Position Title: Manager of Historic Agriculture
Reports to: Senior Director of Interpretation
Pay Range and Hours: $18-20 per hour, year-round, full time (2,080 hours)
Overview of Position:
Genesee Country Village & Museum, located outside of Rochester, NY, is the country’s third largest living history museum and also includes a nature center and art gallery. GCV&M is embarking on a new strategic plan as we move towards our 50th anniversary in 2026 that will mark an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Museum as a more engaging, relevant, and sustainable community asset and attraction.
The Manager of Historic Agriculture is responsible for the planning, operation, and management of all historic farm spaces. They are responsible for animal care, staff training, pasture management, program coordination, and historic agriculture interpretation. The Manager of Historic Agriculture will work closely with the Manager of Gardens and Crops to coordinate crop planning, tillage, planting, maintenance, and harvest. Additionally, the Manager of Historic Agriculture will work closely with the GCV&M Facilities team to coordinate all farm facilities and grounds maintenance.
Responsibilities:
Managing Animal Care (35%)
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Interpretation, the Manager of Historic Agriculture is responsible for the efficient operation of all historic agricultural spaces, to include:
- Feed, water, and daily care of all animals, including but not limited to chickens, sheep, oxen, geese, and ducks.
- Purchase hay, feed, and supplies as needed.
- Regularly work with draft oxen to plow and harrow fields, pull carts, and generally maintain health and training of oxen team.
- Regularly assess and maintain animals’ health and living conditions, including but not limited to fencing, mucking, shearing, hoof trimming, tagging, and banding.
- Schedule and consult with veterinarians and hoof trimmers at least twice a year, and more as needed.
- Administer animal first aid and medical care as needed.
Interpretive Farm Management (30%)
· Train, evaluate, and provide work direction to 3-5 seasonal interpretive staff members.
· Develop and maintain farm interpretation and training manuals.
· Schedule and coordinate seasonal interpretive activities.
· Managing the Historic Agriculture budget, ensuring that all work is completed on time and within budget.
· Purchase and maintain supplies, tools, and resources for regular farm work.
· In coordination with the Manager of Gardens and Crops, plan and execute yearly crop rotations including purchasing seed, tilling, sowing, and harvesting.
· In coordination with the Facilities team, maintain all farm facilities and agriculture grounds.
Interpretive Development (30%)
- Research, plan, and coordinate seasonal farm activities for educational and public interpretation.
- Research, document, and incorporate diverse voices and narratives in historic agricultural programming.
- Provide programming support for special events, educational programs, group tours, and development activities as needed.
· Research and document historic agricultural processes using historical research.
- Develop, schedule, and/or conduct workshops as scheduled.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
· Support other departments as needed, including education, community engagement, and development needs.
- Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Interpretation.
Desired Qualifications:
· 5+ years of experience in historic agriculture and/or agriculture-related fields.
- Demonstrated work with and care for oxen, sheep, fowl, and other livestock.
- Demonstrated management of agricultural spaces.
- Demonstrated historical research skills.
· Demonstrated ability in staff supervision, mentoring, and training.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic team environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and collaborating to plan and problem-solve while also being flexible.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with diverse audiences in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner.
· Demonstrated ability to complete work on time and within budget.
- Basic computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time and walk up to 5 miles a day in all types of weather.
- Ability to perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing and ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work some nights and weekends.
- Must complete a background check and possess a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume. Please include a sample of created garments, including pictures and/or videos.
Museum Overview: Genesee Country Village & Museum, located in Mumford, NY 25 miles outside of Rochester, is the largest living history museum in New York State. Our 68-building Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off site around the community, and online across the world. Learn more on our website.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Diversity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to broadening our understanding of DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), and making it part of everything that we do. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to dismantle inequity and address erasure through ongoing dynamic interpretation, communications, research, and outreach. We celebrate the stories of our shared past; connect the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present; and collaborate with the communities we serve to create welcoming spaces for learning, work, exploration, and play.
