Round the Bend Farm (RTB), a Center for Restorative Community, located in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is a 115-acre working farm and educational non-profit. We are a living laboratory that cultivates, educates, and empowers people of all ages. We are devoted to the global paradigm shift toward hope and abundance by valuing diversity, modeling nature, and
redefining wealth. RTB is seeking a passionate and motivated individual to our team full-time Farming Co-Manager. We are accepting applications until end of day on Monday November 24, 2025. Anticipated start is February 2026.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Our Farming Co-Manager position requires a highly motivated and energetic individual; someone who is passionate about RTB’s mission, local food systems, and growing nutritious foods. This teammate will participate in the overall mission of RTB, both managing and working alongside our farm crew in all aspects of growing produce, and accompanying land management, for the RTB kitchen, local sale, and our flagship partnered food donation program, Manifest Love (ML).
Our Manifest Love (ML) program is a free weekly food share program currently serving approximately 150 families in New Bedford. Going into its seventh season of operation, Manifest Love is a collaboration between RTB, YWCA Southeastern MA, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, NorthStar Learning Centers, and Sacred Birthing Village. Food share contents are grown on site using
approximately 6-8 acres at RTB and occasionally gleaned from nearby farms as well.
At RTB, we use a synthetics-free farming philosophy, rooted in regenerative relationships and a mix of biodynamic, permaculture, agroforestry, and soil remineralization practices. We emphasize sustainability, natural relationships, ecological vibrancy, and working in ways that mirror our mission of valuing diversity, modeling nature, and redefining wealth.
Working alongside the farm crew in a daily capacity – in close concert with the Garden Manager and Distribution Manager and with support from our extended RTB team and volunteers – this position will be involved with and responsible for all aspects of growing & harvesting agricultural produce for our kitchen & Manifest Love program. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: crop planning, seed sowing, greenhouse and nursery care, soil & field preparation, transplanting, weeding and cultivation, harvesting, seed saving, propagation, mowing and land management, efficient management and direction of RTB team and volunteers, food storage, and food processing and preparation for distribution of Manifest Love food shares (harvesting, washing, bagging).
We are looking to fill this new position with an individual who can easily learn and understand our systems and also evolve with us as we continue to grow and refine them. While we expect each of the above duties to be critical parts of this role, we envision that this position will play an especially important part of continued management of our nursery and planting schedules.
While the scope of this position will be focused primarily in our annual vegetable crop production, this work will also take place in the context of a larger, integrated and evolving agroforestry system (currently in its fourth year of development). As such, work may at times include support for some perennial and tree crop care activities – including harvest, mulching, pruning, etc.
As a year-round full-time position, winter tasks may include, but are not limited to: unheated greenhouse management (year round production), crop planning, food processing, supporting education initiatives for the Manifest Love program, and various other duties that support the multifaceted nature of our non-profit organization. While not a primary focus, this position will at times (when needed) act as a liaison with the RTB educational team to support tours, demonstrations, direction, and provide educational contexts for our agricultural work to visiting students and the general public.
To a great degree, the above work will be performed outdoors (directly in the fields); however, this position may also include participation in shared community cooking, post-harvest processing & preservation, monthly Open Farm Days, and occasional support of other farm projects as needed. This work will be physically demanding and challenging, but also grounding,
nourishing and rewarding. We aim for a 40-hour per week commitment, however natural variations in seasonal workload and conditions will require openness and flexibility around work hours in the high season, and some days may run longer than others.
QUALIFICATIONS
As an organization that strives to value diversity in all that we do, we take care and place extra value in continuing to diversify our team. Candidate
preferences include the following:
- At least 3+ years of intensive agriculture or commercial farming experience
(regenerative agriculture preferred) - 2+ years of experience in crop management
- 2+ years of experience managing a team (teammates, volunteers, etc.)
- Familiarity with dry farming, no till practices, soil health, mineralization,
cover cropping and/or small tractor operation all helpful - Persevering work ethic and ability to work well under time constraints and to
meet deadlines - Focused attention to detail and quality, with strong organizational skills and
a positive attitude - Ability to communicate effectively (in a clear and concise manner) with our
team and management, with the ability to accept direction and guidance and ask
questions when unclear - Ability to communicate effectively with volunteers and students of all ages
- Ability to work both independently and in groups of diverse people
- Commitment to working in the scope of RTB’s mission *preference may be given
to those who have an active interest in environmental and social justice
issues pertaining to both local and global food systems* - Passionate about creating and sharing healthy, good food, and helping provide
healthy food access and education, especially to marginalized communities - Desire to respect and care for the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans
- Personal maturity, mindful self-awareness, dependability, and flexibility
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Ability to pass a Mandatory Criminal Record (C.O.R.I.) check
- Physical ability to lift and move 50+ lbs
- A valid driver’s license
- Ability to work on occasional nights and/or weekends
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), fully benefitted position. Annual salary is $45,760, based on a $22/hour rate. With benefits, the total compensation package range is approximately $70,000- $75,000.
Round the Bend Farm offers extensive employee benefits:
- Pension Plan: RTB contributes an additional 10% of the employee’s gross
salary, fully vested from the first day of employment (no probation period).
This is a 403(b) plan which is equivalent to a 401(k) plan. In addition to
RTB’s allocation, a teammate can opt to allocate additional funds from their
paycheck. (Valued at $4,576/year to start) - Health & Dental Insurance: RTB pays for 75% of the health & dental premiums
for the first three years of employment; after 3 years of employment, RTB pays
for 100% of the premiums. (90-day waiting period; Valued at $8,275/year to
start) - Life Insurance ($50,000 benefit), Short-term & long-term disability: 90-day
waiting period. - Flexible Spending Account: available for an employee to contribute pre-tax
earnings to cover health expenses. - Paid Holidays: Thirteen paid holidays per year.
- Paid Vacation & Wellness Days: 80 vacation hours & 56 wellness hours for full-
time employees. - Fringe Benefits: Health & Wellness (herbal apothecary, supplements, sauna,
annual massage, occasional team celebrations), shared access to our commercial
kitchen and library space with internet access, and laundry facilities.
Housing: This position is eligible for housing in a luxury tiny house located
on RTB property, complete with kitchen, shower, composting toilet, and
comfortable living space. (Valued at $12,000-$15,000/year) - Weekday Lunch: Paid 30-minute lunch break with meal provided, crafted from
delicious, vibrant, farm produce. - Sustainable Lifestyle: Hands-on learning environment focused on all aspects of
sustainable living. - Beautiful Live-Work Environment: Buzzards Bay breezes, SouthCoast sunsets, and
stargazing/moon views from Goat Rock.
Please note: This job is not contingent upon living on the farm. Additional
responsibilities to contribute to the community are required if an employee
chooses to live on the farm.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the RTB Candidate Questionnaire (https://forms.gle/iTLmvNyNgVwT3rmi6) and send a letter of interest telling us about yourself and detailing your motivations and qualifications for this position, along with a detailed resume and two professional references. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. If you need reasonable accommodations at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. Also, please feel free to note which pronouns you use.
Send materials via email (preferred) to Elizabeth
(elizabeth@roundthebendfarm.org) or via US mail to:
Round the Bend Farm
92 Allens Neck Road
South Dartmouth, MAÂ 02748
Attn: Elizabeth Murphy
*ROUND THE BEND FARM (RTB) IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER*
RTB values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. RTB is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
