Wildcat Farm Manager

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Wildcat Farm manager to join our CWU Wildcat Farm team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The Wildcat Farm Manager provides strategic leadership and oversees the management, coordination, production, and continual development for Central Washington Universitys (CWU) six-acre Wildcat Farm. This position is responsible for managing day-to-day farm operations, production, and educational programming as well as student engagement, business development, community partnerships, marketing, and communications at the Wildcat Farm. This position will support CWUs efforts to transform the Wildcat Farm into a sustainable living laboratory, which will enhance opportunities for applied research, workforce development, new and existing community partnerships, and sustainable agricultural operations. The Farm Manager will help develop the Wildcat Farm into a financially viable, outdoor educational hub and bolster the student experience through education, employment, and volunteer initiatives. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Farm Operations, Production, and Education:

• Lead, manage, and oversee all aspects of CWUs Wildcat Farm, including farm production fields, high tunnel production areas, community garden, livestock/chickens, apiary, irrigation, composting, sustainability initiatives, sustainable farming education, and community programs.
• Develop and implement high-volume, climate-smart farm production plans that support education objectives and revenue goals.
• Manage and strategically expand the existing Community Supported Agriculture program for the CWU and Ellensburg Community.
• Establish and manage a consistent Farm Stand on campus.
• Purchase tools, supplies, and operate farm equipment.
• Support students as they develop and implement CWU Student Green Fund projects located at the Wildcat Farm.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability Director and faculty to incorporate sustainable farm-based learning into academic programming.
• Support and coordinate student internships, applied educational activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Provide expertise that supports curriculum development focused on sustainable farming, agriculture, food systems, and circular economies.
• Provide Wildcat Farm tours and facilitate educational sustainable farming workshops.
• Partner with the CWU Wildcat Pantry to minimize student food insecurity.
• Work with community food pantries to address food insecurity in the broader Ellensburg community.
• May be required to operate company owned vehicle in congested areas.

Business Development, Community Outreach, and Communications:

• Manage the Wildcat Farm operational budget; Develop revenue projections and annual reports.
• Identify, develop, and establish revenue-generating opportunities, including but not limited to produce sales and workshops.
• Pursue grant opportunities, sponsorships, donations, and other external funding opportunities.
• Build and maintain existing partnerships with campus entities, Ellensburg School District, tribal organizations, and community organizations.
• Develop and implement communications, marketing, and outreach strategies that promote events, educational programs, and farm produce.
• Represent and promote the Wildcat Farm at on- and off-campus meetings and events in a professional manner.
• Oversee and manage the CWU Wildcat Farms website, social media channels, and quarterly e-newsletter.

Leadership/Personnel Management:

• Institute a culture of safety, accountability, learning, professional development, and inclusion at the Wildcat Farm.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate student employees, full-time employees, and part time/temp staff.
• Recruit, train, and manage campus and community volunteers to work on the Wildcat Farm.
• Support the Farm Production Lead with developing and implementing work plans, schedules, and farm production objectives.
• Clearly defines performance expectations, ensures accountability, and provides ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conducts formal performance evaluations.
• Assess and implement risk management and safety protocols.
• Take corrective action in a timely manner, including disciplinary up to termination.
• Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
• Recognize the value of and promote a strong workforce. Value and encourage perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience managing commercial or not for profit farm production operations or large-scale community gardens and/or Bachelors degree in related field
• Experience or training in sustainable farming operations or sustainability programming.
• Experience training, leading and/or supervising staff.
• Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience with project and people management.
• Valid drivers license and ability to operate vehicles.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in field of study

• Experience working in a higher education institution or large commercial or not for profit operation

• Training and coursework in sustainability with an emphasis on sustainable growing practices.

• Experience or interest in mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds.

• Experience operating farm equipment and training others on safe use of tools and equipment.

• Experience working in operations of a university farm.

• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values.

• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: The Hiring Departments expected hiring range is $54,772 - $67,000 annually. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the full annual salary range for this position is $54,772 to $79,419.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (1-hour lunch); may require some weekends and weeknights

Working Conditions: Work is performed in both an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions and outdoor setting on a production Farm. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required. This position may work indoors and outdoors at times in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/conditions and may need to physically access work areas with the equipment and tools necessary for completion of the job. This often requires standing/crawling/bending/walking/climbing while carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with equipment or tools. Occasional overtime may be required, and shift work may be required. May need to drive a service vehicle in congested areas. Work performed outdoors in production gardens that involves intimate interactions with soil and growing plants. Some light machinery operation may be required.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: August 21, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Jeffrey Bousson

Title: Sustainability Director

Email: Jeffrey.Bousson@cwu.edu

Phone: 509-963-2048

Website: Wildcat Farm

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.