Hiring: Livestock Educator – Appleton Farms

Livestock Educator – Ipswich, MA

The Opportunity.

Appleton Farms serves the schools and families of our community with immersive, experiential youth education. We build on the Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, designed landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary education to create our innovative STEAM-centered and systems-based curriculum.

Reporting to the Education Manager at Appleton Farms, the Livestock Educator will support Appleton Farms’ mission in two capacities: 1) coordinating and leading public and youth livestock education programs such as weekend family programming and livestock camp and youth programs under the management of the Education Manager; and 2) oversee the care and maintenance of all Appleton Farms education livestock under the oversight of the Livestock Manager.

In this role you will work with:

• Weekend, Family & Youth Livestock Education Program
  • Execute livestock education programs, including but not limited to weekend family programs, youth and camp livestock activities and lessons, preschool programs that are chaperones, and assist with other livestock education programs such as field study and school partnership programs.
  • Work directly with Education Manager to create, grow, and diversify a livestock education program at the farm.
  • Manage a team of part-time weekend educators and program leaders.
  • Work with Youth Programs Manager and Education Manager to create, improve, and build comprehensive curriculum focused on livestock education for livestock education programs.
  • Track and achieve revenue and membership goals for all livestock education programs.
  • Maintain high standards of education and safety for all education programs.
  • Manage ACME system including program registration setup, registration, and sales.
  • Perform all duties related to execution of education programs including set up, break down, and education supply restocking.
  • Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
• Education Livestock Management   
  • Work directly with the Appleton Farms Livestock Manager to oversee and manage the care and maintenance of all education livestock, which could include (but is not necessarily limited to): dairy cattle and calves, laying and broiler chickens, goats, sheep, and rabbits.
  • Work with Education Manager and Livestock Manager to identify and obtain livestock animals best suited for the education program.
  • Manage a team of part-time staff and volunteers to assist with animal care and education programming.
  • Track and maintain adherence to a budget for education livestock, including animal feed, housing, veterinary care and other associated costs.
  • Maintain high standards of care and safety for all education animals. Maintain the same high standards of safety for all staff, volunteers, youth, and the public when interacting with animals.
  • Other administrative and operational duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
• Annual Planning and Program Management:
  • Partner with Education and Property peers to develop annual plans for Appleton Farms public programming for children and families. Responsible for meeting quarterly revenue, participation, and membership targets set by these plans.
  • Work with Appleton’s engagement and education staff to create 12+ programs per month (planned on a quarterly basis) offering a detailed and diverse offering of high-quality learning experiences focused on livestock farming and care.
  • Hire, train and supervise a team of part-time educators to execute public and group programming.
  • Expand volunteer opportunities and grow the volunteer community and membership base through public programming channels.
• Collaboration with Property and Statewide Peers: 
  • Collaborate with Appleton’s agriculture and visitor experience teams to ensure programmatic alignment, coordination and success.
  • Collaborate with the Trustees Education Department and staff at other Trustees farms to align curriculum and program plans and collaborate on statewide initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree, pursuit thereof, or equivalent experience in animal science or other relevant field of study
• 1-year minimum experience directly related to the care and oversight of livestock such as cattle, goats, and chickens
• Experience working with youth and the public in an educational or customer service setting
• Background CORI/SORI check required annually.

Skills/Qualifications 

• Quick learner; able to function and act independently
• Able to work well with people in a team environment
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; demonstrated experience in oral communication, persuasive writing, and training staff; ability to manage projects and workflow, using time and resources effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to manage many deadlines, tasks, and relationships.
• High regard for teamwork, collegiality, customer service and visitor experience.

Benefits & Salary  

The Trustees offers a competitive salary range [$40,000-$42,000] 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) plan. We also offer the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive history of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

Click here to apply.

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, The Trustees of Reservations requires that all successful applicants show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted. Applicants who believe they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.

About The Trustees 

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 70,000 member households.

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

We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application. Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.