Christmas Tree Farm Manager

Join the Society for the Protection of NH Forests as a Christmas Tree Farm Manager and play a key role in the success of our 1,500-acre working Christmas tree farm, program and education center, and recreation destination.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to manage the day-to-day operations of our Christmas tree farm, including planting, spraying, tree shearing, de-coning, tree inventory, fertilizing, tree grading and tagging, tree harvesting, mowing, and Christmas tree stump cutting.

• Manage farm finances, equipment, stock, and supplies
• Manage tree seedling, wreath, and other tree farm supply ordering
• Responsible for all wholesale and retail Christmas tree and wreath sales
• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and managing seasonal farm staff
• Ability to plan and implement detailed seasonal schedules of required tree farm maintenance and organize tasks and personnel to get this work done
• Hire and oversee farm-related contractors when necessary
• Responsible for the preparation and management of the Christmas tree farm budget and planning
• Manage tree farm business relationships with local inns including billing and accounts receivable
• Coordinate Christmas season retail operation at The Rocks in collaboration with other north country staff
• Responsible for the timely deposits of all cash receipts related to sales at the Christmas tree farm
• Represent the Forest Society's membership in National Christmas Tree Association, and the NH/VT Christmas Tree Association, including attendance of local meetings
• Repair and maintain grounds equipment: tractors, mowers, ATV, utility trailers, saws, & trimmers
• Coordinate with program and education staff to help facilitate educational programming which may entail tasks like driving the tractor and trailer during maple tours and other programming needs
• Wild apple tree pruning in early spring at The Rocks and other north country forest reservations
• Attend staff and lands team meetings, keeping the larger staff informed of program activities for the Christmas tree operation

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience with hiring, training, and supervising others
• 3-5 years of experience working in an agricultural setting and/or Christmas tree farm
• Competent in running tractors, chainsaws, and equipment
• A degree with a program focus in arboriculture, agriculture, or horticulture is preferred
• Excellent people skills and the ability to effectively communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Good organizational skills both in the field and office (with strong attention to detail)
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Quickbooks (for basic invoicing)
• Ability to work independently without supervision and manage crew members
• Ability to hire, supervise and manage seasonal crews
• Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance of farm equipment including one-ton truck and trailer, tractor, ATV, and chainsaw
• Farming or agricultural experience, with preference for experience in cultivating Christmas trees
• Knowledge and skill at safely operating farm equipment, including chainsaw and tractor operation
• Driver's license and capacity to drive a one-ton truck with a 20-ft trailer; maintain the required Medical Examiners Certificate (acquired at expense of Forest Society)
• Possession of or willingness to acquire a private spray license from the Division of Pesticide Control, specifically for Christmas trees (acquired at expense of Forest Society)

The Christmas Tree Farm Manager must be prepared to work year-round indoors and outdoors, conducting physically strenuous work in a wide variety of weather conditions. Schedule will include some evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays during parts of the year. Seasonally, this job may involve as much as 90% outdoors work.

The individual should be able to walk long distances over variable terrain in fields as well as in the woods, sometimes carrying equipment. Must be prepared to work mostly outdoors, tolerating a range of weather conditions. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time in the cold or the heat, run handheld power equipment, climb stairs, and be able to lift approximately 80 lbs.

Seasonal staff and volunteers.