Position Overview

The Shepard Farm Manager is responsible for the management and implementation of farm operations at Dodge Nature Center: Shepard Farm.  This role includes management of property, crops, orchard & bee keeping, sugarbush, livestock, and garden programs.  Responsibilities also include working as part of the farm department team, training and working with interns and volunteers and some agriculture and environmental education teaching.

• Care and management of farm animals: 35%
  • Responsible for the care and maintenance of farm animals. This includes purchasing, feeding, cleaning, and basic vet care.
• Agricultural crop management: 25%
  • Plant and manage crops
  • Manage, maintain and care for gardens, including community garden
• Managing and/or teaching agricultural programming: 5%
  • Apiary: maintain and manage colonies, equipment and supplies. Facilitate agriculture education programs as needed.
• Facilities, vehicles, grounds maintenance, equipment care and repair: 30%
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair of farm structures, equipment and vehicles in partnership with Farm Director
  • When appropriate personally perform maintenance, building repairs and cleaning
  • Perform landscape maintenance & plowing on the Shepard Farm property
• Personnel & other Duties as Assigned: 5%
  • Supervise personnel assigned to work at the farm
  • Work with farm team to complete operations needed for farm program
  • Work in partnership with Buildings & Grounds team as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Education - Degree in agriculture, biology, education, environmental studies, horticulture, or other field related to the primary functions of the position or minimum 3 years of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to perform manual tasks related to farming operations and maintenance activities.
• Ability to work as both part of a team and independently. 
• Comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities, shifting priorities, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly learn and use company-specific software and technology tools. 
• Commitment to the Dodge Nature Center mission, vision and values.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Some evenings and weekends will be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and/or experience in sustainable farming practices and animal care.
• Understanding ecosystems, natural history, and educational setting.
• Ability and motivation to study reference materials and incorporate that information into operations.

Physical Requirements 

Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including bending, lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to 6 hours per day outside in inclement weather.