Agricultural & Education Manager

Come be a part of Parky’s Farm, a one of kind 100-acre educational farm located within Winton Woods Park! Great Parks is hiring for Agricultural and Education Manager. This position is responsible for recruitment, training and coordination of a dedicated team comprised of staff and volunteers, aimed at maintaining the farm’s vibrant atmosphere with a variety of engaging, educational activities for our guests.

The farm provides multiple services including year around public, private, and impromptu agricultural, equestrian and nature education programming for both children and adults. Nature educators connect visitors to local natural and cultural history. Many animals call the farm home including livestock, poultry, ponies, and horses. Educational, equestrian, and large community events are hosted through-out all seasons. The facility is qualified to teach multiple styles of riding lessons for beginner through advanced riders with a herd of up to 40 horses. Group, semi-private and private lessons are given year-round in session format. The facility also provides access to many trails both walking, hay-wagon and horse, a bee apiary, large, planned garden, picnic shelters, playground, and open barn yard areas for visitor enjoyment.

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff and volunteers.

The successful candidate will do the following:

Oversee the creation, development and delivery of engaging, high-quality educational programs and events at the farm that attract and inspire visitors, fostering a deeper connection to agriculture and sustainability.

Strengthen community ties through proactive engagement and outreaching, building partnerships that support the farm’s mission and extend its education impacts beyond the farm’s boundaries.

Lead a dynamic team of staff and volunteers through effective recruitment, comprehensive training, and ongoing development, ensuring a passionate and knowledgeable workforce dedicated to maintaining the farm’s vibrant atmosphere.

Manages the day-to-day operation and care of the farm campus including the equine herd, barns, arenas, fields, domestic farm and native animals, apiculture display, event spaces, picnic areas, and program room.

Responsible for all training and safety with staff and volunteers, including compliance with required trainings for staff and volunteers.

Hires, supervises, trains, and develops interpreters in delivering program services. Develops, implements, and evaluates education programming consistent with agency established themes in oversight of interpretive team. Oversees program delivery by interpretive team and engages in creativity with interpretive staff to deliver experiential programs.

Demonstrates visionary leadership by inspiring and motivating the team to achieve excellence in all aspects of the farm operations and programming.

Manages domestic farm animal and equine herd pastures using accepted agricultural practices such as grazing rotation. Manages manure and other wastes as sustainably as possible.

Directly supervises the farm staff and volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, applicable laws, and delegated authority.

Responsibilities include leading the hiring, evaluation, and disciplinary procedures of employees in coordination with the Employee Services Division. Plans and delegates work assignments, trains employees and volunteers, provides guidance, resolves work issues, and ensures work complies with Great Parks’ policies and performance standards.

Procures animals and ensures that staff perform and maintain routine care, while also promoting an environment where the livestock is treated in a humane and ethical manner. This includes maintaining required records and animal care space. Additionally, recommends acquisition and retirement of livestock in coordination with the Animal Care Coordinator.

Promotes a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where teamwork is valued, and diverse perspectives are leveraged to achieve common goals.

Ensures barn and animal care teams work collaboratively with interpreters to create and deliver holistic, quality animal hands-on programs.

Sets clear expectations and goals for the team, ensuring alignment with organization’s comprehensive master plan and provides regular feedback and guidance to facilitate success.

Develops and implements strategies for equestrian programming provided to the public including riding lessons, day camps, trail rides, public demonstrations, and equestrian shows. Oversees adaptive equine programming, competitions, and curriculum development.

Monitors and ensures safety of park visitors, staff, and volunteers. Develops and ensures enforcement of safety regulations, large and small farm equipment training and procedures relating to horses, domestic livestock, equipment, and facilities.

Receives and resolves guest concerns and complaints. Analyzes and promptly resolves problems. Implements corrective actions or provides recommendations as necessary.

Works and communicates effectively with other departments, leadership, peers, and subordinates. Attends and participates in meetings. Completes required training.

Collaborates with other government agencies, non-profits, and businesses.

Manages staff and that develop and maintain herb, vegetable, field crop, and flower gardens, orchard, berry and grape crops, apiary, compost, and wood lot areas. Designs and delivers programs to encourage food production in the back yard.

Manages staff that care for habitats, equestrian arenas, and pastures, manages animal care areas including enclosures, pens, stalls, and pastures. Manages safe use of farm equipment.

Maintains payroll, expenditure and revenue records and prepares related reports. Schedules employees. Oversees collection of fees and sales for programming and sales to public.

Accounts for daily cash transactions. Complies with all cash handling policies and enforces cash control procedures including point-of-sale operation, daily deposits, shift/change tills, required logs and regular cash audits.

Purchases equipment and operating supplies, including reviewing bids and negotiating prices with vendors. Maintains responsibility for the completion of regular physical inventory checks.

Manages revenue and expenditure budgets. Prepares purchase requisitions and approves where applicable. Reviews and approves invoices. Adheres to purchasing card procedures and submits expenditures for supervisor approval.

Works in conjunction with Marketing and Brand Strategy Division to market assigned programs and recreational opportunities to the public. Writes reports, contributes to publications, brochures, and flyers.

Accountable to partner with Employee Services and Volunteer Engagement Team to foster positive relationships in order to attract, retain, and recognize talent, both staff and volunteers to the Farm.

Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.

Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance, and works outside of normal schedule as required.

Qualifications

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education or comparable academic discipline required.

5 years of experience in a manager/supervisor role

3 years of experience of demonstrable education and agriculture, equine experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

License or Certification Requirements

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines.

Typical starting salary at $60,611.20 to $75,774.40 depending on experience and education.

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.