A Place to Build Something Meaningful
An open invitation to farmers, growers, and stewards to shape the next chapter of this land.
The Opportunity
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to step into a meaningful role and help build a working farm and forest from the ground up.
At Amherst Farm and Forest, we are developing a model that blends specialty crop production, ecological stewardship, and community engagement. Based out of our historic barn in South Amherst, this is hands-on, real work with visible impact.
If you’re looking for a place to take ownership, grow your skills, and be part of something evolving—this is that opportunity.
The Role
This is a hands-on farming role centered on working the land and building a productive, living system.
You’ll be involved in the daily rhythms of the farm. By cultivating, maintaining, harvesting, and observing all aspects of the property. The work is physical, seasonal, and detail-oriented, requiring consistency, awareness, and strong follow-through.
You’ll help care for and shape the broader landscape: supporting soil health, stewarding natural areas, and contributing to systems that balance productivity with conservation.
Over time, this role grows into planning, coordination, and leadership—helping guide both the agricultural output and the long-term vision of the land.
If you’re someone who wants more than just tasks. If you want to work the land, understand it, and take ownership in how it evolves—this role is made for you.
Who is this for?
This opportunity is a good fit for someone who feels a genuine connection to farming and working with the land.
You’re dependable, organized, and able to stay steady when things get busy. You communicate clearly, take initiative, and are comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. You have a sense of when to step forward, when to support others, and when to ask for help.
You’re motivated by building something real, where your work has a visible impact over time in both the land and the systems that support it.
What We’re Looking For
Core Traits
Organized and able to plan ahead
Strong communicator and team-oriented
Adaptable, and solution-focused under pressure
Self-directed but collaborative
Skills & Experience
Hands-on farming or relevant experience
Mechanical ability and comfort with tools and equipment
Strong writing and documentation skills
Interest in ecology, conservation, or land-based systems
Ability to manage workflows and improve processes over time
Community & Presence
Comfortable engaging with others—customers, partners, or visitors
Natural educator who enjoys sharing knowledge
Willing to represent the farm in the broader community
Bonus
Experience with mycology
Connections in the Pioneer Valley
Academic or research alignment (especially for a partner in a PhD or related field)
Benefits
- Competitive pay and on-site housing
- The chance to take ownership and grow into a leadership role
- Meaningful, hands-on work tied directly to the land
- Involvement in building and improving real systems
- A quiet, grounded place to live and work
- Access to fresh food and a seasonal pace