Job: Assistant Garden Manager

Gould Farm
P.O. Box 157
100 Gould Road
Monterey, MA 01245

Phone:413-528-1804
Fax:413-645-1022
Website:gouldfarm.org

Company Description:

Founded in 1913, Gould Farm is a residential therapeutic community in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts that supports adults living with serious mental health challenges.

Gould Farm’s program integrates meaningful work, community living, and clinical care in an open, non-institutional setting. Guests participate in real work across the Farm’s operations—agriculture, food production, land stewardship, and social enterprises—while receiving individualized clinical support that promotes recovery, responsibility, and connection. Work is central to the therapeutic model and is understood as a powerful tool for healing, growth, and belonging.

More than a century after its founding, Gould Farm continues to evolve in response to changing needs in behavioral health while remaining deeply rooted in its core values of dignity, mutual respect, and shared community life.

To learn more about Gould Farm, visit www.gouldfarm.org.

Please submit applications through BerkshireJobs.com or directly to hr@gouldfarm.org.


Additional Business Name: Gould Farm

Job Title:
Assistant Garden Manager
Salary Range:Location:
$19.00 - $24.00 Per Hour Monterey
Job Type:Category:
Full TimeAgriculture
Education Level:Work Experience:
Bachelor's Degree
Preferred
2+
Preferred
Description:

Assistant Garden Manager

Join a dynamic team dedicated to healing, recovery, and reimagining mental health treatment at Gould Farm, a residential therapeutic community in the Berkshires.

The Assistant Garden Manager works alongside the Garden Manager to support sustainable agricultural and horticultural operations while creating meaningful work opportunities for adults living with mental health challenges. As part of a multidisciplinary team, this position helps guests develop skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose through productive, collaborative work. The role provides hands-on leadership, instruction, and support to guests, volunteers, and staff while contributing to daily community life.

Primary Responsibilities

Work Program & Guest Support

  • Create an inclusive, empowering work environment that recognizes the strengths and contributions of guests, volunteers, and colleagues.
  • Teach, coach, and support guests through meaningful work assignments, skill development, and recognition of accomplishments.
  • Collaborate with clinical and program staff to support guest participation, progress, and recovery goals.
  • Assist other work teams as seasonal needs and community priorities shift.

Garden Operations

  • Assist in managing the greenhouse, gardens, and related agricultural operations, emphasizing sustainable practices.
  • Coordinate seasonal production for the Kitchen, Roadside Store & Café, Harvest Barn, CSA and other outlets.
  • Help plan and oversee soil management, crop rotation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, composting, and grounds maintenance.
  • Support seasonal workforce planning, scheduling, and equipment and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Maintain safe, clean, organized workspaces and train participants in proper use of tools, equipment, and machinery.
  • Build relationships with local agricultural organizations and support related Campus Crew activities as needed.

Administration & Community Life

  • Meet regularly with the Garden Manager for supervision, planning, and professional development.
  • Help supervise volunteers and assist with the Garden Team annual budget.
  • Participate in staff and community meetings, committees, training, and community activities.
  • Participate in the on-call rotation after six months of employment.

On-Farm Living

This is a residential position that includes subsidized on-site housing. Living in community is central to Gould Farm’s therapeutic model, and resident staff help create a welcoming, supportive environment. On-Farm residency is a condition of employment, with flexibility to relocate when suitable housing becomes available.

Qualifications

  • 2-3 years of relevant experience in vegetable farming preferred.
  • Practical knowledge of gardening, greenhouse operations, and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and mentoring skills.
  • Commitment to Gould Farm’s mission and community-based approach to mental health recovery.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly wage: $19–$24, depending on experience.

Benefits include medical and dental insurance (employer pays 85% of premiums and up to 100% of deductibles), life insurance, a 401(k), generous sick time, and paid time off (five weeks of vacation and holidays during the first two years; six weeks thereafter). Subsidized on-campus housing includes utilities. Food benefits include three prepared meals daily, basic pantry items, and Farm-produced foods.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gould Farm is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse community. We provide employment, advancement opportunities, and benefits without discrimination based on any characteristic protected by applicable law. Candidates who contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Submit a letter of interest and résumé to hr@gouldfarm.org

Requirements:
  • 2-3 years of relevant experience in vegetable farming preferred.
  • Practical knowledge of gardening, greenhouse operations, and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and mentoring skills.
  • Commitment to Gould Farm’s mission and community-based approach to mental health recovery.