with sustainable or regenerative farming practices
• Working knowledge of Food Safety and GAP standards, or the ability to obtain certification
• Experience supervising, training, and mentoring staff, students, or volunteers

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture, Agroecology, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field, is required; or equivalent professional experience

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter within the online application system. There will be only one attachment field; you must upload all your documents in the attachment field. We are only able to consider completed application materials submitted by the deadline date.

Candidates who apply for this position may be considered for other or future vacancies within this title, including those which may have a different work schedule and/or requirements from this vacancy.