Company description The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 26,000+ acres on 116 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 50,000 members. Job description

Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States and at 1,000 acres, one of the largest in Massachusetts. Established in 1638 by a land grant to Samuel Appleton, it is now owned and operated by The Trustees. The dairy and livestock program at Appleton Farms honors the history of the property and of the Appleton Family. Through the dairy and livestock program, The Trustees seeks to increase demand for local, sustainably produced food, demonstrate the viability of sustainable, grass-based dairy and livestock practices, and increase support for the conservation of agricultural land.

The Assistant Dairy & Livestock Manager (ADLM) reports to the Dairy & Livestock Manager (DLM). Under the direction of the DLM, the ADLM will be responsible for implementing the grass-based, low-input dairy and beef programs at Appleton Farms. The ADLM will help supervise farm staff responsible for day-to-day care and management of all livestock and livestock program infrastructure. Under the guidance of the DLM, s/he will also be responsible for the care and performance of all farm animals, the condition of all livestock facilities and equipment, the condition of all grazing infrastructure, and the quality and supply of all forage/feed.

The ADLM will play a key supporting role in the production and sale of beef and dairy products, working closely with the DLM and other staff to establish and meet the milk quality and production goals vital to the success of Appleton Farms. This role in production includes all aspects of livestock farming such as forage production, bottling, live animal/meat transport, daily animal management and effective, long term land stewardship. The ADLM also plays a key role in supporting educational programs and community events on this publicly accessible, historically significant farm.
 

Essential Functions

• Help oversee and conduct timely milking, feeding, and care of the dairy herd
• Help guide effective management of the beef herd, barnyard animals, and all on-farm livestock operations
• Assist in developing and implementing soil fertility plans
• Assist in all forage production and management
• Operate equipment and facilities necessary for the successful performance of the livestock program and assign other qualified staff to operate such equipment
• Manage and maintain grazing infrastructure, including pastures, water systems, travel lanes, and fencing
• Help manage and maintain livestock program buildings, equipment, and facilities
• Assist in the recruitment, training and development of livestock personnel, including staff, apprentices, and volunteers
• Support the management of breeding, marketing, and sale of cattle
• Help manage herd health and performance in close consultation with the DLM
• Maintain records and registrations to meet regulations and management goals
• Direct nutrient management of pastures and provide for annual forage/feed needs; guide other staff involved in meeting the forage/feed needs of the dairy and beef herds
• Participate in the safe and timely transportation of fluid milk to and from the third-party bottling plant. Support on-site dairy processing and value-added dairy enterprise, as needed
• Ensure effective management of livestock partnerships, vendors and volunteers
• Support educational programming, community outreach, and other events
• Understand the strategic goals and mission of The Trustees, and communicate with members and visitors
• Maintain awareness of and concern for the visual presentation of Appleton Farms
• Make decisions that reflect The Trustees’ commitment to organic/sustainable methods, sound ecological land and farm management, land conservation, and public education
• Operate independently on a day-to-day basis within the scope of the DLM’s goals and direction
• Other duties as required

Other:

• Must be able to work a variable work schedule that includes work on weekends and holidays
• Position based on an average work week of 5-5½ days
• The DLM is required to live on the farm in Trustees provided housing, subject to an occupancy agreement
• Any offer for this position is contingent upon a satisfactory driving record that meets the requirements of our driving policy, as well as a satisfactory criminal background check (CORI)

 

Benefits and Salary

The Trustees offers a competitive salary 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) and 529 savings plans. We also offer the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts.

Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions Deadlineno deadline