(Full-Time) Interpreter/Farm and Animal Care Specialist

General Statement of Duties

The position assists in the daily operation of the Farm. Responsibilities include planning and delivering interpretive programs, caring for and maintaining farm livestock and crops, promoting public interest and appreciation of the farm, and recommending improvements to farm programs and operations.

Essential Duties

• Develop, coordinate, enhance, and conduct diversified interpretive programs including live exhibits, guided talks, demonstrations, field trips, special events, and outreach.
• Promote public interest in the farm program through various activities and publicity.
• Perform farm maintenance duties, including planting and maintaining crops to support interpretive programming and farm operations.
• Responsible for the health and welfare of farm livestock; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries and provide or coordinate appropriate treatment. Work with veterinarians, farriers, and other specialists to ensure ongoing animal health.
• Assist with livestock breeding and birthing, including preparing animals for and assisting in the delivery of offspring.
• Groom, clip, and trim animals for exhibition.
• Maintain records of animal care, health, and birthing.
• Maintain inventory of feed, supplies, and equipment to support farm operations and animal health.
• Aid in budget preparation, including requests for and purchases of supplies and equipment.
• Prepare timely and accurate correspondence, records, and reports.
• Seek out and work with volunteers to assist with interpretive activities and office support in coordination with the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
• Assist in training and coordinating seasonal and part-time staff in animal care, farm maintenance, and interpretive programming.
• Support and coordinate equine and teamster operations in collaboration with designated staff to ensure animal health, public safety, and program quality.
• Work as a teamster (e.g., handling and driving draft animals/equipment).
• May serve on internal committees or working groups.
• May assist with special events and related programming activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary science, life sciences or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Applicants with eight (8) or more years of related experience may be considered in lieu of the minimum educational requirements.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to complete CIG certification within one year of employment and maintain certification.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of farm animal health care, husbandry practices, and the ability to recognize and identify animal diseases, injuries, and general health conditions.
• Knowledge of sustainable farm management principles and general farm maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of principles and practices used in developing and delivering interpretive and agricultural education programs, and the ability to design programming aligned with Michigan Department of Education grade-level content expectations and Michigan Science Standards.
• Ability to operate and safely use trucks, tractors, and heavy farm equipment.
• Ability to load, transport, and unload materials and livestock.
• Ability to work in varied outdoor environments and traverse uneven terrain, including wetlands, wooded areas, and agricultural settings.
• Ability to work as a teamster (handling and driving draft animals/equipment).
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively and lead public programs, tours, demonstrations, and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, educational groups, and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and implement new or improved program initiatives.
• Ability to use carpenter and artistic tools.

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, sitting, talking, hearing.
• Frequent use of hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Frequent reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 70 pounds.
• Close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Generally performs work in an outside environment.
• Outdoor environments will be subject to weather conditions to include heat, rain, and snow.
• Occasionally works in an office environment, where the noise level is usually moderately quiet.