Bowers Farm Manager

Farm Manager

Position Overview

As part of MSU Extension and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), the Farm Manager will oversee the daily agricultural operations, educational programming, and community engagement of Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks , an approximately 84-acre working farm operated through a partnership between Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC), MSU Extension and Bloomfield Hills Schools. You will serve as the primary on-site agricultural leader, will be responsible for hands-on management of farm production, educational activities, and public engagement that advance the site's mission as an authentic working farm and community resource.

You will manage the full scope of farm operations, including livestock care, crop production, orchard and greenhouse management, community gardens, and managed horticultural landscapes, ensuring the farm operates as a productive, educationally aligned working farm. You will develop and implement seasonal production plans that support the site’s educational mission and program calendar, while overseeing key systems such as hay production, feed and supply management, and equipment inventories. This role also includes maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of farm equipment and vehicles, coordinating repairs, managing service schedules, troubleshooting issues, and training staff, along with tracking purchases and supporting budget awareness in coordination with MSU Extension and OCPRC leadership.

In this role, you will provide first-level supervision of the Livestock Coordinator and collaborate closely with the OCPRC Park Supervisor and Facilities and Operations Manager to align farm operations, facilities, and programming. You will guide daily operations through cross-functional coordination to ensure efficiency across production, infrastructure, and programming. As Farm Manager, you will bring strong agricultural expertise, hands-on management experience, and a commitment to public engagement in a community-centered environment. Based at Discovery Oaks, you will also partner with MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center and contribute to the Oakland County Farmers Market, supporting broader Food, Farm, and Managed Landscapes initiatives across southeast Michigan.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science or Crop, Soil Science, Agriculture, Facilities Management, Natural Resources, or related field. 
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Application Process

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1131472 using the Job Search field. 

Application deadline is July 28, 2026.