Farmer

Ucross Foundation is seeking a Farmer to develop its field-to-fork dining experience for artists-in-residence. Ucross aims to feed 115+ artists (in residence 10 at a time) with home-grown food throughout the year. Using the onsite greenhouse, the Farmer will design and implement infrastructure and processes to grow year-round. This key staff member will oversee and expand the gardens, as well as maintain and update the landscaping around artist studios, lodging, art gallery, and other buildings across the scenic 300-acre artist residency campus on a northern Wyoming ranch.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced farmer with knowledge of the area growing zone (4b), strong communications skills, and vision to expand our horticulture program. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Organic Farmer will work closely with the Chef and Maintenance and Grounds team, as well as manage seasonal workers and volunteers. Ucross is seeking a candidate who is creative, organized, flexible, and able to work productively with various constituencies, including staff, trustees, vendors, visitors, ranchers, and artists from around the world.

Since 1983, Ucross has provided residencies for nearly 3,000 working artists by providing uninterrupted time, studio space, living accommodations, meals by a professional chef, and staff support. Ucross connects its acclaimed international alumni with the community through events, workshops, and exhibitions in the Ucross Art Gallery. In addition to fostering the creative spirit of artists and community, Ucross is dedicated to acting as a responsible steward of its spectacular 20,000-acre working cattle ranch, located among the High Plains in northern Wyoming (20 miles from Buffalo and 30 from Sheridan).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all aspects of growing organic vegetables, fruit, medicinal herbs, and flowers, including but not limited to preparing soil; seeding; planting; pest, disease, and fertility management; field cultivation; irrigation planning; installation and repairs; harvesting and post-harvest handling; record keeping; and upholding product, food safety standards
• Design, implement, and maintain landscaping around all buildings throughout the campus, with an emphasis on native/appropriate plants
• Collaborate with the Chef on preserving food for the winter months
• Working with the leadership team, devise and implement a plan to expand garden operations physically and year-round through onsite greenhouse
• Represent Ucross at farmers’ markets occasionally
• Uphold a standard of excellence; oversee quality control 
• Provide support with tending hens
• Maintain the compost system
• Oversee tree care
• Assist with events as needed
• Communicate well and work respectfully with staff and managers, as well as the Board of Trustees
• Represent Ucross in a professional manner at all times

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 2-5 years of experience in organic vegetable production experience on a similar or larger scale, preferably in the Mountain West or similar zone (4b)
• Experience in managing crews
• Exceptional communications skills
• Experience with farm equipment
• Enthusiasm for local and sustainable agriculture
• A problem solver with a focus on learning and improvement
• Relevant computer skills, including Office 365

HOURS

• Typically 40 hours a week, five days a week
• Occasional weekends

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform responsibilities listed above, as well as occasionally lift objects 50 pounds or heavier, among others

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• The salary range is $50,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience, with a generous benefits package, including:
• Health and dental insurance
• Life and short-term disability insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off

LOCATION
Ucross, Wyoming 

APPLY 
Please email your application and resume to info@ucross.org with “Organic Farmer” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is January 27, 2025.

Ucross is an Equal Opportunity Employer.