2016-07-29

National Audubon Society Type: Regular, Full-Time Job Category: Land Stewardship Overview: Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 22 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Aullwood Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm (Aullwood) is a treasured resource in Southwest Ohio. Marie S. Aull, founder, presented an unprecedented gift to the National Audubon Society in 1957 - Audubon’s first nature center in the Midwest, as well as, one of the first educational farms (1962) in the country. Aullwood's 200-acre sanctuary includes six miles of hiking trails winding through prairie, forests, ponds, farmland and meadows. At Aullwood's sustainable farm, visitors explore the century-old bank barn and other farm buildings that house rabbits, pigs, horses, cows, chickens and other livestock. With a staff of 38 (13 full-time and 25 part-time), 1,000+ volunteers and a current operating budget of $1,428,000, Aullwood inspires visitors, young and old, to expand the mind and spirit in an atmosphere of fun, excitement and discovery. One hundred twenty thousand (120,000) people visit Aullwood annually - families, youth groups, seniors, singles, and individuals with special needs. They enjoy special events, weekend and evening activities, outreach programs and classes offered in Aullwood’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Position Summary: The Sustainable Farm Manager will oversee the day-to-day operation of Aullwood’s 60-acre sustainable farm. S/He will be responsible for maintaining the highest quality care for Aullwood's farm animals, oversight of agriculture/crop production, general grounds maintenance and management of farm staff. Essential Functions: Leadership and Management Provide leadership and coach existing and future farm staff including interns; supervise, plan, coordinate, and direct their activities. In collaboration with the Volunteer Coordinator, recruit, train and supervise farm volunteers. Organize regular/weekly meetings with Aullwood’s farm staff. Meet with maintenance team and the Executive Director to establish monthly or bi-monthly work plans. Farm Operations Oversee and assist with animal care including feeding, cleaning stalls and ensuring clean water is available. Assist in birthing Aullwood’s livestock and contract routine and emergency veterinary care. Maintain a planned rotational grazing pasture system for livestock. Harness, drive and care for Aullwood’s draft horse team – including using them to pull hay rake, manure spreader, hauling hay and providing wagon rides. Annually develop agriculture/crop plans that include planting, cultivating cropland and harvesting/storing crops including but not limited to hay, straw, spelt and grasses. Update the computerized system to maintain all farm records for livestock and crops including veterinary, breeding and pedigree records. Supervise Aullwood’s maple sugar operation and the maintenance of the Sugarbush Trail. Ensure farm operations and practices meet health, safety, and environmental standards and regulation in collaboration with Aullwoods Health and Safety Contact. Facility and Land Maintenance Supervise and assist staff in maintaining grounds and facilities - mowing grass, trimming around the buildings, removing snow from the center and farm, etc. Maintain 14 structures, 8,000 feet of interior fencing, farm lanes and erosion control devices. Supervise and assist in the maintenance of the Farm Discovery Center – monitor HVAC and water systems and follow the operations manual for day-to-day operations of the Farm Discovery Center. Maintain an orderly, safe and clean farm work place, maintenance shop and farm grounds. Operate a variety of equipment - tractor, gator, mowers, rototiller, combine, hay baler, etc. in a safe and efficient manner, demonstrating best and safe practices at all times. Perform routine equipment maintenance, cleaning, repair, servicing and storage. Serve as first responder in the event of farm emergencies, building/water/HVAC issues and snow removal. In partnership with Aullwood’s Class One Water Operator, maintain a state-mandated chlorination system for the Farm Discovery Center as needed. Other duties as assigned. Outreach and Education Establish and maintain working relationships with area colleges and universities to promote research in sustainable agriculture, crop management, livestock husbandry, bee keeping, etc. at Aullwood Farm, in particular Cooperative Extension Services. Attend local, state and national conferences / workshops / meetings that focus on sustainable agriculture, latest trends in agriculture, livestock breeds, etc; Present programs on Aullwood Farm, sustainable agriculture, livestock, etc. at these gatherings. Interacts with and engages the general public, Audubon members, teachers, board members, other conservation groups, and government officials to Aullwood’s mission. This may include answering agriculture questions and interacting with visitors, etc. Qualifications and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, crop management, farm business management, horticulture, land/estate management or related field; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of education. 5+ years of agricultural/or land management experience and a minimum of 2 years serving in a supervisory capacity. Experience in sustainable agricultural methods, animal husbandry and farm equipment maintenance required. Knowledge and understanding of modern farming techniques such as aquaponics, aquaculture, and integrated pest management. Knowledge of both heritage and modern production breeds of farm animals. Experience working and driving draft horse teams. Demonstrated working knowledge of agroecological principles such as soil fertility, composting, irrigation, crop planning and crop rotation, direct sowing, no till drilling, water conservation and water quality strategies, pest, disease, and weed control, harvesting and post-harvest handling of crops. Knowledge in use and maintenance of mid-sized farm tractors and the range of equipment suited to haying, row crop production, such as combine, baler, manure spreaders, etc; minimum of 2.5 years of tractor driving experience, not less than 500 hours of tractor operation. Knowledge of the safe and effective use of small engine equipment such as chain saws, mowers, weed whackers. Capacity to work easily and effectively with a wide range of people and build relationships. Must be able to maintain diplomacy and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the dynamics of a complex organization. General knowledge of sustainable agriculture/environmental sciences and the ability to pass on that knowledge to members of the public through programs or one-on-one encounters with the general public. Affinity for the value or teaching and educating people of all ages and backgrounds about farming Excellent verbal and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences; experience with statistical agricultural reporting required. Detail-oriented approach to work with strong organizational and time management skills. Demonstrated comfort and skill in telephone interaction, personal visits and group presentations. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours when needed, including weekends and evenings, and to come in for emergency situations Must possess a valid driver’s license. Interest, understanding and commitment to Aullwood/Audubon’s mission and vision. PI94930594

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