Liverstock Manager

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: Aug 8th, 2025  Compensation: $25 - $30/hour

About Queens County Farm Museum

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.

QCFM implements regenerative farming practices and grows more than 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The Agricultural Department includes nearly 6 acres in active food production (plus a three-acre corn maze), pasture and livestock (steer, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, and hens), cold frames, a growing orchard, and composting systems. In the past year alone, the farm produced over 35,000 pounds of food, 3,000 dozen eggs, 225 herbal tea packages, and 100 skeins of yarn.

QCFM’s agricultural vision integrates modern sustainability with centuries-old traditions, cultivating a working landscape that reflects the farm’s 300+ year legacy and commitment to environmental stewardship. This work supports soil health, biodiversity, food access, and climate resilience, while serving as a living classroom for the public.

Responsibilities/Duties

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 Duties as Assigned

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

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Minimum 2 full seasons of hands-on livestock care experience, ideally in a multispecies 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 with clean driving record
  • 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

Additional Information

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

  • Hourly Rate: Starting at $25/hr - $30/hr, commensurate with experience
  • Benefits: Include paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and staff discounts at the farm museum

Queens County Farm Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to hr@queensfarm.org with “Livestock Manager Position” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Contact Information

Queens County Farm Musuem
Contact Name: David Hughes
Email: hr@queensfarm.org