Company description

Hampshire College, an independent, innovative liberal arts institution and member of the Five College consortium, is located on a beautiful rural campus in Amherst, Massachusetts. We provide residential undergraduate education to nearly 600 students. Each department at Hampshire College contributes to the collaborative culture of the organization and plays an important role in the success of the College. The Hampshire College Farm Center produces ethical and sustainable food for our community; offers our students a connection to place through authentic and practical work; and provides opportunities for research, individual creativity, reflection, and recreation. As part of the farm team, you will be instrumental in the department achieving its mission and goals!

Job description

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Using pasture-based grazing systems, the assistant director will work with a variety of livestock, including cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep and is responsible for all management duties related to operation of the livestock farm including:

• daily livestock care including feed, water and fencing;
• the organization of animal acquisition, breeding, vet care, and slaughter;
• supervision of student and summer employees;
• distribution and sales of meat and other farm products;
• general farm and field maintenance.

The assistant director is ultimately responsible for farm livestock health, well-being, and general care, and expected to be available in case of emergency, as well as during school closures and at other times when student workers may not be available.

In conjunction with the director of farm programs, the assistant director will also aid in the creation and tracking of livestock enterprise production plans, budgets and long-range plans and will represent and carry out the duties of the Director of Farm Programs in their absence. The assistant director will also assist in providing farm-based educational opportunities and programming to students, faculty, and others.

As a member of both the farm center and the division of academic affairs, this position is essential to student and community service and experience. The incumbent must feel comfortable working in an often fast-paced organizational framework with shifting and evolving responsibilities. This position collaborates with other farm staff, and a variety of other College offices to meet the department goals, and further the mission of the department and the College. This position participates as a committed member and leader of the farm center team in college and division committee work, projects, meetings, events, and overall community development. Availability to work occasional nights and weekends is required.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• The ability to operate and maintain farm equipment and drive a truck with a livestock trailer.
• The ability to safely work with multiple species of livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry and sheep) using humane animal care standards.
• Knowledge of animal, plant, and soil science especially in relation to pasture-based systems, as well as relevant food safety regulations.
• The ability to organize, supervise and motivate student work-study crews and summer employees.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and exceptional interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and the willingness to work as part of a farm management team.
• The ability to maintain records as well as good organizational and time management skills.
• A passion for working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
• An ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
• The ability to support and enhance a sense of belonging and the success of students from traditionally marginalized populations.
• A valid driver’s license and successful completion of the College’s defensive driving training course, as the ability to drive a livestock truck and trailer, and operate farm equipment are essential to the position.
• A DOT Commercial Driver Medical Certification (or the ability to obtain one).
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.     

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• The ability to use social media and other forms of communication technology.
• The skills to help create and maintain livestock enterprise budgets and long-range plans.
• The ability to translate and teach complicated work skills to all levels of competencies

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• A high school degree, GED, or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field preferred.
• A minimum of three years of livestock and pasture management experience (with an emphasis on meat production).

Alternatives to formal education and paid work experience may be considered as equivalent qualifications to include military service/training, volunteering, activism, and other non-traditional programs and experiences related to the position.

SALARY RANGE: $53,000 - $58,000

BENEFITS:

Hampshire College offers an excellent benefits program for eligible employees such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, generous retirement plan contributions, flexible leave plans, and many other fringe benefits. For information on Hampshire College, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at www.hampshire.edu.

WHO SHOULD APPLY:

Hampshire College is an equal opportunity employer and deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We’re particularly committed to revealing and combating the social and institutional structures that support racism and white supremacy in all phases of employment and college life. We believe that the educational and employment environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas come together to work and grow. We encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups, veterans, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. Hampshire College is committed to removing barriers to employment faced by equity-seeking groups and encourages (but does not require) members of these groups to self-identify in their application materials. Applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity in the work environment are particularly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline