Summary of Position:

The Livestock Program Manager shapes the direction, growth trajectory, policies, and goals for the Trustees’ livestock operations, within the context of the vision for the organization’s agriculture program and overall mission. The Program Manager is a leading member of a vibrant agriculture team that is working together to shape an impactful set of operations and strategies for agriculture at The Trustees. In addition to periodic contributions to day-to-day operations, the position brings cohesion and overarching support to existing livestock operations through oversight of budgets, coordination of operations across multiple properties, development of livestock plans and policies, and a focus on enterprise creativity and product sales.

The Livestock Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing 4 primary operations including the respective satellite hay and pasture ground. Each of the farms range in size and function and all overlap with different mission driven program areas, including ecology, education, and vegetable production.  Experience with breeding programs, direct to consumer marketing, rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture practices, and innovative approaches to infrastructure, finance and resource challenges are crucial.     In this role, the Livestock Manager will frequently encounter engagement and public facing opportunities requiring a positive and welcoming attitude. 

Reporting to the Agriculture Program Director, the position works closely with farm team colleagues, technical specialists in ecology, enterprise, marketing, and engagement, as well as Directors of Trustees’ farm properties.
 

Essential Functions:

• Supervise the organization’s livestock staff, cultivating a performance-driven, collaborative team environment among farm staff and apprentices.

• As needed, step into day-to-day operational performance including care of animals, transport of animals, equipment and product, management of inventory and sale of product, and other operational needs within the program.

• Develop and track annual farm budgets and meet budget goals. This includes setting realistic revenue expectations, closely monitoring expenses and labor costs, and identifying opportunities for efficiency and increasing net revenues/impact.

• Work collaboratively to analyze and evaluate the livestock operations for financial and mission impact on an ongoing basis, and lead improvements and operational shifts, as needed.  

• Work closely with Farm Managers and other Trustees colleagues to budget, plan, and implement infrastructure and capital improvement projects, as well as equipment purchases, to support our livestock operations.

• Identify and expand revenue opportunities for livestock program products to support strategic and financial goals and increase engagement with the Trustees through our agricultural products.

• Work with Visitor Services, Membership and Enterprise staff to develop systems to support customer-focused operations including the meat CSA and meat sales.

• Develop a suite of policies, standards, goals and best management practices for our livestock operations, including animal care, production, pasture condition, food safety, employee/volunteer safety, etc., in collaboration with the Agriculture Program Director, livestock staff, and other Trustees staff. Drive the implementation, adoption, and promotion of these operational standards and policies.

 Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A degree in Agricultural production, Agricultural economics, Business Administration or a related area.
• 5+ years’ experience in the farm/food world, including 5+ years livestock management and production experience; additional farm retail/business management preferred as is experience operating and maintaining farm equipment.
• Significant staff and budget management experience; ideally overseeing multiple staff and budgets over $200,000.
• Familiarity with the Massachusetts and New England farm community preferred, as is experience working with a farming non-profit and a range of local food system stakeholders.

• Proven interpersonal skills, commitment to staff development, and a successful track record of recruiting, supervising, motivating, training, and working with a diverse team.
• Proven understanding and ability to support a farm operation within a non-profit as well as comfort working within a highly customer service-focused organization.
• Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on achieving conservation and agricultural impacts at the local, state, and regional level.
• Excellent computer skills, including Excel, and the ability to quickly learn organizational budget and e-commerce software.
• Strong writing skills.
• Excellent people skills and ability to communicate Trustees philosophy and farming practices to colleagues, donors, and the public.

Other:

• This position will require frequent travel across eastern MA and periodically throughout the state; access to a personal vehicle for this purpose is necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driver’s record check. 
• Satisfactory CORI (criminal background check).
• Work on weekends, evenings, and some holidays will be required.

Variable outdoor weather conditions and work with farm animals.  Ability to lift 50 pounds required.  The position's work schedule is variable, includes weekends and holidays, and is based on an average 5-day work week.

Please Note:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.