Company description

Queens County Farm Museum (QCFM) is one of New York State’s oldest continuously farmed sites, with roots dating back to 1697. A designated New York City Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, QCFM welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year. The farm serves as a dynamic hub where agriculture, history, and environmental education intersect—offering engaging experiences in biodiversity, climate resilience, health and wellness, and historic preservation.
QCFM’s vibrant 47-acre site includes historic buildings like the Adriance Farmhouse (c.1772) and a Greenhouse (c.1926), alongside growing fields, animal paddocks, composting areas, and an apiary. The farm also operates a year-round Farm Store and seasonal farmstands while hosting acclaimed education programs, public events, and adult education initiatives.

Job description

Queens County Farm Museum seeks a knowledgeable and dedicated Livestock Manager to lead our multi-species animal program. Reporting to the Director of Agriculture, the Livestock Manager will oversee all aspects of livestock care, pasture management, and team training. This is a critical role in supporting QCFM’s regenerative agriculture efforts, education programs, and visitor engagement—upholding the health and wellbeing of our animals while stewarding the land they graze.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a detail-oriented and compassionate individual with a deep commitment to animal welfare, sustainable farm practices, and collaborative teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Livestock Care & Management

Conduct daily animal chores: feeding, health checks, mucking, egg collection, and pain management
Maintain detailed health records, rotation logs, and inventory for feed and supplies
Coordinate veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite control, and hoof trimming
Oversee seasonal needs including winterizing animals and adjusting care plans accordingly
Manage multispecies rotational grazing across paddocks, pasture, and woodlands
Facilities & Equipment

Maintain paddocks, fencing, housing, and equipment (mowing, reseeding, structural repairs)
Order and organize feed, bedding, medication, and cleaning supplies
Ensure animal spaces are safe, clean, and visitor-ready
Staff, Volunteers & Training

Train staff and volunteers in proper animal handling, care protocols, and safety
Supervise part-time livestock support and coordinate with other departments as needed
Specialty Animal Programs

Manage egg production and tracking for laying hens
Oversee annual sheep and alpaca shearing; coordinate wool processing and distribution
Assist in researching, sourcing, and transporting new livestock as appropriate
Education, Events & Public Engagement

Work closely with the Education and Events teams to align animal care and rotation with public programs, educational tours, and seasonal events.
Represent the livestock program during public education programs and QCFM’s signature events
Other Related Duties as Assigned

Contribute to departmental planning and cross-functional initiatives
Provide weekend coverage and flexible support to the farm operation as needed

Qualifications
Required

Minimum 2 full seasons of hands-on livestock care experience, ideally in a multi-species setting
Strong working knowledge of pasture-based and rotational grazing systems
Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in all weather conditions
Demonstrated experience in animal health monitoring and basic treatment protocols
Excellent time management, problem-solving, and communication skills
Valid NYS Driver’s License required to fulfill job duties
Weekend availability and schedule flexibility
Preferred

Degree or certification in animal science, sustainable agriculture, or a related field
Familiarity with regenerative grazing and silvopasture practices
Experience with livestock recordkeeping software or spreadsheets
Previous supervisory or team training experience
Comfort working in a dynamic, public-facing environment
Workplace Conditions & Environment
· Full-time, non-exempt position; 40 hours/week

· Work is primarily outdoors and physically demanding and requires an occasional weekend day

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $25.00 - $30.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline