Earth Day
The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Illinois Demonstration Farm Manager to manage three Savanna Institute-managed agroforestry production-focused demonstration farms. This position will work closely with Savanna Institute staff, Canopy Farm Management, farm operators, and landholders to manage field operation decisions, crop enterprises, harvest, post-harvest, and processing, and support demonstration, research, commercialization, and education activities.
We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Who We Are The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.
Job Description
Hours: Full-time
Location: Urbana, IL or within 1-hour radius
Start Date: March 23, 2026
Salary: $65,000-$75,000, based on experience
This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 20 days of paid time off annually, plus 11 civic holidays, 12 weeks of parental/disability leave annually, a dependent care flex spending account, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, reimbursement of healthcare costs (including ACA marketplace premiums) via an HRA plan, and a monthly home office stipend
This position will report to the Demonstration Farm Network Director
This position will require travel using a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement
If the applicant is not currently located in East-Central Illinois, they must be willing to relocate for the position
This position involves both fieldwork (40%) and office work (60%)
Duties/Responsibilities Illinois Agroforestry Demonstration Farm Management (40%)
Work closely with Canopy Farm Management at Vernal Ridge and 4-H Memorial Camp Farm to:
Build, review, and maintain Anticipated Management Plans (AMPs) for two farm properties
Review and provide feedback on monthly scouting and management reports for two farm properties
Coordinate harvest, post-harvest, processing, storage, and sales activities
Support Canopy staff in achieving good management outcomes through education, training, and close communication
Ensure staff, environment, and food safety
Work closely with Fields Restored farm operators to:
Build, review, and maintain Anticipated Management Plans (AMPs) for that site
Conduct scouting and management trips and share information with farm operators
Support farm operators in achieving good management outcomes through education, training, and close communication
Participate in fieldwork (fence repair, tree pruning, weed management, census work, etc.) when needed
Ensure staff, environment, and food safety
Work closely with landholders and tenant row crop farmers on all three farm properties to:
Manage annual leases, including lease changes, renewals, and payments
Support tenants in achieving good management outcomes through education, training, and close communicationCo-create agroforestry systems that support landholder, farmer, and organizational goals
Work closely with Savanna Institute staff on all three farm properties to:
Ensure consistent management for the scientific rigor of field experiments
Support research, commercialization, demonstration, and education goals
Co-create mutually beneficial projects
Update and maintain accurate farm records
Perennial Crop Enterprise Creation and Management (40%)
Build a comprehensive business plan for crop enterprises
Build and maintain enterprise budgets for multiple production systems, including:
Hardwood and grain alley cropping
Fruit and nut alley cropping
Multi-functional riparian buffer
Work with SI’s Commercialization Team and Canopy Farm Management to plan and execute harvest, post-harvest, processing, and sales for
2+ acres of elderflower and elderberries (in production)
2+ acres of black currants (in production)
4+ acres of hybrid hazelnuts (production expected Fall 2027)
4+ acres of heartnuts (production expected Fall 2028-2030)
Black locust and other hardwood trees (expected production date unknown)
IL Demonstration Farm Demonstration, Education, and Outreach Activities (10%)
Work with the Regional Agroforestry Educator, Demonstration Farm Network Director, and other staff to draft, review, and edit demonstration and education materials, including but not limited to:
Maps
Signage
Technical and educational materials
Videos and other media
Team and Organization Work (10%)
Daily, weekly, and monthly team, department, and all staff meetings, and associated work
Collaborative work within the Demonstration Farm Team
Budgeting, financial, and metric tracking, reporting, and other items required through partnerships and grant obligations, in coordination with other Savanna Institute staff
Grant writing and other fund development to support the work of the Agroforestry Adoption Team. Work in coordination with other staff on developing charitable, sponsor-based, and revenue-based financial support for these programs
Participation in organization-wide activities, such as goal setting and planning, trainings, and other Savanna Institute initiatives
Required Qualifications
5 years of direct farming experience
3 years of perennial agriculture experience (fruits, nuts, forage, etc.)
1 year farm management experience (farm management defined here as being the primary decision maker for crop planning, field operations, staff, sales, etc.)
Demonstrated experience working in a commercial and/or wholesale environment (commercial and/or wholesale defined here as harvest, post-harvest, handling, transport, and sale of agricultural products to wholesale buyers, aggregators, and/or distributors)
Ability to lift 50+ pounds
Strong communication skills
Commitment to participating in an open and collaborative environment
Openness to participating in the development and establishment of new systems
Willingness to work independently with strong self-direction
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with farm financials (operating budgets, enterprise budgets, profit and loss statements, business plans, etc.)
Experience in the agroforestry practices of alley cropping, riparian buffers, alley cropping, and/or silvopasture
Experience with farming and land management equipment (tractors and associated implements, mowers, powered hand tools, etc.)
Experience in agricultural research and education
Public speaking experience
Experience hosting farm tours, field days, workshops, and trainings
If you’re excited about this job, we’re excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the following qualifications in your cover letter — paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page.
How To Apply Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page.
Deadline All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on February 8th, 2026.
Questions? Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Assistant Director of Administration, at kathleen@savannainstitute.org.
Diversity Commitment The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.
Equal Employment Opportunity Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.
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We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Who We Are The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.
Job Description
Hours: Full-time
Location: Urbana, IL or within 1-hour radius
Start Date: March 23, 2026
Salary: $65,000-$75,000, based on experience
This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 20 days of paid time off annually, plus 11 civic holidays, 12 weeks of parental/disability leave annually, a dependent care flex spending account, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, reimbursement of healthcare costs (including ACA marketplace premiums) via an HRA plan, and a monthly home office stipend
This position will report to the Demonstration Farm Network Director
This position will require travel using a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement
If the applicant is not currently located in East-Central Illinois, they must be willing to relocate for the position
This position involves both fieldwork (40%) and office work (60%)
Duties/Responsibilities Illinois Agroforestry Demonstration Farm Management (40%)
Work closely with Canopy Farm Management at Vernal Ridge and 4-H Memorial Camp Farm to:
Build, review, and maintain Anticipated Management Plans (AMPs) for two farm properties
Review and provide feedback on monthly scouting and management reports for two farm properties
Coordinate harvest, post-harvest, processing, storage, and sales activities
Support Canopy staff in achieving good management outcomes through education, training, and close communication
Ensure staff, environment, and food safety
Work closely with Fields Restored farm operators to:
Build, review, and maintain Anticipated Management Plans (AMPs) for that site
Conduct scouting and management trips and share information with farm operators
Support farm operators in achieving good management outcomes through education, training, and close communication
Participate in fieldwork (fence repair, tree pruning, weed management, census work, etc.) when needed
Ensure staff, environment, and food safety
Work closely with landholders and tenant row crop farmers on all three farm properties to:
Manage annual leases, including lease changes, renewals, and payments
Support tenants in achieving good management outcomes through education, training, and close communicationCo-create agroforestry systems that support landholder, farmer, and organizational goals
Work closely with Savanna Institute staff on all three farm properties to:
Ensure consistent management for the scientific rigor of field experiments
Support research, commercialization, demonstration, and education goals
Co-create mutually beneficial projects
Update and maintain accurate farm records
Perennial Crop Enterprise Creation and Management (40%)
Build a comprehensive business plan for crop enterprises
Build and maintain enterprise budgets for multiple production systems, including:
Hardwood and grain alley cropping
Fruit and nut alley cropping
Multi-functional riparian buffer
Work with SI’s Commercialization Team and Canopy Farm Management to plan and execute harvest, post-harvest, processing, and sales for
2+ acres of elderflower and elderberries (in production)
2+ acres of black currants (in production)
4+ acres of hybrid hazelnuts (production expected Fall 2027)
4+ acres of heartnuts (production expected Fall 2028-2030)
Black locust and other hardwood trees (expected production date unknown)
IL Demonstration Farm Demonstration, Education, and Outreach Activities (10%)
Work with the Regional Agroforestry Educator, Demonstration Farm Network Director, and other staff to draft, review, and edit demonstration and education materials, including but not limited to:
Maps
Signage
Technical and educational materials
Videos and other media
Team and Organization Work (10%)
Daily, weekly, and monthly team, department, and all staff meetings, and associated work
Collaborative work within the Demonstration Farm Team
Budgeting, financial, and metric tracking, reporting, and other items required through partnerships and grant obligations, in coordination with other Savanna Institute staff
Grant writing and other fund development to support the work of the Agroforestry Adoption Team. Work in coordination with other staff on developing charitable, sponsor-based, and revenue-based financial support for these programs
Participation in organization-wide activities, such as goal setting and planning, trainings, and other Savanna Institute initiatives
Required Qualifications
5 years of direct farming experience
3 years of perennial agriculture experience (fruits, nuts, forage, etc.)
1 year farm management experience (farm management defined here as being the primary decision maker for crop planning, field operations, staff, sales, etc.)
Demonstrated experience working in a commercial and/or wholesale environment (commercial and/or wholesale defined here as harvest, post-harvest, handling, transport, and sale of agricultural products to wholesale buyers, aggregators, and/or distributors)
Ability to lift 50+ pounds
Strong communication skills
Commitment to participating in an open and collaborative environment
Openness to participating in the development and establishment of new systems
Willingness to work independently with strong self-direction
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with farm financials (operating budgets, enterprise budgets, profit and loss statements, business plans, etc.)
Experience in the agroforestry practices of alley cropping, riparian buffers, alley cropping, and/or silvopasture
Experience with farming and land management equipment (tractors and associated implements, mowers, powered hand tools, etc.)
Experience in agricultural research and education
Public speaking experience
Experience hosting farm tours, field days, workshops, and trainings
If you’re excited about this job, we’re excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the following qualifications in your cover letter — paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page.
How To Apply Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page.
Deadline All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on February 8th, 2026.
Questions? Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Assistant Director of Administration, at kathleen@savannainstitute.org.
Diversity Commitment The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.
Equal Employment Opportunity Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr