Hiring: Dairy and Livestock Manager – Appleton Farms (Trustees of Reservations)

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

Founded in 1638, Appleton Farms is the oldest continuously operating farm in America.  In 1998, the Appleton family donated the 1,000-acre farm to The Trustees of Reservations, a leading land conservation organization in Massachusetts.  Now a flagship agricultural property for The Trustees, Appleton Farms is home to pasture-raised dairy and beef herds, a 650 share community-supported agriculture program, hundreds of acres of pastures and forest, and volunteer- and staff-led programs that educate the public about small scale, sustainable agriculture.

Position Summary:

The Dairy & Livestock Manager (DLM) at Appleton Farms will play a critical role in fulfilling The Trustees’ conservation, environmental and agricultural goals and priorities for the farm, which is part of a network of sustainably managed agricultural properties owned and operated by The Trustees. Reporting to the General Manager, the DLM will be responsible for implementing The Trustees grass-based, low-input dairy and beef programs at Appleton Farms, will supervise farm staff responsible for day-to-day care and management of all livestock and livestock program infrastructure, and will be responsible for the care and performance of all farm animals, the condition of all livestock facilities and equipment, the condition of all grazing infrastructure, and the quality and supply of all forage/feed.

The DLM manages the livestock and dairy program budget. He/she plays a key role in the production and sale of value-added dairy products, working closely with the GM and other staff to establish and meet the milk quality and milk production goals vital to the success of that enterprise. The DLM also plays a key role in supporting educational programs and community events on this publicly accessible, historically significant farm.

Essential Functions:

• Manage the dairy & livestock budget.
• Ensure effective management of livestock partnerships, vendors and volunteers.
• Oversee and conduct timely milking, feeding, and care of the dairy herd (40 Jerseys).
• Guide effective management of the beef herd (40 head, primarily White Parks), laying flock, a small number of pigs, and future livestock operations.
• Operate equipment and facilities necessary for the successful performance of the livestock program and assign other qualified staff to operate such equipment.
• Manage and maintain grazing infrastructure, including pastures, water systems, travel lanes, and fencing.
• Manage and maintain livestock program buildings, equipment, and facilities.
• Recruit, train and develop livestock personnel, including staff and volunteers.
• Manage breeding, marketing, and sale of cattle.
• Manage herd health and performance.
• Maintain records and registrations to meet regulations and management goals.
• Direct nutrient management of pastures and provide for annual forage/feed needs; guide other staff involved in meeting the forage/feed needs of the dairy and beef herds.
• Continue the development of the animals, systems, and pastures to optimize performance consistent with Trustees goals.
• Participate in the safe and timely transportation of fluid milk to and from the third-party bottling plant. Support on-site dairy processing and value-added dairy enterprise, as needed.
• Involve volunteers in the operation of the program.
• Help make Appleton a carbon-neutral facility by reducing energy use where feasible.
• Support educational programming, community outreach, and other events.
• Understand the strategic goals of the organization, and educate staff and visitors.
• Concern for the visual presentation of Appleton Farms; maintain neat and clean appearance of the livestock program areas on the farm.
• Make decisions that reflect The Trustees commitment to organic/sustainable methods, sound ecological land and farm management, land conservation, and public education.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

• A livestock degree is preferred.
• Five+ years of hands-on experience in grass-based dairy and beef cattle management and care.
• Experience with Jersey cattle is a plus.
• Experience with maintaining animal health, including IV administration and artificial insemination are required.
• Expert in the use, care, and maintenance of farm and dairy equipment.
• Knowledge of organic principles is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and be willing to learn new skills.
• Must possess and display an appreciation for the rich agricultural and social history of Appleton Farms.
• A positive attitude, flexible approach, and commitment to achieving the goals of Appleton Farms and The Trustees of Reservations are essential.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to work a variable work schedule that includes work on weekends and holidays.
• Position based on an average work week of 5-5½ days.
• The DLM is required to live on the farm in Trustees provided housing, subject to an occupancy agreement.
• Any offer for this position is contingent upon a satisfactory driving record that meets the requirements of our driving policy, as well as a satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).

Benefits and Salary:

The Trustees offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, vacation, sick and personal time, as well as the option to participate in our 401(k) and 529 savings plans.  We also offer the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team.  We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

Apply Here