Farm Overview
The Vineyards at Dodon is a diversified vineyard and winery operation that includes wine grape and wine production, silvopastured lamb, and agrotourism. Dodon now seeks to diversify its product mix by adding small-scale vegetable production, silvopastured pork and poultry, and value-added products from its developing orchard and food forest. Dodon is globally recognized as a leader in regenerative viticulture. Its affiliated nonprofit, the Dodon Center for Ecological Farming, conducts educational and policy-oriented projects at the intersection of agriculture, human health, the environment, and social justice.
Position Overview
We seek a highly motivated, hands-on Farm Manager to oversee the development and management of several integrated agricultural systems across the property. Primary responsibilities include establishing small-scale vegetable production; helping establish and manage a three-acre cider apple orchard; supporting the vineyard manager with vineyard and orchard maintenance as needed; operating equipment; landscape stewardship; and general farm infrastructure maintenance. The position reports to the General Manager.
The ideal candidate is a practical problem-solver who
• Enjoys working outdoors managing diverse agricultural systems.
• Is committed to the environment and ecosystem restoration.
• Takes ownership of projects from planning through execution.
• Works independently and enjoys diverse teams.
Primary Responsibilities
Vegetable Production & Demonstration Garden. The farming operation’s diversification is anchored in fruit and vegetable production. The manager’s first priority will be to:
• Establish and manage a raised bed vegetable, fruit, and flower production area designed to serve as proof of concept for a productive small-scale market garden
• Plan, plant, maintain, and harvest seasonal vegetable crops in one or more high tunnels
• Implement crop rotation, soil health, fertility, and irrigation strategies
Vineyard Management. The vineyard team consists of a full-time, permanent vineyard manager and three full-time, seasonal employees. This team will continue to implement most vineyard tasks, with the Farm Manager assisting during surge periods (e.g., harvest). The Farm Manager will:
• Develop and implement an annual pest management program
• Work closely with the Vineyard Manager to monitor vine health, fertility, irrigation, pest and disease pressure, and overall orchard performance
• Work closely with the Vineyard Manager to perform pruning, training, planting, spraying, hedging, leafing, harvest-related activities, and record-keeping
Orchard Management. The Dodon orchard consisting of 350 trees will be planted in Spring 2027. In anticipation of planting, the vineyard team is preparing the site and will be on-hand to establish the orchard. The Farm Manager will:
• Work closely with the Vineyard team to establish and maintain the orchard
• Monitor tree health, fertility, irrigation, pest and disease pressure, and overall orchard performance
• Perform pruning, training, planting, spraying, harvest-related activities, and record-keeping
• Develop and implement an annual pest management program
Livestock & Silvopasture. Dodon’s livestock operations and intensive rotational grazing scheme are managed by the Vineyard team. The Farm Manager will:
• Assist with daily care of livestock, ensuring they are well-fed, hydrated, and housed in safe environments
• Assist with breeding and reproduction, including selecting breeding stock, managing mating, and caring for pregnant and lactating animals
• Assist with projects involving grazing systems, fencing, forage management, and land stewardship when needed
Equipment & Infrastructure
• Work closely with the Vineyard Manager to operate and maintain farm equipment including tractors, mowers, sprayers, utility vehicles, and related machinery
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs as needed
• Assist with construction and installation projects including fencing, trellising, irrigation infrastructure, raised beds, and other farm improvements
Landscape and building maintenance. Because Dodon’s public spaces sit within the farm and vineyard’s active agricultural area, the visual quality, accessibility, and safety of the grounds are directly tied to the guest experience. Accordingly, the Farm Manager will be responsible for landscape management in non-agricultural areas, including:
• Plan, coordinate, implement, maintain, and supervise landscaping in non-agricultural areas
• Perform simple building maintenance and repair tasks
• Oversee building and landscaping contractors
Budget management
• Plan and oversee budgets, allocate resources, and track financial performance
• Order supplies and small tools and equipment
• Develop strong working relationships with suppliers and vendors
Desired Qualifications
• Background in agriculture, horticulture, vegetable production, orchard management, landscape management, or related fields
• Experience operating and maintaining tractors, sprayers, mowers, and other agricultural equipment.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with crop production, soil management, pest and disease management, and general farm operations.
• Experience with construction, fabrication, carpentry, or mechanical repair is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work in teams and independently.
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
• Must be able to regularly lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be capable of operating machinery and performing physically demanding farm, orchard, and landscape tasks.
• Must be able to walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive physical work throughout the day.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit:
• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the position
Please email application materials to: info@dodonvineyards.com
Subject Line:
Farm Manager Application – [Your Name]
In your cover letter, please include:
1. Relevant agriculture, horticulture, vegetable, orchard, or landscape experience.
2. Experience operating tractors, machinery, irrigation systems, and farm equipment.
3. An example of a project, farm, garden, orchard, or property you have managed or helped develop.
4. Why this position interests you.
Applicants who do not submit both a resume and cover letter, or who fail to follow the application instructions above, will not be considered for the position.
Category:
Jobs
Region:
Southern Maryland
Address:
445 Dodon Rd
Davidsonville, Maryland 21035
Contact Name:
Tom Croghan
Contact Email:
info@dodonvineyards.com
Date Posted:
09/22/2026