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.
Benefits include but not limited to: Employee farmhouse on property, paid time off, sick time, Health Insurance, HSA, 403B
The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum is committed to accessing and improving both our internal and external practices to attract and support guests, staff and partners from BIPOC communities so that we can better share all aspects of our history and fulfill our mission.