Spring Lake Ranch

Our Farm Manager leads and participates in the Farm Department of the therapeutic Work Program providing year-round meaningful work for people with mental health and substance abuse challenges. This role is best suited for an empathetic and collaborative leader who approaches farm operations through a therapeutic lens, integrating agricultural responsibilities with the mission at the forefront on a diversified 65-acre working farm that supports recovery and community engagement.

About Spring Lake Ranch

Spring Lake Ranch (SLR) is a unique therapeutic community and working farm, providing a supportive environment for adults with mental health challenges and co-occurring addiction issues. Located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, SLR has been in operation since 1932 and is entering a dynamic period of growth supported by donors, alumni families, and passionate staff.

Responsibilities

• Leads, plans, coordinates and participates in the Farm Department of the therapeutic Work Program, including livestock care and pasture management
• Ensures the health and wellbeing of Ranch livestock, communicating with veterinarian and other outside resources as applicable
• Serves as a member of the treatment team for Farm crew residents and collaborates with the team on treatment planning and facilitation of residents achieving their goals
• Supervises crew staff, including program coordinators (pc) and specialist pc
• Supervises and builds relationships with residents to accomplish Farm and Work Program goals, involving them in all aspects of farming and supporting in participating productively in the Farm
• Works with the Work Program Manager to create and monitor Farm-related budgets
• Works collaboratively with Food Services Manager regarding kitchen needs and coordination of livestock processing
• Works with the Work Program Manager to design and implement Farm improvements
• Maintains regular communication and collaborates with Clinician, Program Director, and other Work Program Managers, regarding farm and Work Program needs
• Assists other areas of the Work Program in special and seasonal projects (e.g. sugaring, cider-pressing, ice-cutting, etc.)
• Oversees weekly group notes documenting resident progress
• Produces annual hay crop (approximately 4000 bales), involving the Work Program
• Maintains 65 acres of pastures, fields, and associated fencing
• Shared responsibility with facilities team for maintenance and repairs to farm buildings, tractors, and farm equipment
• Responds/responsible for livestock and farm related emergencies on “on-call” basis
• Organizes/ensures an on-call rotation for livestock care and farm emergencies
• Attends daily morning meeting
• Attends weekly Work Program meetings and staff meetings
• Attends trainings and other meetings as requested
• Participates in Holiday Committee (planning & coverage) rotation requiring 1 holiday commitment per year
• Serve as a mentor for up to 1 resident at any given time
• Other responsibilities as requested

Qualifications

• Effective collaborative, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills
• Supervision experience
• Knowledge and experience in farm management with emphasis on livestock care
• Experience in operation and maintenance of tractors and other farm equipment
• Proven awareness and commitment to safety for self and others in a farm setting
• Experience in farming as a therapeutic tool preferred
• Commitment to working in a therapeutic community working side by side with residents creating meaningful work on the farm
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Flexibility is a must; especially willingness to shift projects, time, focus, methods, or priorities as requested
• Ability to complete physical work consisting of moderate (40 lbs.) lifting, carrying, etc. This position consists of a combination of sitting, bending, standing, kneeling, and walking. Work is both indoor and outdoor during all seasons
• Willingness to live on Spring Lake Ranch property or within a 30 minute drive of Cuttingsville, VT general area for after-hour farm urgencies
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record

Key Physical Demands

• Weight Handling: Regular lifting and carrying of 50 lb grain bags, hay bales, and farming equipment
• Stamina & Mobility: Sustained, full-body activity such as walking, bending, stooping, and climbing over the course of long, sometimes 10-12 hour days, especially during lambing, calving, or harvest seasons
• Adverse Weather Tolerance: Ability to work outdoors in all seasons, including cold, snow, and ice, as well as high-temperature environments
• Machinery Operation: Physical capacity to operate and maintain tractors, trucks, and specialized equipment
• Livestock Care: Physical capability to handle animals (cattle, sheep) and perform barn chores like mucking (cleaning manure)

Common Job-Specific Requirements

• Animal Management: Handling of sheep, cattle, or horses, including lifting equipment, administering vaccinations, and providing care in varied, sometimes high-stress environments
• Field Production: For crop farms, duties include planting, hand-weeding, and harvesting while standing or kneeling for long durations
• Maintenance: Fixing fences, cleaning stalls, and maintaining water systems
• Driving: Often requires a valid driver’s license for transporting products or driving equipment between sites

Additional Expectations

• Ability and willingness to negotiate scope and expectations in good faith as program needs evolve
• Commitment to SLR’s therapeutic community model and collaborative approach
• Strong professional boundaries and a recovery-oriented treatment philosophy

Benefits

• Housing options available (On-site shared housing or On-site private housing)
• Monday-Friday regular schedule (with afterhours and weekend on-call responsibilities)
• Medical (80% of premium paid by employer)
• Dental (100% of premium paid by employer)
• Vision (100% of premium paid by employer)
• Income Protection (Life, STD, LTD) at one year (100% of premium paid by employer)
• 403b with employer match
• PTO (paid time off) based on position, immediately available
• FREE farm-to-table meals
• Use of 700-acre land for hiking and outdoor activities
• 401k
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Pay

$55-60k