Animal Systems Manager

Ocean Hour Farm is one of the last remaining active farms on the south end of Aquidneck Island. The rugged and rolling coastal pastures and historic stone village provide a unique character to this 43.2 acre bucolic farm. Its mission is to serve as a center for education, scientific research, and demonstration of regenerative agricultural practices. The property is adjacent to the Narragansett Bay, making it an ideal location for highlighting the critical connection between land use and ocean health. The vision of the farm is to provide a living example of regenerative land stewardship – an integrated system where plants, animals, and people heal ecosystems while producing food and fiber for the community.

Running the farm is truly a collaborative effort. All employees, no matter the department, participate in some capacity in carrying out educational programming, research activities and whole systems design work for the farm. All roles will therefore require excellent organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with staff in other departments as well as a deep understanding of the land to sea connection.

JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Systems Manager plays a critical role in demonstrating various regenerative stewardship techniques and the importance of livestock in ecosystem restoration. They will lead development and implementation of the integrated mixed livestock program, including strategy of land management and crop integration, as well as support of OHF’s education and research programs.

We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is passionate and energized by this dynamic opportunity to design and innovate regenerative stewardship practices as part of a highly effective team focused on driving systems change especially around ecosystem revitalization while creating a more just and abundant future for all. Ultimately, you must find joy in a good challenge. In return, we offer a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of systems thinking and change-making. This is a permanent full-time, in-person position.

To thrive in this role, you will need a proactive, professional, resourceful and adaptable approach to work. You should be able to prioritize tasks, build relationships with food systems practitioners throughout the region, create professional pasture plans that achieve the complex goals of the farm that also provide humane animal health, drive innovation on and off the farm, maintain meticulous records that are accessible to staff and other partners, present on different topics to leadership, represent the farm at conferences and other public-speaking engagements to inspire and engage others, provide and accept constructive feedback, have excellent organizational skills, and be an overall effective collaborator.

We recognize and value the range of diverse experiences that people can bring to a role. So, 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:

Strategy Development and Execution of Integrated Animal Systems Program

• Develop and oversee all animal systems on the farm including but not limited to: sheep, dairy cow, pastured poultry, egg layers, pigs, guardian llama, etc.
• Create written care, production and management plans for all livestock (such as rotational grazing plans, breed evaluation values, breeding plan, dairy program, fiber program, meat and egg production, etc.) All plans and records should be created in a way that is shareable with staff for integrated implementation as well as for educational and outreach purposes.
• Optimize the biosecurity program, animal-related emergency and safety protocols as well as review twice per year with staff.
• Lead weekly meetings and other check-ins as needed to manage and coordinate the animal systems team.
• Optimize and maintain all Animal Systems workbooks.

Administration and Public Relations

• Coordinate planning and execution of educational and research programming including public speaking and data collection.
• Ensure that health and background data of each individual animal are systematically recorded including breed, bloodlines, production documentation, birth registrations, animal IDs, etc.
• Be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the entire animal systems budget. o Coordinate with Communications staff to support internal and external outreach and information sharing.
• Work with outside writers and editors as needed to represent OHF to the public. o Critically read, give input on printed materials, PR handouts.
• Keep informed of the latest regenerative agriculture strategies, techniques and research. o Maintain presence in the local ag community (attend events, etc).
• Be responsible for creating, organizing, formatting and inputting content for quarterly and annual reporting in a visually appealing way.

Animal Health

• Manage the inventory of all medical supplies and drugs and report quarterly.
• Create and execute protocols for monitoring livestock and poultry health/productivity (FAMACHA, Fecal Egg Counts (FEC), micron counts, microscopy, etc.)
• Oversee any medications given for ill/injured animals on-site.
• Collect and send out any blood samples.
• Plan, schedule and manage artificial insemination, shearing, lambing, etc.
• Maintain all necessary veterinary-related certifications (paid for by OHF) - paperwork, licenses, continuing education, etc.

Scientific Knowledge Base & Onsite Research

• Manage all on-site animal-based research trials and data reporting.
• Remain current with scientific literature.
• Collaborate on scientific publications, as needed.
• Share knowledge with staff, partners, students and visitors.
• Attend meetings, fairs, scientific meetings, conferences and trainings for various associations, national programs, local RI organizations.

MINIMUM ABILITY, SKILL, & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Brings a passion for the mission of Ocean Hour Farm.
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture practices and ecosystems functioning.
• Familiarity with standard scientific research and data collection procedures and practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and a strong ability to work through administrative processes with a keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated expertise in successfully developing strategy and managing a budget.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts.
• Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• 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!)
• High level of computer literacy (including MS Office, Google tools, Zoom and online databases) paired with the ability to learn and adapt to new programs and platforms.
• Ability to work legally in the United States.
• Ability to use a microscope.

MINIMUM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION

• A minimum of 6+ years of experience as a regenerative livestock manager or animal health professional or relevant role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Grazing Livestock Systems or Pasture Management or Large Animal Science or with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position (Master’s degree is preferred).
• Proven experience running scientific research trials (field and laboratory) including microscopy and data analysis.
• Public speaking and/or teaching experience in a formal or informal setting.
• Certification in Holistic Management and/or Permaculture Design strongly preferred.
• Veterinary, education, public speaking and/or volunteering experience is preferred.
• Additional background or familiarity with ecosystems restoration, soil science, water quality and climate change is a plus but not required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises the Livestock Steward 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 and will require some evenings and weekends as needed. This job is a management position in an agricultural setting. It involves use of computer terminals, microscopes and other equipment; therefore, the candidate must be able to sit for extended periods utilizing standard ergonomics practices. This position also requires field observations and hands-on work including lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending in variable weather.

$85,000 - $95,000 a year

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits provided. Relocation assistance is not provided; candidates must reside within commuting distance of Newport, RI or relocate at their own expense.

https://jobs.lever.co/schmidt-entities/f3864ba8-cef4-4f4a-a691-e1e59f64e7d6

Resume and cover letter required. Applications must be sent through the lever job portal linked above. Emailed or in-person applications will not be accepted. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial phone screening interview. Anticipated start date is Spring 2025.

Other information

Employees must adhere to all applicable organizational policies and procedures. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Willingness and ability to travel and work non-standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required. Employees must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multiple demands. Background check will be conducted to finalize a candidate.

This is an exempt position.

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.