Job Title: Live-in Facilities and Infrastructure Manager
Location: Wally Farms, Ancram, NY
Employment Type: Full-time, Live-in Position, open to individuals and couples

Compensation: $70,000 + benefits + housing + utilities

About Wally Farms:

Wally Farms is a 1000-acre property located in Ancram, New York. The farm serves as an accelerator for climate-forward farm businesses, a small portfolio of short-term rentals, and as an upstate home to its founders. We are committed to sustainable practices and innovative agricultural solutions that address climate challenges. We’re looking for a skilled, versatile facilities manager to live on-site and ensure that the property is well-maintained, safe, and functional for our agricultural operations and residential needs.

Job Summary:

As the live-in Facilities and Infrastructure Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving the farm’s infrastructure, buildings, and equipment. This role requires a proactive individual who can perform general repairs, manage routine maintenance, and oversee upkeep across the expansive property. You will ensure that the facilities, systems and grounds are in top condition to support both farm operations including agrotourism stays.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a facilities manager or in a similar role.

• Skills in general maintenance: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and basic HVAC systems.

• Experience in maintaining and repairing farm equipment and vehicles.

• Landscaping and property maintenance experience, with a focus on eco-friendly practices.

• Self-motivated, able to work independently and manage a wide range of tasks.

• Curious, wanting to learn about and adopt new technologies

• Comfortable living on-site and being available for urgent repairs or seasonal needs.

• Physical ability to perform tasks in various weather conditions

• Strong communicator who enjoys cooperating with others as part of a larger team

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).

• Health insurance

• On-site accommodation provided, including utilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Property and Building Maintenance:

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs across multiple farm buildings, barns, and residential structures.

• Address minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC issues.

• Ensure that the property’s heating, cooling, and utility systems are in good working order year-round.

• Conduct inspections to identify potential problems and fix them before they become critical.

• Equipment and Systems Management:

• Perform maintenance on small and large equipment (e.g., tractors, mowers, irrigation systems).

• Keep track of maintenance schedules for vehicles, machinery, and tools.

• Repair and upkeep of fencing, gates, and other property structures.

• Infrastructure

• Perform routine road maintenance (fixing potholes, removing snow)

• Monitor and trouble shoot issues with microgrid, including solar array, generators, charging stations, etc.)

• Assist with maintaining climate-related systems and technologies on the farm, such as energy-efficient power systems or water conservation systems.

• Groundskeeping:

• Manage the grounds crew and maintain the grounds surrounding both the farm operations and residences.

• Manage lawn care, tree trimming, and upkeep of green spaces.

• Oversee driveways, walkways, and trail maintenance, including snow removal and ice control in winter.

• Work with sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, and eco-friendly landscaping.

• Project Support:

• Collaborate with farm businesses in the accelerator program to support infrastructure or logistical needs.

• Assist with renovations, installations, or building new structures as needed.

• Support the founders with additional projects related to home maintenance or improvements.

• Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure safety standards are met in all work areas, both residential and agricultural.

• Monitor and address potential hazards on the property.

• Implement measures for fire prevention, storm preparation, and emergency repairs.

• Innovation and the Future of Farming

• We’re looking for a candidate who is excited about the future of regenerative farming and climate-forward practices, working alongside our farmers and staff to bring technology and innovation to all we do at Wally Farms. From robotic lawn mowers to electric tractors and all the future innovations to come, this role will be key in moving Wally Farms forward as a hub for new technology and climate action.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role to info@wallyfarms.org.

At Wally Farms, we're committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture. We invite passionate entrepreneurs to pitch us their farm business ideas, providing a platform for collaboration and growth. We’re currently most interested in hearing from vegetable growers and small ruminant livestock producers. Here's how our model works:

1. Pitching Process:

• Entrepreneurs are encouraged to pitch us their farm business ideas.

• We seek proposals with a robust business plan outlining the venture's vision, market analysis, and competitive edge.

2. Infrastructure Needs:

• We evaluate proposals based on their infrastructure requirements, considering factors such as land, equipment, and facilities.

• Preference is given to proposals that demonstrate efficient and scalable infrastructure solutions.

3. Path to Profitability:

• Entrepreneurs are asked to outline their path to profitability, including revenue streams, cost structures, and projected financial milestones.

• We support ventures that demonstrate a clear and realistic plan for achieving financial sustainability.

4. Climate-Forward Practices:

• Sustainability is at the core of our model. We prioritize proposals that incorporate climate-forward practices, such as regenerative agriculture, water conservation, and renewable energy usage.

• Entrepreneurs are encouraged to outline their environmental stewardship practices and their commitment to mitigating climate change.

5. What Do You Need?

• Wally Farms offers access to land at low or no cost, and funding for capital may be available depending on the project. Entrepreneurs should specify their needs in the proposal to support the evaluation of their enterprise.

Benefits of Partnering with Wally Farms:

• Access to resources to bring innovative farm business ideas to life.

• Collaborative support and expertise from the Wally Farms team to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and maximize success.

• Opportunities for networking, partnerships, and market access within the extended Wally Farms community.

How to Get Started:

• Entrepreneurs interested in partnering with Wally Farms can submit their farm business proposals through our online form.

• Our panel will review submissions and reach out to selected entrepreneurs for further discussion and collaboration.

• Submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis

• Questions? Reach out to info@wallyfarms.org

Join us in reimagining the future of agriculture. Together, we can cultivate sustainable, profitable, and impactful farm businesses.