Full Job Description
The Woodstock Foundation, Inc.
Billings Farm & Museum
The Woodstock Foundation, Inc. seeks a farm manager for Billings Farm & Museum (BF&M) in Woodstock, Vermont. Sited on the farm established by Frederick Billings 151 years ago, BF&M today breeds and milks a herd of more than 50 blue ribbon Jerseys, producing more than 650,000 pounds of milk, some of which goes to Agri-Mark for Cabot products and some of which is used to craft award-winning artisan cheeses in partnership with Grafton Village Cheese. The Woodstock landmark is a Vermont destination which attracts thousands of visitors annually with its educational exhibits, engaging programs and special events that bring to life Vermont’s rural heritage.
Function: Oversee the Billings Farm operation, including personnel, animals, and farmland, ensuring a proper, ethical, healthy, and safe environment for all. Oversee the day-to-day work of the farm, ensuring the production of quality healthful products, including livestock, embryos, milk, and cheese for sale and retail. Develop farm programs including a high level of educational activity, a mix of the use of historical and modern technologies for public interpretation, exemplary stewardship and farm husbandry, value added product(s), and financial sustainability. Always providing a warm and welcoming guest experience.
Supervision: Reports to the Executive Director, supervises a farm staff of full-time Farm Assistants and Milkers in addition to part-time and casual help and farm interns.
Abilities:
Advanced knowledge of and experience in current sustainable dairy practices and related farm activities.
Ability to lead and supervise coworkers, helping to create a positive working environment.
Ability to interact with the public in a knowledgeable, responsible, and courteous manner. Support the guest experience with animal engagement.
Ability to maintain priorities and solve problems as they occur in a professional manner and supporting the organization.
Duties:
Manage the day-to-day operation of the farm, including:
Hire and supervise farm staff, assuring productivity, effectiveness, and hospitality to visitors;
Manage all dairy operations including breeding, animal health and safety, feeding, production, etc.
Manage the draft animal program;
Manage the sheep, chicken and other small animal programs;
Manage pastures and croplands, including planting, fertilization, erosion control, harvesting, and crop rotation;
Maintain the physical plant and equipment;
Conduct business operations and administration, including preparation and management of budgets.
Oversee and ensure the health of all the farm's animals and livestock, consulting with the BF&M's veterinarian of record as appropriate and keeping-up-to-date records of care.
Maintaining accurate records and registrations of all livestock on Billings property pursuant to agricultural, State and Federal standards.
Uphold the mission of Billings Farm & Museum and always provide a warm and pleasant guest and educational experience.
Perform and lead the day-to-day work, chores, and duties involving all aspects of the agricultural operations of the farm, including strenuous work conditions.
Maintain flexibility in job duties including a variety of seasonal activities: planting, haying, etc., all as part of the regular workweek.
Working closely and collaborating with members of the museum operations team particularly the Interpretation & Education, Guest Experience, and Facilities teams – to help create and participate in educational programs that showcase various aspects of the agricultural practices of the Billings Farm.
Oversee a program of both public and private horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides as an important component of the museum program.
Perform all duties in a responsible and conscientious manner, with particular attention to safety regulations.
Professional and timely communication to team members including newsletter submissions, timely response to e-mails and other communication methods, with the goal of informing other BF & M staff of the happenings at the Farm.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform the usual duties of a farm staff member, representing Billings Farm and the Museum in a professional manner in all public contacts.
Billings Farm & Museum is singular among America’s historic sites and outdoor museums in offering to its guests the experience of a fully operational dairy farm, engaging programs across the seasons, galleried exhibits, and an award-winning film. Billings Farm was established in 1983 and is a primary ongoing project of the Woodstock Foundation. The Woodstock Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Housing on property is provided for this position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Health savings account
Schedule:
Self-determined schedule
Experience:
Farming: 5 years (Required)
Supervising experience: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: One location