Ocean Hour Farm is comprised of 45 acres of bucolic, coastal pastures, and a historic stone village, creating a setting that transports visitors’ minds and imagination as soon as they step foot through the gate. The mission of Ocean Hour Farm is to serve as a center for education, scientific research, and demonstration of regenerative agricultural practices, highlighting the critical connection between land and ocean health. Ocean Hour Farm will provide a living example of sustainable agriculture and land stewardship – an integrated system where plants, animals, and people sequester carbon, clean stormwater, build soil, and produce food and fiber for the community.
The Animal Systems Manager is a critical role in a fast-changing environment. To thrive in this role, you will have a proactive, resourceful and adaptable approach to work. You will be able to balance important tasks, have excellent organizational skills, and be a great collaborator. We are looking for an individual who is energized by a dynamic opportunity to design and innovate with a highly effective team focused on driving systems change to create a more just and regenerative future. In return, we offer a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of systems thinking and change-making. We recognise and value the range of diverse experiences that people can bring to a role.
If you do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the job description but still believe you have the right mix of skills and experience to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to receiving your application!
RESPONSIBILITIES: Livestock / Animal Husbandry Program
- Create written care and management plans for all livestock (such as rotation grazing, breed evaluation values, breeding plan, etc.)
- Collect and record health and background data of each individual animal including breed, bloodlines, production documentation, birth registrations, animal IDs, etc.
- All plans and records should be created in a way that is shareable with staff for proper implementation as well as for educational and outreach purposes
- Attend any calving, kidding, lambing and assist as needed; provide neonatal care
- Oversee biosecurity program for humans and livestock
- Develop and implement OHF animal-related emergency protocols and review twice per year with staff
- Lead weekly herdstaff meetings and other check-ins as needed
- Lead the implementation of the rotational grazing and pasture management plans
- Coordinate pastured poultry program with Hennery Supervisor and Livestock Foreman
- Plan and coordinate shearing days
- Develop the emerging fiber program
Admin/ Public Relations
- Coordinate planning and execution of educational and research programming including public speaking and data collection
- Manage animal systems budget and certain portions of admin budget
- Critically read, give input on printed materials, PR handouts
- Coordinate with communications staff to support internal and external outreach and information sharing
- Read agricultural related materials
- Maintain presence in local ag community (attend events, etc)
- Work with outside writers, editors, press as needed to represent OHF to the public
- Organize, format and input content for quarterly and annual reporting in a visually appealing way
Veterinary Tech:
- Quarterly drug inventory and reporting
- Inventory all medical supplies, drugs and order when restocking is needed
- Monitor livestock health and productivity (FAMACHA, Fecal Egg Counts (FEC), micron counts, etc.)
- Ability to use a microscope
- Collect and send out any blood samples for on-site vet care
- Oversee any medications given for ill/injured animals on-site
- Plan, schedule and manage artificial insemination, shearing, lambing, etc.
- Maintain all necessary veterinary-related certifications (paid for my OHF) - paperwork, licenses, continuing education, etc. required
Scientific knowledge base
- Remain current w/r scientific literature
- Attend scientific meetings as needed
- Collaborate on scientific publications, as needed
- Share knowledge with staff, partners, students and visitors
- Attend meetings, fairs, conferences and trainings for various associations, national programs, and local RI organizations
MINIMUM ABILITY, SKILL, & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
- Brings a passion for the mission of Ocean Hour Farm
- Proven experience as a livestock health professional or relevant role
- Ability to work effectively in a small dynamic organization with an emphasis on teamwork
- Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills; ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English (Spanish a plus!)
- Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, visitors and fellow team members
- Excellent organizational skills and a strong ability to work through administrative processes with a keen attention to detail
- High level of computer literacy with ability to learn and adapt to new programs and platforms
- Excellent knowledge of Google Tools (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc)
- Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
- Ability to work legally in the United States
MINIMUM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION
- A minimum of 6+ years of experience as a livestock health professional or similar
- Proficiency with MS Office, Google tools and online databases
- Non-profit experience and/or volunteering experience preferred
$43.26 - $52.88 an hour
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position supervises the Livestock Foreman and the Hennery Supervisor with the potential for more in the future. WORKING
ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Typical work hours are M-F 9AM to 5PM. This position works in an office/lab and agricultural environment, requiring the following activity: lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Ocean Hour Farm is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. Ocean Hour Farm believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grant-making and other related investments. Ocean Hour Farm is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
This is a non- exempt position.