The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.
Firestone Farm in Greenfield Village is hiring a full-time year-round MASTER FARMER. In this position, you will be responsible for the planning, delivery, and maintenance of the daily guest experience at Firestone Farm and in village agricultural programs. This critical role is responsible for the overall daily operation, including leadership and management of full-time and part-time staff, coordination of several cross functional efforts, and planning for the growth and improvement of the Firestone Farm and agriculture programs teams.
This position reports to the Historic Agricultural Manager.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provides on-site leadership for the Agriculture Team in Greenfield Village.
• Responsible for care of livestock in Greenfield Village (fowl, sheep, cattle, swine, feline); shares expertise with Equine team regarding care and conditioning of horses.
• Must be prepared to be part of an on-call rotation for animal care and emergencies.
• Trains and coaches historic presenters in content presentation and process demonstration skills
• Serves as intuitional liaison with the USDA and other external registry/animal husbandry related organizations.
• Recruits and selects new presenters for Agricultural Team. Actively participates in the review and evaluation of part-time staff in Agriculture Programs.
• Provides extensive expertise in teaching historical farming techniques to historic presenters and guests.
• Evaluates staff in mastery of historic agricultural skill sets.
• Serves as a front-line presenter on a regular basis; leads by example in providing masterfully crafted presentations and historic process demonstration for guests.
• Leads the development and implementation of mission-driven historical presentations.
• Writes staff schedules, monitors use of part time hours.
• Orders program supplies and maintains supply inventories.
• Acts as a team player and provides expertise within the team and with other teams as appropriate.
• Manages Ag program budget.
• Works with peers in Greenfield Village leadership team in implementing special programs.
• Performs other activities as necessary.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
• Animal Science and/or Agricultural Science degree (or equivalent experience).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good working knowledge of agricultural and American history, including heirloom crop and heritage livestock care.
• Must be able to drive and ride horses at a professional level.
• Five years of management or supervisory experience to include coaching and evaluating staff.
• Weekday, weekend, and holiday availability required.
SPECIAL SKILLS & PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
• Mastery of 19th century farming skills: field cultivation using draft horses (plow, harrow, and harvest using late 19th century farming implements), care of heirloom orchard fruits and garden vegetables, care of dairy cattle (including selective breeding using A.I.), hog production (including animal dispatching, butchering, and preservation of meats), wool production (including selective back-breeding for historic traits, and sheep shearing), fowl maintenance.
• Coursework or research experience in American agricultural history is desirable.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team are essential.
• Experience evaluating museum programming and dramatic performances desired.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather; in dusty, allergen-filled interiors such as hay lofts, around fireplaces and coal-burning stoves.
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