Book and Plow Farm Green Dean

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Book & Plow Farm Green Dean position. The Book & Plow Farm Green Dean is a full-time, 12-month term position, starting on June 1, 2026, with time split between leading various programming initiatives and assisting with farm operations. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $20.02 - $20.50 per hour.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

Book & Plow employees have access to reduced prices for meals at the College dining hall and receive one free meal per day during work hours. The Book and Plow Green Dean will have numerous professional development opportunities, including attending the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference in December 2026 in New Hampshire.

The Green Dean is a 1-year position specifically designed for recent college graduates. Applicants from all colleges and universities will be considered, but preference is given to Amherst College graduates. Previous experience working at Book & Plow Farm (or another farm) is preferred but not required. If there are no qualified applicants from Amherst College, preference will next be given to other applicants from the Five College Consortium and then to applicants from other Colleges or Universities.

Book & Plow Farm is a student-centered farm that prioritizes environmental sustainability, community building, and educational collaboration. We engage students in collaborative and productive farm labor, provide quality produce to Amherst College and the wider community, and offer people space on campus to connect with food, land, and each other.

With regards to programming, the Green Dean will work to strengthen the farm as a resource on campus for students, faculty, and staff. They will utilize their particular strengths and interests to build connections between Book & Plow Farm and the college campus, particularly through engagement with students and student-facing groups. The Green Dean will play a big role in the student summer internship by supporting students in all aspects of the experience, including coordinating field trips and developing lessons and activities outside of the regular farm work. This position also maintains a relationship with the wider Amherst community and takes appropriate action to participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

With regards to Farm Operations, the Green Dean will support farm staff in all aspects of vegetable, herb, and flower production, as well as general land management. Green Deans will be trained in and expected to perform independent, high-level farm tasks, and will also supervise student employees.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Programming Coordination and Collaboration

In collaboration with Farm Managers, assess and identify ways to increase campus engagement with the farm

• Develop and carry out programming to engage students, staff, faculty, and alumni with the farm

• Support administrative tasks, including farm email and social media accounts

• Plan field trips and lesson plans to enrich summer internship program

• Serve on relevant campus committees and participate in cross-department meetings

Farm Operations

• Work collaboratively with Farm Managers and student employees to complete a variety of farm tasks, including greenhouse care, field prep, cover crop/fertility management, planting/direct seeding, cultivation, weed/pest control, irrigation, harvest, wash/pack, and more

• In collaboration with Farm Managers, help to supervise student farm crew members

• Work independently on a variety of farm activities

• With training, operate heavy machinery such as tractors and other farm equipment

• Help to repair and maintain equ