Company description

Inspiring and engaging generations through shared stories of Vermont’s rural culture and our continued practice of responsible agriculture is Billings Farm & Museum’s mission and purpose.

Owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc., a non-profit educational institution founded by Laurance and Mary Rockefeller in 1968, the Billings Farm & Museum was established in 1983 to preserve the historic Billings Farm as well as the character and heritage of rural Vermont.

As the premier gateway for interpreting Vermont’s rural culture and agrarian heritage, Billings Farm offers diverse, interactive programs that focus on rural life, work, and land stewardship as reflected in the traditions and values of 19th century farm families. We also showcase the progressive improvements advanced by Frederick Billings during the late 19th century. The Farm & Museum features the farm of the historic Billings estate and serves as the agricultural counterpart to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

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: 

1. Advanced knowledge of and experience in current sustainable dairy practices and related farm activities. 

1. Ability to lead and supervise coworkers, helping to create a positive working environment. 

1. Ability to interact with the public in a knowledgeable, responsible, and courteous manner. Support the guest experience with animal engagement. 

1. Ability to maintain priorities and solve problems as they occur in a professional manner and supporting the organization. 

duties: 

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. Maintaining accurate records and registrations of all livestock on Billings property pursuant to agricultural, State and Federal standards. 

1. Uphold the mission of Billings Farm & Museum and always provide a warm and pleasant guest and educational experience. 

1. 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. 

1. Maintain flexibility in job duties including a variety of seasonal activities: planting, haying, etc., all as part of the regular workweek. 

1. 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. 

1. Oversee a program of both public and private horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides as an important component of the museum program. 

1. Perform all duties in a responsible and conscientious manner, with particular attention to safety regulations. 

1. 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. 

1. Perform other duties as assigned. 

1. 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.  

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 75k-100k

Application instructions

Deadline

September 24, 2022